What To Do Before And After A Flood
Studies have shown that all states within the United States are vulnerable to a flood. One has only to look at the recent events of flooding in non-flood zones to confirm this. In order to survive a flood situation, there are three stages which must be addressed. These are preparation, present, and post. This article will address each section so that your chances of survival is maximized.
Prepare
You see it time and time again, people were just not prepared for a disaster. And while there is a level of sympathy that goes out to people in a crisis, there is also a level of questioning as to why they did not take proper measures. To prepare for a flood you need to:
1.Have a bug out bag which can sustain you for up to 5 days.
2.Have a portable first aid kit.
3.Have clothes, especially socks in your bug out bag.
4.Have an emergency exit plan, meaning that you have a place decided upon where you will go in the event of a flood prior to a flood occurring.
5.Buy flood insurance–most homeowners in frequent flood zones are required to have it. but if you’re in a nearby area that may be impacted, consider seeing if you can fit it into your budget.
6.Store extra food a foot above the ground.
7.Know where you can find immediate temporary shelter (not government relief shelter facility).
8.Know where and how to shut off gas, electricity, and water to avoid further damage to your home.
9.Take swimming lessons. If you can’t swim, then your mobility in a flood is pretty much shot.
10.Take first aid training classes so that you can help yourself if needed.
11. Having a heavy duty inflatable raft on hand will help enormously with your mobility in getting out of a flood ravaged area if you were unable to leave the area in time. Once any dangerous water has started to recede and is no longer rapid, getting to the nearest relief center or shelter will become a priority.
You will want to ensure that your bug out bag has the essentials (water filtration, water, food, first aid, knife, fishing supplies, matches, antibiotics, etc.). It is also advised that you customize your pack to meet your local geographic region.
Presence Of Mind
When surviving a flood, it is critical that you keep your head clear. Your preparation and your bug out bag will be your first means of survival. Yet, with all your planning and supplies, you can still be in trouble if you do not adhere to some critical survival techniques during a flood.
1.Do not sit in the sun waiting for rescue. You will dehydrate.
2.Do not stay in one place, but try to make your way to your evacuation route.
3.Don’t share very much of your water and food. You only have so much and you’re going to have to make it last.
4.Keep your bag on you at all times. If you have to get something from your bag have one arm in the strap. It does not good to have a bug out bag if you drop it and the current carries it away.
5.Keep your shouting to a minimum. Remember, any air rescue is already looking for you. They cannot hear you in most cases over the sound of the chopper, waves, sirens, and other external sounds. Shouting should only be done when you are positive someone will hear.
What About After A Flood?
Where there are many sources which will tell you what you need to do before and during a flood, there are not too many resources available on what to do after a flood. This has led to several hundred cases of homelessness and caused great pain for many families. Once a flood has ended you need to:
1.Immediately file a flood insurance claim.
2.Remove yourself from any areas with water accumulation as that will be a breeding ground for mold and disease.
3.Take a bath. It may sound a bit funny, but in an emergency situation you may not be able to bathe regularly or at all. Taking a good shower will reduce your risk of sickness and make you feel a ton better in the process.
4.Take stock of the damage to your local area. If your zone is too damaged to live safely, meaning that grocery stores will not be able to stock food, the hospitals and doctor’s offices are closed, and water and power will not be turned back on for a time, stay at your temporary shelter or find shelter in a nearby city.
5.Find a job. In many flood cases, the business in which a person has worked is either being repaired or has been destroyed. And while the business may or may not get back up and running, you will still have to have income in order to survive. Do not wait it out on the perception that your job will be available soon. Hit the pavement right away and secure a job. Remember, others will be looking for income as well.
6.Restock your supply and bug out bag.
These are just a few of the techniques and strategies which can help you to survive a flood. More information can be gained on FEMA as well as on The Weather Channel’s website.