Dealing with unheralded flooding

Heavy storms and winds frequently lead to flooding, and these events can occur in areas that have not previously been impacted for many years. With the extreme weather conditions that we are facing today previously unflooded areas can receive a months worth of rainfall in one day. Such an eventuality like flooding requires that everyone be ready well in advance at anytime.

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.

Make provisions that restrict water from entering the house.

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. You can also prevent water from entering your home by using a silicone sealant. 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.

Switch off any external services.

These utilities have to be shut down at the mains, not just for appliances. Electrical equipment must be unplugged and stored at height to prevent contact with water. Storage on the second floor ensures that items can remain dry and far from the influence of water, as in most cases the water level will not reach the level of the upstairs floors inside homes.

It is important to be mindful of furniture and appliances.

Before the flood hits, move all your valuable goods and fixtures to the first or second floor, or at least onto the highest shelves.
In case you do not have a higher area in your home, you can always use bricks or blocks to make one. 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.

Use higher grounds, particularly your house’s second floor, to store personal items such as important papers and pictures. If possible, put them into a waterproof container, maybe a food storage container. However in case you do not have these containers, you can always use plastic bags for the same purpose.

Rakes and other objects that are outside your house also need proper attention. If not, these items will be floating on the flood water, which may pose a threat to 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.

If a flood warning is issued here are important things you need to do once you a flood warning has been issued.

In circumstance such as these, information is of vital importance.

So stay tuned to the radio for the latest news and warnings. 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.

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. It will be tough and unsafe if you perform these things in the dark. Torch batteries must be kept handy and in known places ready for an emergency.

Ensure that you share any information with your neighbours, particularly the elderly, so that they can properly prepare.

Secure yourself inside your house and do not go out. Floodwater can kill, especially when it is raging, so do not attempt to go out. Remember that even six inches of rapid currents can cause you to fall and even two feet of water can lift a car!.

Keep your pets and automobiles in secure areas. When a flood announcement is made, you must move upstairs to the highest floor of your house. Various objects might float in the floodwater so avoid swimming as it could be dangerous. If you risk this you may be knocked over by the floating objects.

Leaking sewage invariably finds its way into floodwater, so stay away from the water as much as you can. It really will be a terrible situation if you survive the flood and later fell ill owing to contaminated water. Avoid visiting places like sea defenses, riverbanks and bridges in floods as these can be very risky areas. There have been many cases wherein floodwater have destroyed or collapsed bridges and defenses.

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