Keep valuables close, those in flood-prone areas told

PUTRAJAYA: Concerned that a second wave of flash floods could happen, the Fire and Rescue Department is reminding people to keep their important belongings close at hand.

Its director-general Datuk Seri Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim suggested that valuables and other items be kept in a bag that can be brought along if they need to flee or be evacuated.

Several people lost their valuables and important documents when several areas nationwide were badly hit by floods recently.

Wan Mohd Nor called on people in flood-prone areas to stay calm but said they should also be prepared for any eventuality.

“My advice to families is to collect the identity cards, birth certificates, passports, jewellery, cash and other important items and keep them in a bag.

“If there’s a need to leave the house for a relief centre, they can bring the bag along. If this is done, they will have one less headache to deal with later,” he said at a recent function.

Wan Mohd Nor also advised anyone affected by floods not to bring along too many items if they are evacuated because there are space constraints at the relief centres.

He said the centres would already have the basic items they need.

On manpower to deal with crises during the monsoon season, he said more than 12,000 personnel are on standby around the country for any floods or landslides.

“If the situation reaches critical point, we will deploy the personnel who will be working roundthe-clock to assist victims,” he said.

The department has more than 600 boats and 300 lorries, as well as four-wheel-drive vehicles, at the ready.