FLOODS

Those who live or work near a water area always exposed to floods although these might be minor. Any flood can be really dangerous if you are not ready and do not know what steps to follow. Towns or cities near large rivers are prone to frequent floods. Ice meltwater in Spring and heavy rain can lead to flood in some areas. Whole communities are affected by this, including stores, schools, water treatment plants, etc. Civil protection agencies play an outstanding role aiding people in these areas. Sometimes plains flood every year. Some other places only flood after heavy rain or rarely every 100 years. Those living in a community where floods may happen, must be alert to weather conditions and must be ready to evacuate to higher areas. Water can quickly rise and may become a mortal trap if evacuation is delayed.

Once roads are flooded they become out of service, and it is more difficult to leave. You may be willing to take your personal belongings but in an emergency the most valuable belonging is your life and your family´s. High waters is not the only risk in flood. Electric lines can get damaged and the drainage system may be not so safe if the streets are flooded. Any ruin may flow through the area. All these factors lead to unsafe conditions. If evacuation is delivered, the corresponding state agencies may provide lodging, meals and dry clothes. Every community has local resources to help in a flood.

Cooperate with the authorities to make this process safer for all. When the flood is over, be cautious when returning to your home. Verify the electric service, the water supply and the gas pipelines. You may have to throw away food items. You may have to boil water if the flood affected the water supply. Heavy rain may turn streams and drainage channels in a real hazard over a short period of time. The level, volume or speed of the water current may quickly increase.

The power of water may damage facilities and people in nearby neighborhoods. Local radio stations usually broadcast the weather forecast and alert about possible floods. Listening to the news can help people in a community to have plenty time to move to higher and safer areas Never waste time packing personal belongings since any delay can lead to death.

Many communities have drainage systems to divert large volumes of water away of buildings and out of the city. Stay apart from flooded storm drains. Teach children to avoid playing in drainage channels or passing through them. Currents in floods may trap passengers in motor vehicles. Sometimes people try to drive through flooded streets. A river or drainage channel overflowing a road can easily sweep car. As a general rule, avoid driving in flooded roads or through bridges easily flooded. Moreover, in flooded areas the real depth cannot be estimated. In case of flood follow these steps:

• Move away to a safer place before flood blocks roads and streets
• Never try to cross a current above knee level.
• Never move about flooded streets
• Leave your vehicle if stuck.
• Be careful with fallen wires and electrified walls.
• Never handle electric appliances in wet places
• Never move close to sewers or drains.
• Move away from places easy to collapse.
• Evacuate homes as ordered by the authorities.

In case evacuation is needed take the following items:

• Identity card
• Warm clothes
• Regular medicine
• Money and other means of payment