Flood Safety Tips: What to do during a flood?

What continued on this Earth from the beginning? FLOOD.

What is a Flood?

Flooding is a temporary overflowing of water into a land which is normally dry. It can happen due to varying number of causes such as a cloud burst, very heavy rainfall or snowmelt, coastal storms, hurricane, waterway overflow, drains being blocked due to debris or overflow of dams.

When can it occur?

Flooding can occur during any season, however, there are certain times in a year when there is a greater risk of flooding especially during June to November when there are risks of cyclones/hurricanes, cloud burst or a very heavy rain fall.

Where can it occur?

Coastal Areas, Low Lying Areas, Areas near River or a stream or along a downstream of the dam.

Basic Safety Tips during floods you need to know:

1. AVOID DRIVING DURING FLOODS. As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If you are driving and the vehicle stalls abandon instead of reattempting to start it.
2. AVOID WALKING THROUGH THE MOVING WATER. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Look out for any possible signs of an open manhole or a drainage. BE AWARE.
3. DO NOT TOUCH ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT if you are standing in a flooded area or wet. Check for loose hanging wires coming in contact with water.
4. DO NOT DRINK OR EAT CONTAMINATED FOOD When in doubt, throw away the food or water which you think may have come into contact with flood water.
5. DRINK CLEAN AND SAFE WATER. Do not use the flood water for cleaning, brushing or drinking. It is advisable to drink packaged drinking water at the time of floods.
6. LISTEN TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES If evacuated return to your home only when local authorities advise you to do so.
7. CLIMB TO A SAFE AREA. Flash floods develop quickly, do not wait for the water level to rise. Climb up to a safe area as early as you can
8. KEEP STOCK OF ESSENTIALS. Keep Medications, Cash, Clothing and Toiletries, Flash Lights, Mobile phone and power bank handy. Important documents like Insurance Papers, Medical Records and Bank Account Numbers in a separate folder near you.
9. BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE. Know the places near you where you can go for safety. Be Aware of the routes which are less prone to flooding.
10. DO NOT SWIM. Never attempt swimming through a flooded water.
11. SHUT OFF ELECTRICITY OF YOUR HOME BY USING THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS.

What to Do After a Flood?

1. Turn on your TV/Radio to receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions
2. Be aware of the areas where floodwaters have receded and watch out for debris. Flood waters often erodes roads or walkways
3. Do not attempt driving through areas that are still flooded
4. Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged from the drowned power lines
5. Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by flood waters
6. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet
7. Watch for washed out roads, earth slides, and downed trees or power lines.
8. Wear sturdy shoes to avoid a cut feet
9. Examine walls, floors, doors, windows, and ceilings for risk of collapsing.
10. Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.