How to look after your house when a flood arrives

Heavy rains and stormy winds can often flood your locality, sometimes in unprecedented ways. Weather conditions have become extreme and regions that were once deprived of water can now encounter heavy 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.

Take measures to keep water out of your house.

For those who live in highly vulnerable areas where heavy rains or storms are expected often, it is advisable to cover-up doors and windows using metal sheets, sandbags, plywood etc. It is beneficial to use silicone sealant as it prevents water from entering your house. Long-term effects are not guaranteed by these methods, however these measures will protect your property from damage due to flash floods and keep them dry for a while.

You must shut off all your utilities.

Always keep in mind to switch off the essential utilities like gas, water and electricity at the mains switches and valves. All electrical equipment must be unplugged and stored at the highest floor level to avoid flood damage. The water may enter into your home in spite of you being very careful, and although the water level normally increases some feet this may not be up to up to the second floor of your house so that it is dry and any items left there will be intact.

Be mindful of your appliances and furniture.

Make sure that these appliances or furniture are moved upstairs, since you cannot afford to buy them again without a large insurance claim.
If a second floor is not available, as in case of a bungalow, raise items by arranging them on blocks or bricks. Removing carpets, curtains and internal doors is recommended.
To keep them from away from floodwater, store all of these in elevated places.

The higher areas like the second floors are the best places to accumulate essential papers, images and other personal articles which are difficult to replace. Put these items in containers that are impervious to water, such as those used for storing food. If the above is not possible, you can just seal these papers into plastic refuse bags to be shielded from water.

Rakes and other objects, that lie outside your house must be placed in secure places. Items floating in floodwater can be dangerous for others. Also put more valuable items that could float away into a locked building such as you garage. A seemingly heavy object like a wheelbarrow can be flung about and carried away by the flood, but it will be safe if stored inside your garage.

Certain things are to be kept in mind if there is a flood warning in your area.

Up to date information is important when such situations are likely.

So stay tuned to the radio for the latest news and warnings. Your co-operation with the local authorities and service providers is must in the hour of need. In case, they want you to vacate, just follow their instructions and your evacuation as quick as possible, since you are endangering your life as well as those of the helpers until you are safe.

Since electricity will almost certainly be unavailable, you must ensure that you do all the things you need to do during the day. Doing things in the dark is not only tough but also dangerous. Keeping batteries and torches in places you will remember is a handy tip for coping with an emergency.

Alert your older neighbours to any new warnings, so they can get ready for the floods.

Do not try to go out of your house until and unless you are asked to. Floodwater in its most fast flowing form can take lives and one should avoid moving outside if at all possible. 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.

Ensure that your pets and cars are in a safe location. As soon as you hear the flood warning announced move to the second floor. 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 is dirty due to the presence of sewage and any contact with it should be possibly avoided. It would be a shame that you survived the flooding, but fell ill because of contaminated water. Avoid visiting places like sea defenses, riverbanks and bridges in floods as these can be very risky areas. Cases of floodwater demolishing or bringing down bridges and defenses are frequently recorded.

Posted in Repairs