Necessary Precautions During Floods

Floods are one of the most recurring disasters across the world. It causes enormous socio-economic loss in the country. Not just monsoon season, it may hit the land at any time influenced by several factors.

Natural disaster management has set some rules as precautions of flood to safeguard the community.

Here is a detailed guide on dos and don'ts during flood catastrophes.

With climatic change and susceptibility to flooding, we often find a question viable on the internet: “what to do during floods?” Alongside, you should know what not to do as well during a flood.

Here is a list of dos and don’ts regarding safety precautions for floods.

• Elevate your home from the base while constructing to avoid entry of floodwater or construct walls to stop it.
• Install "check valves" in sewer pipes to prevent floodwater from entering the drains of your home.
• If your home is in very low land, then shift to a safer place and keep all furniture at an elevated level.
• Keep all your documents in a safe water-proof bag.
• Keep updated with flood safety tips given by the Government.
• Know the safest route of escape to the nearest shelter.
• Install the electricity supplying switches and plugs above a certain level from the floor, which is most unlikely to get reached by the floodwater.
• Keep all your electronic devices in secure water proof bags.

• Do not go in the flood-prone zone or leave your home if there is any flood forecast.
• Take all valuables with you and do not keep any valuables at home as you have to evacuate the place.
• Do not ignore advice, messages, or instructions given by Government and local municipal bodies.
• Do not litter plastics, garbage, or any blockage making materials in the drains.

Safety precautions for floods when it is about to hit your land are as follows:

• Keep calm and updated with news broadcast channels.
• Be aware of the flash flood.
• Take all flood safety measures.
• Do not enter flood-prone areas as precautions during floods.
• Keep the drainage system of your house clean and out of any blockage.
• Unplug electrical gadgets and machinery and keep away from the reach of water.
• Store enough food and drinking water with you.
• Turn off gas valves and connected devices.
• Move family and pets in the safe zone.
• Keep the first aid box with necessary medicines with you.
• You may put sandbags in drains to obstruct the entry of floodwater.
• Store drinking water.
• Try to keep a check on insects and mosquitos.
• Take your vehicles to an upland area, and do not leave them in the garage if evacuating the home.
• Do not keep any valuables in homes.

As for safety measures during a flood, the government may instruct you to evacuate the home. In such circumstances, take the following flood safety measures.’:

• Raise all furniture, bed materials, and appliances on a table or elevated place inside your home.
• Block all drains in the home to restrict floodwater from entering your home.
• Turn off gas and electricity connections.
• Carry a first aid kit, dry food, and drinking water with you.
• Use a stick to walk through water to understand the depth.
• Make a family communication plan.

As a precaution to be taken during floods, people residing in flood-prone zones should buy flood insurance or home insurance covering damages caused by the flood. It covers:

• Floor damage
• Damage caused by the short circuit
• Furniture damage
• Structural damage
• Water leakage

Insurance coverage is applicable when your house or property is damaged due to the following reasons:

• Overflowing river water
• Waterlogging by monsoon rain or cyclone
• Seawater entering city
• Tidal condition

Awareness, adopting safety measures, and obeying Government rules is the right decision during natural disasters, including floods. Keep calm and be patient; follow the dos and don’ts as early as possible. Take necessary precautions of flood based on the forecasted severity.