Floods cause unimaginable damage with loss of lives being the main one and it is why it is important to plan for floods. It’s imperative to ensure that you plan for floods in ample time for the natural disaster to be properly managed. Millions of people living around areas prone to floods ignore the pending danger. They resort to waiting for the disaster to occur so that they can act instead of acting first. Read on to learn more on what needs to be done.
Before the Flooding Starts
The most important thing should be to check warnings issued in your local area. You’ll be in a much better position to plan for floods when you’re aware of the no go zones. Furthermore, you will be able to receive helpful information for home protection during floods. Barricade the house using sandbags. The bags can be purchased from hardware stores. Move swiftly and purchase the bags sooner rather than later because their demand will rise when flood arrives.
An emergency kit should be used to carry vital items such as a first aid kit. Plan for floods by making sure that the kit is assembled beforehand. Other items to include in the kit are: Water, torch and insurance policy. Since floods often affect power lines, have extra battery packs ready. Valuable items such as personal documents must be kept in sealed bags.
When Flooding Starts
Safety should be the number one priority once flooding starts. Forget about salvaging belongings as this can easily lead to your own peril. When vacating the area, opt to swimming through rather than walking. It will be much easier to move from one area to another this way. Use bridges for crossing rivers. Do not walk close to riverbanks to avoid getting swept away by the current.
The best way to plan for floods is having an evacuation strategy ready. Such a strategy will help you to establish the most appropriate time to leave the house. Remember, floodwater may be contaminated and this is why you must avoid contact with it. This can only be achieved when you vacate in ample time.
After Flooding Stops
There are numerous types of dangers present even after the flooding stops. On that note, avoid using electrical appliances and gas awaiting clearance from the relevant authorities. They must be checked for safety before they can be used again. All foodstuffs that contain traces of floodwater are contaminated and should, therefore, be thrown away. An effective plan for floods will include access to clean, safe water. If you don’t have bottled water, boil water from the tap.
Floods are quite depressing mainly because of the huge losses that they bring. Call 911 and talk to the operator for instructions when the disaster strikes. The line is usually operational on a 24-hour basis which means that you can get help at any time. Report to designated relief camps if you do not have relatives nearby to live with until the crisis passes. Having adequate food and supplies is an important part of your plan for floods; you never know how long the floods may take.