Flood Preparedness
As members of the public, we have a role to play in preparing for the threat of flooding by acting early. The following is an excerpt from the Disaster Prevention Guide published by the Civil Defense Department as well as easy-to-understand cartoon pictures to make:
Before the Flood
-
Get information about flooding in your area.
-
Ensure the flood warning system, how it is delivered and local flood preparedness information.
-
Check the water hole whether it is a drain or a sewer. Clear the barriers and make sure they are sealed tightly so that floodwaters do not overflow through them.
-
Make sure evacuation centers and disaster relief centers are in place, make emergency evacuation plans and drills.
-
Prepare Emergency Equipment.
-
Make sure all members of your family know how to act during an emergency at home.
Before the Flood - During the Signs Detected
-
Listen to the announcement on the radio.
-
Fill a barrel, container, sink or bathtub with clean water, during a flood the water may become dirty.
-
Bring in outdoor furniture or appliances.
-
Keep important documents in a safe place or carry them with you in a waterproof container.
-
Be prepared to close the electrical switch, the main valve of the water and gas supply.
-
Notify your neighbors and prepare to evacuate.
During the Flood - Inside the House
-
Listen to the announcement on the radio.
-
Be prepared with emergency equipment.
-
If directed to get out and move, do so immediately.
During the Flood - Outdoors
-
Go to a high and safe place.
-
Avoid going through flooded areas, strong currents can wash you away.
-
Don't accidentally go for a walk in a flooded area either by boat or on foot.
-
Do not touch any fallen cables or wires.
-
Supervise children, do not let them play in drains, rivers or mines.
-
Do not drink flood water.
During the Flood - Inside the Vehicle
-
Do not continue through the flooded area, turn back.
-
If your vehicle stalls, lock your vehicle and leave it, go to a safe place.
During Flooding - During Evacuation
-
Upon receiving instructions, move immediately.
-
Evacuate early before the flood waters rise or during the day, it is easier and safer.
-
Follow the designated route, short cuts may be blocked.
After the Flood
-
Listen to radio announcements or wait for instructions from the authorities, do not return home before permission or until it is absolutely safe.
-
Give help to your neighbors or people with disabilities (Elderly, children or disabled people).
-
Inspect your home for signs of cracks or deposits that may be unsafe.
-
Do not continue to enter the house that is still flooded, be careful of many hidden dangers.
After the Flood - When Entering the Building
-
Wear shoes.
-
Check for damage to walls, floors, doors and windows.
-
Check for any signs of the presence of poisonous and dangerous animals or insects. Use wood to remove any obstacles that are cluttering the floor of your house.
-
Attention ceiling and wall plaster that may crack, melt and fall.
After the Flood - Check for Hazard Threats
-
Check the gas line pipes that may be broken or leaking.
-
Check for electrical wires submerged in water.
-
Check for submerged electrical equipment.
-
Check for flammable materials that may flow in during flooding (kerosene, gasoline, diesel, etc.).
-
Throw away food items that are submerged or affected by flood water including canned food.
-
Inspect the septic tank for damage to avoid biological hazards.
-
Report any damage to public facilities to the authorities