leaving almost the entire city submerged under ten feet of flood water.
It has also recorded six tragic drowning deaths. Though severe flooding
is extremely rare, significant property losses, tremendous destruction
and loss of lives often loom in the aftermath.
Natural disasters such as floods brought by heavy storms, do not happen
on an instant, though but it is better to be prepared more than anything
else. Avoid placing your chances for survival in the hands of another
person. This will be like going to a war without any weapons at all.
Thus, arming yourself and preparing for the worst is crucial to your
survival. It is top priority that you have the telephone numbers of the
different evacuation centers and rescue centers in your area or even
neighboring towns and cities if you already know that you live in a
flood-prone area. Prepare an emergency bag that has some emergency
medical kit, bottled water, flashlight, cellular phone where it will
come handy in case of evacuation. What are the things that you have to
do and remember when you are stranded in flood-stricken land?
The very basic that you should have first and foremost is presence of
mind. This will keep you at your feet while panic attack clouds your
decision-making abilities thus hinders sound judgment especially in
life-threatening situations. Try to take deep breathes, compose yourself
and focus on the situation when panic attacks. Taking deep breathes
during panic attacks have been proven to decrease the severity of panic
thus helps one to think wisely.
Since fire often times simultaneously occur during flashfloods, be sure
to unplug all electrical equipment and make sure that the main source of
electricity is switched off and the gas pipeline outlet is shut off.
This will not only prevent electrocution but also minimize the danger of
potential fire, totally damaging your home.
Transfer your valuables as well as furniture to the highest and safest
part of the house keeping them away from the door. Place your valuables
inside a deposit box if you have one where possible looters will not
see.
Once the flood warning is released, immediately leave your building but
do not walk on flooded area as floodwater as shallow as six inches deep
will definitely push you away. Drive to safer and higher grounds as
water current can push your car uncontrollably downstream if you are in a
car.
The Effects of Floods
