What to do in a Flood?

Half of Metro Manila is currently under water and there are two more major storms expected to hit the Philippines before the end of the month. Here are a few practical tips to follow before, during and after a flood. Flooding should by no means be taken lightly. Consider that a strong current in a mere 6-inches of rain-water may be more than enough to knock-over and carry away small children and even full grown adults. So please do not take the following lightly:



BEFORE:

• Be prepared: If you live in a flash flood prone location, then take heed of media/government alerts and other potential signs of flooding such as extremely heavy rains.
• Be prepared:
  • Identify evacuation routes i.e. where will you go and how will you get there?  Getting stuck in a vehicle surrounded by rising flood waters will not be fun, so know when to leave and how to get there. Practice these routes.
  • Disseminate the evacuation plan to all members of your family. Kids should all know what to do, who to call, when to leave and how to get to safety should the parental units not be home.
  • Don't forget the pets!
  • Prepare a bug-out-bag. Here are a few bug-out-bag ideas that you can get from MC Home Depot.

Bug-Out-Bag items you can purchase at MC Home Depot 

DURING: 

There's your problem

• Be Reasonable: If you're told by the government to evacuate, EVACUATE!!!!
• Do not walk or try to swim through flash floods.
• If you are trapped in a car during a flash flood, stay in your car. If the water starts to rise in the car and the flood waters are still fast, climb to the roof and signal for help.
• If you are trapped in your home, stay inside and move to the highest level of the house.
  • Move valuables to high-ground.
  • Avoid windowless attics as you may be trapped inside. Move to the roof if necessary. Once there, signal for help.
  • Use your Bug-out Bag.

AFTER: 

• Be Practical: Your life or the life of your loved one are not worth the valuables left at home.
  • Go home only after the government says it's okay to.
  • Avoid wading in stagnant floodwater which may contain sharp debris or be contaminated with various deadly diseases. If you must, wash exposed parts thoroughly after with soap, water and, if necessary, alcohol. Seek immediate medical attention should you be injured by something in stagnant water.
    • Know the symptoms for Leptospirosis. It's better to be safe than sorry.
  • Don't rush to get the power back home. If your home was flooded, it's better to let everything dry first and probably have an electrician go through your wiring before turning on the TV.

We also recommend that you check out this blogpost: "3 Things you need to do Before, During and after a Storm" 

What not to do in a flood