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The required measures for considering a flood warning Flooding is often the result of high winds and powerful storms, even in areas not prone to such occurrences. With the extreme weather conditions that we are facing today previously unflooded areas can receive a months worth of rainfall in one day. One should be well equipped for any circumstances including flash floods. Although such "acts of God" can occur at any point, you can use a number of preventative measures to help to protect your home against flash floods. Make sure the water does not break in your house. If you are already aware of an expected storm or heavy downpour in your area, or if your house is located in a flood-prone area, you must act immediately, protecting your doors and windows using plywood and metal sheets and shielding them using sandbags. You can also use silicone sealant to ensure that water will not enter your home. Long-term effects are not guaranteed by these methods, however these measures will protect your property from damage due to flash floods and keep them dry for a while. It is advised to switch off all appliances during floods. Make a point to turn off all utilities and services including gas, electricity and water. Electrical devices should be unplugged and kept away from water, preferably at a higher level. Water entry into homes often rises several feet but this will mean that the second floor is dry and any items you have stored there will not be impacted. Stay alert when it comes to your appliances or furniture. You need to ensure that your valuable furniture and appliances are kept on high areas or upstairs. In case you do not have a higher area in your home, you can always use bricks or blocks to make one. Be sure to remove carpets, curtains and even internal doors. They all should be kept at a higher level, so that they remain dry and away from water. The second floor of the house can be used for putting down all the important papers and pictures. To ensure total safety, you can put them up in waterproof containers like the ones used for storing food. However in case you do not have these containers, you can always use plastic bags for the same purpose. Items usually kept outside the house, such as gardening implements, should be removed to a safe location. If not, these items will be floating on the flood water, which may pose a threat to others. Also put more valuable items that could float away into a locked building such as you garage. A seemingly heavy object like a wheelbarrow can be flung about and carried away by the flood, but it will be safe if stored inside your garage. Soon after the announcement of a potential flood, make sure to follow some important rules. The information provided is of great importance in such crises. Hence, keep a watch over the news for announcements or updates by listening to the radio or television. Co-operation from your family with the local authorities and emergency services is essential. If they require you to evacuate, follow them and do not delay as you will put yourself and your helpers at risk. Since electricity will almost certainly be unavailable, you must ensure that you do all the things you need to do during the day. When it is dark, it is not easy or safe to carry out these tasks. Keep extra batteries for your torches ready, these will come in very handy. When you get any such announcement, share it with your neighbors without fail, especially any older people, in order that they have enough time to get prepared. Avoid moving out of your homes. Do not attempt to leave it, as floodwater can be lethal, particularly when raging. Be aware that when water is flowing rapidly, a small depth of water can cause you to fall over; only two feet is required to float your car. If you have any pets or cars, make sure to keep them in a safe place. When a flood announcement is made, you must move upstairs to the highest floor of your house. Various objects might float in the floodwater so avoid swimming as it could be dangerous. If you risk this you may be knocked over by the floating objects. Leaking sewage invariably finds its way into floodwater, so stay away from the water as much as you can. It really will be a terrible situation if you survive the flood and later fell ill owing to contaminated water. The frontlines of waterbodies, such as bridges, riverbanks and sea barriers are the most risky places in a flood, so just stay away from such locations. The defenses and bridges have often collapsed in the past due to the floodwater. David is the creator of Solve Blocked Drains, an informative site which contains guides on dealing with flooding problems. http://www.blocked-drains.info Please visit for more tips on how to fix your drains issues.
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