The guide to quashing the affect of an unpredicted flood

Floods can be caused by high winds and heavy storms, even in areas that are not accustomed to witness such events. Areas that had previously remained unflooded can, in the extreme weather conditions we face today, receive the equivalent of a month’s rainfall in a single day. Such an eventuality like flooding requires that everyone be ready well in advance at anytime.

Whilst these acts of god can strike at anytime there are a number of things you can do to try to safeguard your home from flash floods.

Prevent water from entering your home.

If you are already aware of an expected storm or heavy downpour in your area, or if your house is located in a flood-prone area, you must act immediately, protecting your doors and windows using plywood and metal sheets and shielding them using sandbags. Silicone sealant is another thing that you can use during floods, to make sure that water doesn’t seep in into your home. Although having a short lifetime these materials are very effective in preventing short duration floods and keeping things dry.

Switch off any external services.

You should remember to turn off all your utilities, such as gas, electricity and even water, at the mains. Electrical equipment must be unplugged and stored at height to prevent contact with water. Water entry into homes often rises several feet but this will mean that the second floor is dry and any items you have stored there will not be impacted.

You need to take good care of your furniture and other appliances.

Make sure that these appliances or furniture are moved upstairs, since you cannot afford to buy them again without a large insurance claim.
If space or storage does not permit, raise all these goods onto stacks of bricks, clear off the ground. Ensure removal of all curtains, carpets and internal doors as well.
When all these goods are stored at high locations, they stand a much better chance of weathering the incoming water.

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. Again, make sure to use waterproof containers like food storage containers to store away these. At the least, place them in sealed plastic bags to keep them dry.

Rakes and other objects that are outside your house also need proper attention. The rising flood waters can lift such unsecured objects and cause harm to others. Use your garage, a locked building, as the most suitable place to store precious garden articles which are prone to damage. Wheelbarrow should also be kept in a garage, else it can also float away.

Soon after the announcement of a potential flood, make sure to follow some important rules.

Correct information is vital in such circumstances.

Therefore, keep listening to the radio and pay attention for information and announcements. Your co-operation with the local authorities and service providers is must in the hour of need. 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.

Power lines are invariably cut off during floods, so your activities must be confined to the daytime. Doing things in the dark is not only tough but also dangerous. For emergency purposes, ensure that you load your torches with fresh batteries and also have a spare on hand.

When you get any such announcement, share it with your neighbors without fail, especially any older people, in order that they have enough time to get prepared.

Be sure to stay inside your house. Do not attempt to leave it, as floodwater can be lethal, particularly when raging. 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. Hazardous objects may be borne by the floodwaters, it is extremely dangerous to try and swim through such raging currents. It could either sweep you along with the water-current or hurt you by crashing into the objects in the water.

Avoid contact with floodwater if possible, as it could be polluted with dirt and sewage. It would be a pitty to survive the flood but get sick due to exposure to contaminated water. Where possible, steer clear of riverbanks, bridges over rivers and sea defenses during floods, as they are extremely hazardous places to be. You might have heard of many incidences of floodwater having destroyed and collapsed defenses and bridges , so don’t make yourself a victim.

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