A home is a great
shelter against extreme weather conditions, such as the blazing heat of summer,
chilling dry winter, flood, and epidemics. All the homeowners ensure to build
durable houses that may protect them during unfavorable conditions. One adverse
condition is a flood that may be caused by rainfall, groundwater, or home water
system malfunction.
Whatever the cause of
the flood may be, here are some smart tips on emergency flood preparations that
you should employ within the first 24 hours to avoid much damage. Following
these effective ways, you can safeguard your home and family within the short
time possible.
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Precautionary Measures
Beforehand
- Perhaps, the basement is the
first place that receives surplus water, so you should not save important
documents or precious items here.
- To restrain water from reaching
the basement, make sure that your flower gardens slope away from the
inhabited part of the house. Your home’s flood should also not move toward
a neighbor’s yard.
Emergency Flood
Preparations
- When flooding is forecast and
you have some time left, better shift basement electronics, furniture, and
appliances upstairs.
- Sealing basement drains with
wooden stoppers or rubber plugs is another way to prevent flood in the
basement.
- Don’t dare switch off the
electricity if any water is there in the basement. Live electricity wires
and water can be lethal. Under such circumstances, leave your home
instantly and do not get back until authorities confirm your home’s
safety.
- If you live in low areas
subject to flooding, get ready to evacuate your home before the changing
weather.
- Be sure to manage an emergency
survival kit and plan what to do with pets. Move to places that are not
prone to flooding or seek help from your relatives residing in safe areas.
What to Do During a
Flood
- You should not feel puzzled
during an emergency. Instead, get to know what roads are safe by listening
to the radio and think calmly about where to go if the local emergency
team asks you to evacuate your home.
- If a flood occurs when you are
outside the home, immediately go to some higher ground like a public
building.
- Do not touch electrical wires
and stay away from power lines.
- Stop driving during the flood.
If unfortunately, you are in a vehicle and water rises around your car,
abandon it quickly and rush to a higher place. Do not take the risk of
driving through flooded roads.
What to Do after the
Flood is over
- You should not return home
until authorities call you back and inform you that your homes are safe to
live in.
- Use a chlorine bleach solution
to disinfect everything the flood water has touched. (Mix 1 part bleach
per 10 parts water)
- See if any structural damage
has occurred. Get it repaired before entering your home. You can take
pictures of the damaged areas for insurance purposes.
- Listen to the news to confirm
that the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
- Get all the electric appliances
and components thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected by a qualified
electrician before use.
- Better throw away the foods contaminated with floodwater and protect your family’s health!
Sum Up
It is all about
emergency flood preparations. Do not wait for the flood to happen. Step ahead
to safeguard your family, home, ensure financial security throughout the year,
and follow the above tips if you are stuck in an emergency.
The article is contributed by Shagufta Afza, one of the team members to the School of Literature.
