The guidebook to shrinking the affect of an unheralded flood
The guidebook to shrinking the affect of an unheralded flood
Areas which are not vulnerable to flooding can at times be impacted by the adverse effects of strong storms and high winds. 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. These change in conditions require everyone to make arrangements for any disaster, especially flooding.
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.
The primary need is to make sure that water cannot get 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 applied to the joints of shutters and glazing is effective in preventing water seepage. Although having a short lifetime these materials are very effective in preventing short duration floods and keeping things dry.
Shut off your utilities.
Always keep in mind to switch off the essential utilities like gas, water and electricity at the mains switches and valves. Importantly, switching off the power running to appliances must not be forgotten. 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.
Before the flood hits, move all your valuable goods and fixtures to the first or second floor, or at least onto the highest shelves.
Suppose there is no second floor, just keep those items at a higher level like on some 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.
Photos, documents and personal things that are important and cannot be replaced must be placed at height or on the second floor if available. 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. 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. For instance, floodwater can even float away a wheelbarrow if kept in the open, but if it is locked into a garage, the possibility is very low.
Follow these important steps in case a flood warning is issued.
In circumstance such as these, information is of vital importance.
Keep yourself glued to your radio sets so that you do not miss out on any important announcements. Be sure to cooperate fully with local authorities and emergency services. If they require you to evacuate, follow them and do not delay as you will put yourself and your helpers at risk.
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. Keeping batteries and torches in places you will remember is a handy tip for coping with an emergency.
Help you neighbors, especially senior citizens to prepare for such situations by sharing authentic information with them.
Be sure to stay inside your house. Violent flood waters can cause fatalities, hence it is imperative that you stay inside the house. Fast paced water that is about six inches high can easily off-balance you while two feet is enough depth to float a car.
Be sure to safeguard your pets and cars in secure places. Climb up and stay on the second floor of your house if a flood warning has been issued in your area. There maybe objects floating in the water, so do not attempt to swim through raging flood. 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. Just imagine making it through the flood, and then falling sick because of contamination!. Where possible, steer clear of riverbanks, bridges over rivers and sea defenses during floods, as they are extremely hazardous places to be. The defenses and bridges have often collapsed in the past due to the floodwater.