The recent incident in Swat, where the flood swept away 18 members of the same family, has left all of us terrified and saddened.
One of the most deadly natural calamities is floods that usually come unannounced and destroy the lives and property of a large number of people. The question is whether you are living in a flood-prone place or have been caught unawares by heavy rains, taking precautions on time will help you and your family. This is a detailed account of what to do to be safe during floods:
1. Keep Track of the Weather Information
The best way to keep updated is through reliable information by listening to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) or your local weather channels. Watch out on flood warnings, heavy rainfall predictions and evacuation orders. Advance warning will provide you time to prepare or to evacuate safely.
2. Make an Emergency Kit
Prior to the flood water, make sure that you have an emergency kit in place. This ought to comprise:
First aid equipments
Bottled drinking water
Non-perishable food stuffs
Additional batteries in flashlights
Significant papers in waterproof bags
Essential medicines
Power banks of mobile phones
This kit must be readily available and can be taken along in case you have to evacuate home.
3. Electricity and Gas Turn Off
Turn off the main electricity supply and gas lines before water comes into your house. This measure can eliminate short circuit, fires and gas leak and the danger of electrocution or explosion.
4. Dehumidifier after the Flood
After the floodwater subsides, your house will tend to be wet, and this is likely to attract mold growth and respiratory complications. Dehumidifier may be used to eliminate the excess moisture in the air and restore the humidity in the building.
5. Make sure Your House is Ventilated
Upon returning to your house, which is flooded, open all doors and windows to air the place and also to release any trapped gases (such as leaked cooking gas). This is a good precautionary measure prior to the activation of any electrical equipment or lighting.
6. Have Electrical Wiring Inspected
Check that all the electrical items in your home are checked by a certified electrician before you restore power. Wires, outlets and electrical appliances are susceptible to floodwater and this presents a high risk of electrical shocks or fires.
7. Take Insurance Records on the Damage
When you have your house insured, snap clear images of all the areas that were destroyed by the floods before cleaning up or repairing the house. These photographs are important documents to present in insurance claims to cover the financial damages suffered.
8. Do not Walk or Drive Through Floodwaters
Never walk through moving water that is higher than your ankle because even shallow water will knock you over. Similarly, you should never drive in flooded roads, because your car is likely to be washed away.
9. Move to the Higher Ground
In case of flooding, evacuate as soon as possible to a higher area or the closest evacuation shelter against the floods. Pay attention to the instructions of local authorities and do not wait till it is too late.
10. Remain Clean Once You Have Been Exposed to Flooding
The flood water is usually polluted. Once in contact, wash your hands well and do not eat any food or drink that could have come in contact with floodwater to avoid waterborne illness.
Flood protection boils down to being ready and acting on time. When you are aware, act beforehand, and respond promptly, you minimize the dangers to yourself, your family, and your property considerably. Be on alert, be safe and be well in such emergencies.
