As the season changes from summer to fall, many parts of the world find themselves in the grips of flooding. Severe floods affect the lives of tens of thousands of people around the world each year, but there are steps one can take to stay safe.
When Mother Nature decides it’s time to stir things up, all humans can do is battle down the hatches and try our best to prepare for the worst-case scenario. In many cases, the right preparations can avert disaster, and even minor adjustments can spell the difference between life and death.
Floods affect many parts of the U.S, and especially states such as Florida. With that said, Caribbean countries are some of the worst affected by floods during the wet season, and much property and lives are tragically lost annually. When the volume of water and the force that comes with it is too much, even the most robust precautions make little difference, but there are always ways to minimize the fallout and the damage.
Tip 1 – Assemble Supplies
The most important thing to take care of when it comes to assembling supplies ahead of a flood is clean drinking water. Humans can survive for some time without food but only a few days without water. Special water pills are also a good option in case of severe flooding whereby the water supply gets completely cut off. Non-perishable food items like cans of tuna and beans are also a great idea for your flood supplies kit. A solid first aid kit and a battery-powered radio are also a must, as are flashlights and a good supply of spare batteries.
Tip 2 – Make Emergency Plans
In cases where the flooding is so bad that people need to leave their homes, it’s vital to have easy-to-follow backup plans in case you find yourself homeless. Always have in mind locations situated on higher ground and make sure your gas tank is full. It’s also a great idea to locate in advance routes from your home or office that are less prone to flooding, just in case. A family disaster plan is also worth putting together ahead of time, noting where family members should meet if they get separated and having good quality walkie talkies handy for such an eventuality.
Tip 3 – Secure Valuables
As well as costing state authorities and insurance companies alike a small fortune, floods cost individuals a lot of money too, and that’s not to mention all that sentimental loss. As well as having the best insurance policies in place, for building and contents damage, those prone to floods are advised to place valuables and family heirlooms at the highest point in the house or outhouse. It’s also advisable that outdoor items such as lawn furniture, garbage cans, and BBQs be taken indoors and secured.
Tip 4 – Don’t Enter Buildings
One of the most common causes of death when it comes to severe flooding is collapsed buildings. If you’re outside due to your own home or place of work being flooded, stay outside and do not enter buildings situated on low ground or those that have clearly been affected by flooding. Cracks on the outside of the structure and at the foundations of a building are a tell-tale sign of an imminent collapse, so the best advice is to remain outdoors and on high ground.
