The Essential Measures For Dealing With A Flood Warning

By Author: David Doilap
Total Articles: 53
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The average persons guide to taking on a flood before it arrives

Strong storms and high winds often cause flooding, even in areas that are not prone to such an event. Less prone areas which were not previously flooded are now facing extreme atmospheric conditions sometimes leading to rainfall of one month in one day. Due to this extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, one should be prepared for any natural emergency or disaster such as floods.

Owing to the uncertain occurrence of these acts of God, you must undertake a number of measures to prevent your house from being affected with flash floods.

The primary need is to make sure that water cannot get into your home.

If you are expecting heavy rains or storms to hit your area, particularly if you live in a flood-prone area, you should cover your doors, or even windows, with metal sheets, sandbags, or plywood. A silicone sealant is a good water-proofing material that will keep your house free from water logs. Measures such as these will not last for days, but may shore up your house against a short-term flood and help to keep possessions dry.

It ...
... is advised to switch off all appliances during floods.

It is important to shut off the electricity, gas and even water supplies, as well as other utilities, at the mains supply. You should also remember to unplug all your electrical appliances and store them at high places, on the second floor, if possible. Water that enters homes may rise to a height of several feet or more; the second floor will therefore remain dry, so that any objects stored there will not be affected.

Pay particular attention to your appliances and house furniture.

It is essential to safeguard your precious furniture and appliances by storing them upstairs or on elevated areas downstairs.
If a second floor is not available, as in case of a bungalow, raise items by arranging them on blocks or bricks. Ensure removal of all curtains, carpets and internal doors as well.
Stock them up at a height so that they are screened from being exposed to water.

The second floor of the house can be used for putting down all the important papers and pictures. Put these items in containers that are impervious to water, such as those used for storing food. If you do not have these, keep important papers from contact with floodwater by storing them in plastic bags that can be sealed.

Items usually kept outside the house, such as gardening implements, should be removed to a safe location. Floodwater can easily float these items, which can pose danger to others. Use a building that can be secured, such as a garage, to store items of value that might be carried away. Floods do not spare even heavy items like wheelbarrows as they could float away in water if left carelessly, however, garden implements can be kept safe and away from flood water when kept in garage or shed.

FThe following are the steps to be followed in case a flood warning is announced.

Keep you ears and eyes open for any sort of information.

To keep yourself updated about the broadcasts and announcements, listening to the radio. Extend your full cooperation to emergency services and local authorities. If you are ordered to evacuate, you should follow them immediately to avoid putting yourself and those around you in danger.

As electricity if often unavailable in such cases plan to complete all preparatory work during day. Also doing things in the night can be risky. For emergency purposes, ensure that you load your torches with fresh batteries and also have a spare on hand.

Do not keep the information that you receive to yourself, spread the word especially to the old people.

Until the time to move stay in your house safely. Floodwater in its most fast flowing form can take lives and one should avoid moving outside if at all possible. Fast paced water that is about six inches high can easily off-balance you while two feet is enough depth to float a car.

Keep your pets and automobiles in secure areas. As soon as you hear the flood warning announced move to the second floor. During uncontrollable floods, it is not advised to swim as there would be items floating along which could hit you. You can get hurt by these objects or you might even be swept away.

Besides, floodwater may be filthy and polluted with sewage, try to prevent any contact to avoid future infection. It really wont be a good idea to fall ill because of the contaminated floodwater. The most dangerous places that must be avoided during floods are sea defenses, river bridges and riverbanks, hence keep away from such dangerous areas. There have been many cases wherein floodwater have destroyed or collapsed bridges and defenses.
David is the administrator of Blocked Drain, a web site which has articles and information on addressing drainage problems. http://www.blocked-drains.org Please have a look at the site and read the detailed tips on how to maintain your drains.