Fire Department issues flood advice

THE Fire Department has issued a list of dos and don’ts to members of the public for potential floods during the coming months.

It advises that people should “never enter flood waters to escape from a flood” and to “ensure that you clean your home’s grates, roof gutters and drainage systems seasonally” to allow rain water to drain away.

The Fire Department also advised the public to “keep sandbags (to create a wall) to prevent water from entering your home”.

The advice continues: “Before winter comes, check whether the efficiency of the drainage water pumps you have installed in the basement of your homes and workplaces is sufficient, that they are maintained and in working condition.

“Remember that the first sign of a water leak is paint discoloration or a ring-shaped appearance. If you see either, start the necessary repair immediately.

“If you see uncleaned creek beds, culverts under bridges, the exterior and interior of road grates etc., you can call the relevant institutions so that measures are taken.”

In the event of a flood, people should “not panic, pay attention to the warnings from the Meteorology Department, not go out unless absolutely necessary, stay away from spots such as under trees and telephone and electricity poles to avoid being struck by lightning, and call the 199 Fire Brigade and 101 Civil Defence emergency numbers”.