The actions you should do to make ready for that flood
The actions you should do to make ready for that flood
Flooding is often the result of high winds and powerful storms, even in areas not prone to such occurrences. A whole month’s quota of rain can fall in a single day in areas that have never witnessed floods, owing to the rapidly changing weather of today. As a result everybody should be prepared for anything, particularly flooding.
You may not receive fair warning of a flash flood, but you can certainly take preventive steps to protect your house from drastic damage.
Take measures to keep water out of your house.
If you stay in an area which is prone to flooding, make sure that you cover up your windows and doors using sandbags, plywood or metal sheets. Silicone sealant is another thing that you can use during floods, to make sure that water doesn’t seep in into your home. 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.
All your utilities should be totally switched off during floods.
These utilities have to be shut down at the mains, not just for appliances. You should also remember to unplug all your electrical appliances and store them at high places, on the second floor, if possible. Water that enters homes may rise to a height of several feet or more; the second floor will therefore remain dry, so that any objects stored there will not be affected.
Take special care of the 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 you do not have a second floor as you live in a bungalow, you can just raise such items on blocks or bricks. Ensure removal of all curtains, carpets and internal doors as well.
Store them all in high places to ensure that they are protected from water.
Use higher grounds, particularly your house’s second floor, to store personal items such as important papers and pictures. Put these items in containers that are impervious to water, such as those used for storing food. If not, you should put important papers in sealed plastic bags to ensure that they are protected from water.
Now focusing on objects external to your hose like garden furniture, keep them in a secure place. Items floating in floodwater can be dangerous for others. Any possessions that may be washed out by the storm must be kept in a lockable area like a garage. 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.
Listen carefully for flood warnings, there some steps you need to take on hearing such an announcement.
Information is crucial during situations like these.
Be attentive to all radio announcements and flood updates given by local services. Offer your full support and cooperation to the local authorities and other emergency services. The authorities might ask you to evacuate, in such a case you should follow their orders immediately as it is for your own good only.
Do not delay doing important work during the day as at night you cannot guarantee the availability of power. Doing work in darkness becomes tedious and unsafe. Keep your torches and batteries handy.
Do not keep the information that you receive to yourself, spread the word especially to the old people.
Do not try to go out of your house until and unless you are asked to. This is to ensure your safety as the flood water could be dangerous. Remember that even six inches of rapid currents can cause you to fall and even two feet of water can lift a car!.
Cars and pets should be kept at a safe place. As soon as you hear the flood warning announced move to the second floor. Avoid swimming as fdangerous loating objects may be present in the water. There are chances of getting swept away or collisions with objects present in the water.
Leaking sewage invariably finds its way into floodwater, so stay away from the water as much as you can. It would be a shame that you survived the flooding, but fell ill because of contaminated water. River bridges, sea defenses, and riverbanks are very dangerous places to be in during floods, so be sure to steer away from them if possible. Many instances can be sighted leading to the destruction of bridges and defenses due to the alarming effect of floods.