The guidebook to shrinking the impact of an unexpected flood
The guidebook to shrinking the impact of an unexpected flood
Flooding is often the result of high winds and powerful storms, even in areas not prone to such occurrences. Since we seem to experience extreme weather conditions recently, those areas which were unflooded formerly could get a months worth of rainfall in a single day. One should be well equipped for any circumstances including flash floods.
Although such “acts of God” can occur at any point, you can use a number of preventative measures to help to protect your home against flash floods.
Prevent water from entering your home.
If you are living in a flood prone area, or anticipating severe rains and storms, covering the doors and windows with sandbags, plywood or metal sheets is highly recommended. Silicone sealant applied to the joints of shutters and glazing is effective in preventing water seepage. Steps like these will keep your household dry and safe through brief floods, though heavier sustained storms need better defences.
Take care to ensure that your utilities are turned off.
It is always important to shut down the mains utilities like gas, power, water etc. Electrical devices should be unplugged and kept away from water, preferably at a higher level. This is so because the water that enters your home might climb several feet but if the appliances are kept at a height they would remain safe even in such a condition.
Pay particular attention to your appliances and house furniture.
Valuable appliances and furniture should be kept in elevated areas or upstairs.
If your house is a bungalow and therefore lacks a second floor, use blocks or bricks to elevate these items. It is advisable to ensure that curtains, carpets, and doors within the house are taken out.
They all should be kept at a higher level, so that they remain dry and away from water.
Photos, documents and personal things that are important and cannot be replaced must be placed at height or on the second floor if available. Also store them in waterproof containers such as food storage containers. In case of non availability of waterproof containers use sealed plastic bags or refuse sacks to safeguard important documents against water.
Find a safe place for all external items like rakes. These items can be readily picked up by floodwaters, and this might prove dangerous for others in the vicinity. A locked building like garage can be an ideal place to keep valuable items as it prevents their floating away for the duration of a flood. Even a wheelbarrow could float away if left outside whereas it will not move if kept in a garage and will not be harmed by the flood water.
FThe following are the steps to be followed in case a flood warning is announced.
Information is crucial during situations like these.
So stay tuned to the radio for the latest news and warnings. Be supportive of the emergency crews and local authorities, give them all your cooperation. They may need you to move out of the house, which you must do quickly to avoid aggravating the risk to you and the emergency services.
In such situations, it is quite probable for power to be unavailabile, which means that you must hurry to do everything you need to during the day. Doing work in darkness becomes tedious and unsafe. Acquire appropriate batteries for your torches and know their location in the house.
Alert your older neighbours to any new warnings, so they can get ready for the floods.
Until the time to move stay in your house safely. Floodwater can kill, especially when it is raging, so do not attempt to go out. Be aware that when water is flowing rapidly, a small depth of water can cause you to fall over; only two feet is required to float your car.
Cars and pets should be kept at a safe place. Once you heard of flood warning, you should stay on the second floor of your house. During uncontrollable floods, it is not advised to swim as there would be items floating along which could hit you. These objects could knock you over or cause you to be carried away by the floodwater.
Floodwater may be dirty and contaminated with sewage, so you should avoid contact if possible. Getting infected due to the befouled water could be tragic whenh you have been saved from drowning. The most dangerous areas during floods have been river bridges, sea defenses, and riverbanks, so it is always better to stay away from these during such situations. There have been many cases wherein floodwater have destroyed or collapsed bridges and defenses.