WHAT IS A FLOOD?
FLOODING IS the significant rise of water levels in a stream, lake, reservoir or a coastal region.
ONSET OF FLOODING
Rapid: An increase in the volume of water produced by rain in rivers and lakes over a long period – days or weeks – mainly affecting property such as houses and cattle and displacing the inhabitants from their usual dwelling.
Slow: An increase in the volume of water in rivers and lakes, causing deaths, injuries and destruction of property.
TYPES OF FLOODING
Flash flood: This occurs when there is heavy rainfall in a relatively small drainage area.
Riverine Flood: This occurs when a large amount of rain falls in river systems with tributaries that drain large areas containing many independent river basins.
Tidal: Tidal flooding occurs when large bodies of water, like the sea or lake, overflow on to bordering lands. Ponding: This is a slow build up of water in depressions, sinks, areas with clay base soil and slow percolation. FLOOD SAFETY TIPS
Remain calm and take all necessary precautions.
Make sure you have a battery-operated radio with extra batteries. Follow all instructions. If told to evacuate, move out of the house or building to a safe, high ground.
Turn off all utilities at the main switch if evacuation is necessary. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area or you are standing on piece of dry wood with rubber footwear and gloves.
Remove all valuables. Wrap all important personal items, family documents, electrical appliances, pictures and wall hangings in plastic bags.
Avoid already-flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross any stretch of floodwaters on foot if water is above your knees.
Cars can become coffins in floods. DO NOT drive where water is over roads, as under those floodwaters the road could already be washed away and rapidly rising water could lift the car and carry it away.
Do not go sightseeing in flooded areas.
If caught in a house by suddenly rising water, move to second floor and – or if necessary, to the roof. Take warm clothing and a flashlight with you – as well as battery-operated radio. Wait for help.
Use only recommended routes if you must travel.
AFTER THE FLOOD
Listen to the radio for
instructions.
When returning home and before you enter the house, be sure that the structure is not in danger of collapsing:
Move about the building
slowly.
Do not touch electrical
appliances or fixtures.
Open windows and doors to let air circulate. This will help remove foul odours and protect you from escaping gas. It will also help to dry out the house.
Take pictures of damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance purposes.
Get in touch with insurance company – if house was insured.
Begin clean-up as soon as possible. Throw out any perishable foods. They may be contaminated.
You may need to hose down furniture if mud is lodged on them.
Shovel out mud while it is still moist, and dry rugs and carpets thoroughly.
Make necessary repairs to stop further losses from the elements or from looting.
Boil and store drinking
water. Keep garbage tightly
sealed.
Cover and protect food.
Prevent mosquito breeding by punching holes in all containers in which water can settle.
Do not walk barefooted outside, during or after a flood. Wear waterboots or shoes.
Do not go sightseeing in
flooded areas.
Do not touch loose or
dangling electrical wires.
Exercise caution when crossing bridges and passes that are near to rivers and streams.
Bury all dead animals as
soon as possible.
Do not go swimming in
floodwaters.
Follow evacuation orders
carefully.