10 Measures to be Taken During Floods to Save Lives
These 10 measures to be taken during floods can make the difference between safety and disaster.
Floods are among the most common and destructive natural disasters, often striking with little warning and leaving behind significant damage to property, infrastructure and most importantly, lives.
Whether caused by heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, flash floods, storm surges or dam failures, floods demand immediate and informed action to minimize risk.
Therefore, understanding what to do in the moment is critical – panic can lead to poor decisions while preparation and presence of mind can ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.
This guide outlines 10 essential actions to take during a flood to protect yourself, reduce harm and respond effectively to the evolving situation.
Whether you’re sheltering in place, preparing to evacuate or already dealing with rising waters, these tips are practical, lifesaving and based on expert recommendations.
Let’s walk through them one by one so you’re ready to act when it matters most.
10 Measures to be Taken During Floods
1. Evacuate Immediately if Directed
Authorities usually issue evacuation orders to protect residents from imminent dangers.
If you’re instructed to leave your home due to rising floodwaters, do so without hesitation.
Delaying evacuation can result in being trapped by rapidly increasing water levels making rescue efforts more challenging and hazardous.
But before you leave, make sure you secure your home by locking doors and windows.
If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances to prevent potential damage or electrical hazards.
2. Seek Higher Ground
Floodwaters can rise swiftly, especially during heavy rainfall or when nearby water bodies overflow.
Moving to higher ground minimizes the risk of being caught in dangerous currents or experiencing water intrusion into your living space.
If you find yourself trapped in a building with no safe exit, move to the highest accessible level.
However, avoid enclosed spaces like attics without ventilation or access points as they can become traps if water continues to rise.
In such situations, signaling for help from a window or rooftop can alert rescuers to your location.
3. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Having a well-stocked emergency kit is essential for any disaster preparedness plan.
Your kit should contain:
- Water: One gallon per person per day (3.785 liters) with a minimum three-day supply for evacuation scenarios.
- Food: Non-perishable easy-to-prepare foodstuffs sufficient for at least three days.
- Medications: A seven-day supply of essential prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
- First Aid Kit: To treat minor injuries and prevent infections.
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries: Vital for illumination during power outages.
- Multi-Purpose Tool: Useful for turning off utilities and performing minor repairs.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Stock items such as moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation needs.
- Important Documents: Copies of identification, insurance policies and bank records stored in a waterproof container to protect them from water damage.
Regularly review and update your emergency kit to ensure all items are functional and supplies are within their expiration dates.
4. Do Not Walk, Swim or Drive Through Floodwaters
Floodwaters are deceptively dangerous. As little as six inches of swiftly moving water can knock an adult off their feet and just one foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
Beyond the risk of being carried away, floodwaters often conceal hazards such as debris, open manholes and downed power lines which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
Always adhere to the adage: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
5. Listen to Emergency Alerts and Stay Informed
Staying updated during a flood is vital for making informed decisions.
Use multiple channels to receive emergency information e.g.:
- NOAA Weather Radio: Provides continuous broadcasts of official weather warnings, watches and forecasts.
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Receive geographically targeted text-like messages on your mobile device about imminent threats.
- Local Media: Tune into local television and radio stations for real-time updates and instructions from authorities.
Ensure your devices are charged and have backup power sources to maintain access to critical information.
6. Stay Away from Electrical Hazards
Water and electricity are a lethal combination. Use the following tips to minimize risk:
- Avoid Stagnant Water Near Electrical Equipment: Never step into flooded areas where electrical outlets, appliances or cords are submerged.
- Do Not Attempt to Turn Off Power While Standing in Water: If you cannot reach your breaker box safely, contact your utility provider to shut off power at the meter.
- Steer Clear of Downed Power Lines: Always assume downed lines are live – maintain a safe distance and report them to emergency services immediately.
7. Turn Off Utilities
Before evacuating or if flooding is imminent, it’s crucial to turn off your home’s utilities to prevent potential hazards.
Some of the utilities you should turn off include:
- Electricity: Switch off power at the main breaker panel.
If you must stand in water to access the panel, do not attempt to turn off the power, instead, contact your utility provider for assistance.
- Gas: Turn off the main gas valve only if instructed to do so by local authorities or if you smell gas.
After shutting it off, do not turn it back on yourself, let a professional assess and restore the service.
- Water: Shut off the main water supply to prevent potential contamination and plumbing issues.
Always follow local guidelines and only turn off utilities if it’s safe. If unsure, seek professional assistance.
8. Assist Vulnerable Individuals
Floods disproportionately affect vulnerable populations including the elderly, disabled and children.
Here are a few ways on how you can support them:
- Pre-Flood Preparation: Help them sign up for emergency alerts, prepare evacuation plans and assemble emergency kits tailored to their specific needs.
- During Evacuation: Offer assistance in relocating to safe areas ensuring they have necessary medications, mobility aids and communication devices.
- Post-Flood Support: Aid in navigating recovery resources such as applying for disaster relief funds or accessing healthcare services.
Building a community support network can enhance resilience and ensure that vulnerable individuals receive timely assistance during flood events.
9. Know Evacuation Routes and Shelter Locations in Advance
Understanding your community’s evacuation routes and shelter locations is vital for ensuring a swift and safe departure during flood emergencies.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
- Familiarize Yourself with Local Plans: Consult local emergency management agencies to learn about designated evacuation routes and shelter sites.
- Plan Multiple Routes: Flood conditions can change rapidly. Having alternative routes ensures you can adapt to unexpected road closures or hazards.
10. Protect Your Home or Property with Flood Barriers
Using reliable flood barriers is an effective strategy to safeguard your property from floodwaters.
We offer a wide range of high-quality flood protection solutions tailored to meet various needs.
They include:
a. NoFloods Barriers
These inflatable barriers provide rapid deployment and are suitable for medium to large-scale flood protection.
They effortlessly adapt to diverse terrains and are reusable, making them both a sustainable and cost-effective solution for long-term flood protection.
b. AluGate Barriers
Constructed from reinforced aluminum, our AluGate barriers offer robust defense against flooding.
Their modular design allows for customization to fit specific property dimensions (e.g. doors and gates), ensuring comprehensive coverage.
c. NoFloods EasyWall™
A next-generation solution of Boxwall and L-shaped Barriers that is modular, self-anchoring and designed for quick installation without the need for additional equipment.
Made from durable materials, the NoFloods EasyWall™ utilizes the weight of the floodwater to stabilize itself, providing effective protection for urban areas.
Don’t wait for the next flood warning to consider your property’s safety – contact us now to learn more about our innovative flood barrier solutions and how they can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Together, we can develop a comprehensive flood protection strategy to safeguard your home or business.
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Conclusion on the 10 Measures to be Taken During Floods
The above 10 measures to be taken during floods are essential steps toward safeguarding your life, property and community.
Whether it’s knowing evacuation routes, staying informed through emergency alerts or protecting your property with reliable flood barriers, each measure plays a vital role in enhancing your preparedness.
By taking proactive steps, you can minimize risks and ensure a safer environment for yourself and your loved ones when disaster strikes.
Remember, preparation is key and implementing these measures will help you navigate flood events with confidence and resilience.