Flood – natural disaster, in which a large area is flooded with water. It can happen for various reasons. For example, due to the release of water from hydraulic structures or heavy rainfall. Another reason is flooding. This is an increase in water levels in rivers caused by rainfall or heavy snow melting.
We’ll figure out how to prepare for this disaster and what to do if the flood does take you by surprise.
What to do before a flood
If you live in an area where floods, flash floods and heavy rainfall are common, there are some steps you should take in advance to increase your chances of saving life and health. It’s better to start preparing in advance: when a natural disaster looms on the horizon, you won’t have time for it.
Prepare essentials
That’s what it’s worth doto be prepared for an emergency:
- Pack your emergency bag and leave it in an easily accessible place. Put documents, money, a power bank, a spare smartphone, duplicate house and car keys, medicines you need, a whistle for signaling, a walkie-talkie, a flashlight and batteries. An emergency suitcase or backpack must be waterproof. It is also better to choose a product made of bright fabric – this will make it easier to find in the dark.
- Have a supply of canned food and drinks at home for several days – in case you find yourself locked out of your home. Remember that flood water should not be consumed: it may contain pathogenic bacteria, chemical contaminants and dirt.
- Buy insect repellent. The flooded region quickly becomes a haven for mosquitoes and other vermin that can seriously ruin life.
- Prepare warm, waterproof clothing – it will come in handy even in summer. Wet people freeze quickly, especially at night, and it is very important to have spare clothes with you. You’ll also need waterproof rubber shoes to keep your feet warm.
- Get a radio and a walkie-talkie. In the event of a natural disaster, mobile networks and the Internet may not be available. But thanks to these devices, you can quickly receive emergency messages from local authorities.
- Buy a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. The latter will come in handy if water damages the wiring and leads to a short circuit.
- Consider purchasing a boat – regular or inflatable. The latter is less stable than wood and must be filled with air before use. But at the same time, such a product is easier to store.
Take care of your pets
You should not only think in advance about how you will save yourself and protect your property from water, but also take care of the safety of your animals, if you have any.
Buy carriers for them in advance so that you can put your pet there in an emergency – this way there is less chance that you will harm him while you carry him in your hands. Place documents and certificates for your animals in your “alert suitcase”. And provide “friends of man” with a supply of food and medicine – it will be useful both during an emergency evacuation and if you find yourself forced to stay at home for a long time due to a flood.
Get the knowledge you need
Learn to provide first aid – this will be useful not only during a flood. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to turn off electricity, gas and water in the apartment, because these services can be damaged by water. It would also be a good idea to learn to swim.
What to do if you receive a flood alarm
If you receive a call to evacuate ahead of time and a message that a flood is approaching, do the following: actions.
Monitor the situation
Keep your TV or radio turned on – they will receive important information. If local authorities or emergency services advise you to evacuate, do not ignore their warnings. Inform neighbors and loved ones in the flood zone about the threat.
Prepare the house
Turn off the electricity and gas, extinguish the fire in heating stoves. Place in utility rooms or securely secure all floating objects – chairs, tables and other furnishings located outside buildings. Otherwise, they will be carried away by water, and you may simply not find them later.
In the house, raise curtains, mattresses, bed linen, clothes and other items that cannot be taken with you higher so that they do not get wet.
Place your most valuable things on the top floor if you live in a private house. Or place them on high, stable tables, stands and shelves to prevent them from flooding or washing away. Also suitable for storing expensive items that are vulnerable to flooding are the attic, areas on top of closets and mezzanines.
Pay special attention to electronics. The higher you place your computer, microwave and TV, the more likely they are to survive a flood. It’s also a good idea to remove hazardous chemicals as high as possible to prevent them from leaching throughout your home.
Close windows and doors. If there is a need and time, seal the outside of the windows and doors of the first floors with thick panels to reduce the likelihood of flooding of the premises.
Evacuate
In accordance with the procedure established by the authorities, exit or drive out of the area of possible flooding to the designated safe area. If you cannot find out where the evacuation point is, move to higher ground that will not be flooded.
Stay away from bridges during an evacuation. A bridge during a flood is very dangerous place, because a sharp surge of water can flood it without warning and wash away everyone who is on it. Therefore, if possible, avoid these buildings and under no circumstances stop your car on them.
What to do if a flood takes you by surprise
If you haven’t had time to prepare your home and property and the opportunity to evacuate has already been missed, here’s what it costs do.
Monitor the situation
Turn on your TV or radio so you don’t miss important information. Keep a smartphone or walkie-talkie with you – it will be able to work even if the mobile Internet and communications fail. This way you can find out what the situation is around you and call rescuers for help.
Stay away from the water
Never attempt to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Many flood victims die precisely because of this. The flow can very easily shoot down knock a person off his feet, and the car in it will easily stall, and you will find yourself trapped.
Find a higher place
Climb to the top floor of a building, attic or roof, trees or other elevated objects or terrain to avoid being overwhelmed by floodwaters. If you can, help floating and drowning people you see near your shelter.
Prepare your swimming equipment
Try to find and keep with you items suitable for self-evacuation: a boat, an air mattress, an inner tube, a swimming ring for the pool, or just a large board. If your shelter starts to flood, they will at least help you stay on the surface of the water. And if you have a full-fledged boat, then sail away to a safer place.
Send a distress signal
Hang a banner tied to a pole above your home or shelter to signal rescuers – this way they will quickly understand where to look for you. At night you can use a flashlight. When you see rescuers approaching, don’t scream too much – you’ll lose your voice and be exhausted. Sound the whistle.
What to do after a flood
When the water subsides, you will have to eliminate the consequences of the natural disaster and put your house in order. It may seem that the difficulties are over, but even after the flood you may still encounter troubles. Here’s what to do.
Return home only if the danger has passed
Pay close attention to news and announcements from local authorities. Return only when special services will informthat it is safe.
Don’t go into the water
Potential danger after the floods represent electrical communications. Do not touch the equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
Downed power lines can also pose a hazard. When you can reach the panel without putting yourself in danger, turn off the power yourself if you did not do so before the flood. Or call an electrician.
Do not go into flooded areas, because there you can easily slip, step on something sharp and get infected.
Clean your home with care
Be very careful: wear thick rubber gloves, protective clothing and shoes to avoid injury or infection. When cleaning your home from mold and small debris, use a mask or respirator to prevent spores and other small particles from entering your lungs.
People with asthma or other lung conditions or weakened immune systems should not enter damp areas affected by floods as this could pose a risk to their health. Children should also not take part in disaster relief efforts.
Do not light a fire: a strong flood could damage gas pipes and cause leaks. Ventilate the room thoroughly.
Remember that your home during flooding could get caught by snakes and other potentially dangerous animals. If you find similar fauna representatives at home, call the rescue number 112 and call the trapping service.
If you use an indoor water pump, generator, or other similar gasoline-powered equipment, run it only outdoors and away from the windows of the house to avoid inhaling exhaust fumes and suffocation.
Clean the property thoroughly
Properly disinfect your dishes, cutlery, can openers and countertops that have been exposed to water. Throw it away spoiled products. Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Clean all walls, floors and other surfaces with water and special products. Get rid of all items of clothing and linens that cannot be washed or treated with bleach, such as soaked pillows and mattresses.
The fact is that there may be dissolved dangerous chemicals or pathogenic bacteria in the water. Therefore, it is better to throw away items that cannot be disinfected so as not to contract any disease.
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