The monsoon season can often be a menace if you reside in a flood-prone area. With the drastic change in climatic conditions worldwide, floods have become increasingly common. Therefore, it has become even more important now to have an emergency plan in place in case of heavy rains. So if you are someone who lives in a flood-prone region, this article will help you to get your emergency gear in place so that you can avoid excessive damage in flood situations.
See also: How to clean up after flood?
Understanding the risk
Evaluating the kind of risk posed by rainfall of flooding your area is the first step to prepare for an emergency. This can be done by monitoring the rainfall levels over the years and identifying any changes in rainfall patterns. History of flooding and records from meteorological archives can help determine the level of your preparedness.
Stay informed
During emergency situations, information is key. Stay updated about weather forecasts and alerts from TV, radio and reliable online sources during heavy rain periods and storm season. Heeding to emergency notifications in time can go a long way in helping you in your preparedness for a flood situation.
Developing an emergency plan
It is beneficial to have an emergency plan handy and ready for use beforehand in case of a flood. Here are some things you can draw your emergency plan on:
Family communication plan
To establish communication during an emergency situation, it is essential to memorise important contact information. Make sure every family member knows important phone numbers and email addresses for easy communication. Local lines are bound to be overloaded, so make sure to also have an out-of-town contact for everyone to check in and coordinate with.
Evacuation routes
Do not stick to one route and identify multiple evacuation routes to serve as alternatives in case the main roads are flooded. Keep a map in your emergency kit with these routes marked and preferably get acquainted with them beforehand by visiting and manoeuvring through them periodically.
Assembling an emergency kit
An emergency kit should contain all the important supplies that might be hard to access during a flood situation. These should include:
Basic supplies
Carry enough potable water to last you at least for three days, considering every person might consume at least one gallon per day. For food supplies, it is recommended to go for non-perishable packaged goods and dried fruits.
A flashlight can come in handy in flood situations since power outages are highly common. Don’t forget to keep extra batteries as well. Also include a first aid kit, well-supplied with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers and prescription medications (if any) to promptly address any medical situation that might require attention.
Additional items
Keep a physical copy of the local map in your emergency kit since GPS might be weak or unavailable, making it unreliable for navigation. To ensure that your phone is always charged and ready to assist you with urgent communication, include a portable power bank that is always charged.
Maintaining proper sanitation might be difficult, but is highly crucial. Carry moist towelettes, garbage bags and personal sanitation items with yourself. It is also recommended to carry utility tools like wrench or pliers to facilitate easy repairs and prompt switching off of gas, water and electricity if required.
Protecting your home
Taking proper measures to prevent flood water from entering your home can save you a lot of trouble of evacuating. If properly secured, you might be able to fare well enough in a flood situation at home itself.
Flood barriers
Focus on diverting water away from your property. This can be done by surrounding it with sandbags or commercial flood barriers. Spots especially susceptible to facilitate water-intrusion, such as basement doors, windows and entryways should be sealed properly.
Elevating utilities
To ensure proper safety and functionality, it is crucial to keep major appliances at bay from the floodwater. Consider moving electrical panels, water heaters and furnaces to higher floors or elevated platforms to ensure that the water does not reach them or hamper their functioning.
Basement waterproofing
Basements are especially prone to the effects of floods. Avoid damage as much as possible by applying waterproofing sealant on walls and floors. Installing sump pumps, preferably with battery backup, can help to remove water accumulated in basements in large quantities.
Securing important documents
Important documents, like birth certificates, identification cards, insurance policies and deeds, should be securely placed in a waterproof container. Keep several copies handy and consider backing them up digitally on cloud storage as well to do away with the need of physical copies.
Financial preparedness
Natural calamities often cause irreversible financial damage to the victims. While this is not wholly unavoidable, there are a few things you can do to reduce its impact on your life.
Insurance
Standard home insurance policies might not cover damage caused by floods. Make sure to purchase relevant insurance to fall back upon during flood situations. Carefully go through the policy details, especially the coverage limits and waiting periods.
Documenting valuables
Take photos and videos of your property and possessions for record keeping purposes and store them safely, preferably in the digital mode. Maintaining a written inventory of valuable items with serial numbers and purchase receipts can make it easier to keep track and avoid losses.
FAQs
What are the essential items I should include in my flood emergency kit?
Potable water for at least three days, non-perishable food items, flashlight with extra batteries, sanitation supplies, first aid kit, cell phone with fully charged portable power bank, local maps and personal documents are must-haves for your emergency kit.
How can I protect my home from flood damage?
You can protect your home from flooding by installing barriers, elevating appliances, waterproofing the basements and maintaining the drains properly.
What steps should I take on receiving a flood warning?
If you receive a flood warning, either evacuate promptly or move to the highest elevation possible, turn off all utilities and stay updated about further warnings.
How can I stay informed during a flood situation?
Monitor weather updates, follow local emergency management agencies and news outlets on social media and keep in touch with neighbours and the community to stay informed in such a situation.
Is a separate insurance plan necessary to cover damages caused by floods?
It is recommended to purchase a relevant insurance policy that specialises in natural calamities as a regular home insurance might not cover such damages.
What are the key steps to take post a flood situation?
Once the flooding subsides, make sure to clean up your home safely and take the necessary steps for insurance claim.
How can I prepare financially for a flood?
Purchase insurance and understand the terms properly, maintain an inventory of valuables, save an emergency fund and keep important documents handy to ensure optimal financial preparedness.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
