ENVIS Centre, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Govt. of India
Printed Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Floods
FLOODS
DO's
- Switch off electrical and gas appliances, and turn off services off at the mains.
- Avoid contact with flood water it may be contaminated with sewage, oil, chemicals or other substances.
- If you have to walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that you do not step into deep water, open manholes or ditches.
- Stay away from power lines electrical current can travel through water, Report power lines that are down to the power company.
- Look before you step-after a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, which may include broken bottles, sharp objects, nails etc.Floors and stairs covered with mud and debris can be slippery.
- If the ceiling is wet shut off electricity. Place a bucket underneath the spot and poke a small hole into the ceiling to relieve the pressure.
- Use buckets, clean towels and mops to remove as much of the water from the afflicted rooms as possible.
- Place sheets of aluminium foil between furniture wet carpet.
Don't's
- Don't walk through flowing water - currents can be deceptive, and shallow, fast moving water can knock you off your feet.
- Don't swim through fast flowing water - you may get swept away or struck by an object in the water.
- Don't drive through a flooded area - You may not be able to see abrupt drop - offs and only half a meter of flood water can carry a car away. Driving through flood water can also cause additional damage to nearby property.
- Don't eat any food that has come into contact with flood water.
- Don't reconnect your power supply until a qualified engineer has checked it. Be alert for gas leaks - do not smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames.
- Don't scrub or brush mud and other deposits from materials, This may cause further damage.
- Never turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Stay away from ceilings those are sagging.
- Never use TVs, VCRS, CRT terminals or other electrical equipment while standing on wet floors, especially concrete.
- Don't attempt to remove standing water using your vacuum cleaner.
- Don't remove standing water in a basement too fast. If the pressure is relieved too quickly it may put undue stress on the walls.