Floods are one of the most expensive and damaging natural disasters. Floods are a major hazard to both human lives and property in almost every corner of the planet. Fast – flowing floodwaters are hazardous and unexpected. An human may be knocked down by six inches of fast-moving water, and a compact automobile can be carried away by 12 inches of rushing water. Any vehicle may be swept away by two feet of fast-moving water. Natural catastrophes will continue to occur, but you can protect yourself, your family, and your community by taking precautions.
1. Stay up to date
When it appears like a storm is forming outdoors, it may be prudent to monitor meteorological news bulletins. In times of uncertainty, a little paranoia may save your life, so keep your television, radio, and cell phone turned on to obtain the most recent weather reports.
Follow any emergency instructions that are offered. Plan ahead of time to get to higher ground if floodwaters threaten your current location. Keep a safe distance from obvious water sources such as rivers and drainage canals and obtain regular information on water levels. They could end up flooded before the word gets out.
2. Prepare your home
When a storm looks to be brewing outside, it is a good idea to keep an eye on meteorological news broadcasts. A little paranoia may save your life in times of uncertainty, so keep your television, radio, and cell phone turned on to get the most up-to-date weather updates. Take any emergency instructions that are given to you. If floodwaters threaten your current location, make plans to relocate to higher ground ahead of time. Maintain a safe distance from apparent water sources such as rivers and drainage canals, and receive frequent water level information. They may get swamped before news reaches out.
3. Prepare your family
If you live in a flood-prone location, assembling a disaster supplies kit ahead of time is a wise investment. Food, water, clothing, and first aid should all be included in such a bag in the case of a flood. Remember to stock up on supplies for at least three days. After all, you never know how long it will take for the authorities to arrive. Mobile phones may also be lifesavers in an emergency, so carry sealable plastic bags to keep them dry and power banks to keep them running as long as possible. Communication is also essential for life. Ascertain that everyone in your family is aware of where to go and what to do.
4. Escape floodwaters fast
When it comes to staying safe, time is of the key. Floodwaters can rise faster than you anticipate, so take cover immediately. If necessary, drop everything and flee. Your possessions are not worth your life. Simply take what you require and leave. Avoid crossing across rushing water whenever possible since you can’t tell how deep it is. If you’re not sure, don’t do it. Children and dogs should be kept as far away from water as possible. If adults find it difficult to cross, youngsters will find it far more difficult. Most automobiles will come to a standstill in 15cm of water, and 30cm will easily fling your car around like a paper boat. Leave your automobile if required. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a metal tomb while your car slowly sinks into floods. Maintain an escape route by leaving your automobile windows open.
5. Return home safely
Time is of the essence when it comes to remaining safe. Floodwaters might rise quicker than you expect, so seek refuge promptly. Drop everything and run if necessary. Your belongings are not worth your life. Simply take what you need and depart. Because you can’t determine how deep the water is, avoid crossing it whenever feasible. If you are unsure, do not proceed. Keep children and pets as far away from water as possible. If crossing is tough for adults, it will be even more challenging for children. Most cars will come to a halt in 15cm of water, and 30cm of water can easily hurl your car around like a paper boat. If necessary, leave your car. The last thing you want is to be trapped in a metal tomb while your automobile slides steadily into floodwaters. Keep an escape route available by leaving your car windows open.
6. Identify where to go during an evacuation
Sit together with your family to devise a strategy. Choose numerous meeting places in case you need to leave your house, such as a friend’s house in a safe town or a shelter in your neighbourhood. Make certain that everyone in the family is aware of these sites and how to get there. Ensure that the shelters and paths to them are on high ground. Contact your local branch of the Red Cross, emergency management agency, or planning and zoning department. Shelters, such as schools or stadiums, will be assigned for these coordinators.
7. Move to higher ground away from water
Higher ground is your best option, whether you’re on foot or have to ditch your automobile. Stay away from storm drains, streams, creeks, and rivers. If you’re trapped at home, climb to the roof if you can do so securely. If you are in a mid- or high-rise building, take the stairs to a high floor. Avoid using the elevator and stay informed with your cell phone or a weather radio.
8. Swim backwards to survive moving water
Instead of resisting the tide, roll over on your back. Maintain your feet upstream, using them to push away from impediments floating with you. Look for something to grab onto, such as a thick branch or a roof. After that, point your feet downstream and cry for assistance. Never go beneath rubbish. Keep your head above water and avoid or pass over the debris. When you yell for assistance, it makes it simpler for rescuers to find you. If you have the strength, wave your arm. Keep going until someone arrives to get you.
9. Barricade your home against floodwater
Sealing your basement makes it more water resistant. Fill cracks and apply sealant to the walls. Maintain the cleanliness of your home’s gutters as well. Levees and floodwalls may also be constructed to assist keep floodwaters at bay. Set up a sump pump. When the pump detects water on the floor, it removes it from your home. Maintain the pump’s battery-powered backup with new batteries and ensure that it drains correctly.
10. Take pictures of your home for insurance purposes
Water resistance is increased by sealing your basement. Fill cracks and seal the walls with sealant. Keep the gutters on your house clean as well. Floodwalls and levees may also be built to help keep flooding at bay. Install a sump pump. The pump removes water from your house when it detects it on the floor. Maintain the pump’s battery backup with new batteries and make sure it drains properly.