Hold your valuables dry in a flood
Hold your valuables dry in a flood
Heavy storms and winds frequently lead to flooding, and these events can occur in areas that have not previously been impacted for many years. Less prone areas which were not previously flooded are now facing extreme atmospheric conditions sometimes leading to rainfall of one month in one day. This has led to a situation where every individual must be ready to face household emergencies, especially flooding.
Owing to the uncertain occurrence of these acts of God, you must undertake a number of measures to prevent your house from being affected with flash floods.
The first and foremost step is that you must stop water from coming into your home.
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. Silicone sealant is another thing that you can use during floods, to make sure that water doesn’t seep in into your home. Steps like these will keep your household dry and safe through brief floods, though heavier sustained storms need better defences.
Switch off your electricity, water and gas lines to minimise short circuits, leakages and fire.
It is always important to shut down the mains utilities like gas, power, water etc. You should also remember to unplug all your electrical appliances and store them at high places, on the second floor, if possible. This will ensure that if water does come into the house even a few feet deep, your goods will remain safe and dry.
It is important to be mindful of furniture and appliances.
Make sure that these appliances or furniture are moved upstairs, since you cannot afford to buy them again without a large insurance claim.
In case you do not have a higher area in your home, you can always use bricks or blocks to make one. 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.
All your office items like papers, pictures in addition to personal items must be stored on the second floor safely. To ensure total safety, you can put them up in waterproof containers like the ones used for storing food. However in case you do not have these containers, you can always use plastic bags for the same purpose.
Make sure that all objects outside your house, such as rakes, are kept in a safe place. The rising flood waters can lift such unsecured objects and cause harm to others. Besides, keep all your important items in a locked room or building (a garage) to prevent them from floating away. 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.
Follow these important steps in case a flood warning is issued.
Up to date information is important when such situations are likely.
Thus, you need to always listen to the radio for announcements and updates. Co-operation from your family with the local authorities and emergency services is essential. 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.
As electricity if often unavailable in such cases plan to complete all preparatory work during day. Also doing things in the night can be risky. Keep extra batteries for your torches ready, these will come in very handy.
Share the information with your neighbors, particularly the old people, so that they can also prepare themselves.
Try to spend as much time as possible in the house rather than exposing yourself to risk outside. Floodwaters are so powerful that they can kill while flowing strongly, therefore it is recommended that you stay inside. It is important to note that rapid flowing water that is six inches high could make you fall, while two feet of water could make your car float.
Make sure to find some safe place for your pets and your familys cars. As soon as you hear the flood warning announced move to the second floor. There maybe objects floating in the water, so do not attempt to swim through raging flood. There are chances of getting swept away or collisions with objects present in the water.
Avoid contact with floodwater if possible, as it could be polluted with dirt and sewage. It would indeed be a pity to survive a serious event such as a flood, only to fall ill from contact with polluted water. Where possible, steer clear of riverbanks, bridges over rivers and sea defenses during floods, as they are extremely hazardous places to be. Many instances can be sighted leading to the destruction of bridges and defenses due to the alarming effect of floods.