Living in flooded areas can pose a threat to health and life. Even after preparing for flood by securing a flood insurance policy and setting up your home to reduce property damage from flood. There is more to do to ensure you and your family are safe.
Escape flooded areas fast
In a flooding situation where the water level is increasing, make sure you evacuate that flooded area fast. Do not scramble about saving your valuables yet; instead, have your safety kits with you along with a means to listen to the latest developments on the flooding situation.
Stay updated on flooding information
While escaping the flooded area, have with you a battery-powered radio to listen to updates on the situation. The agency responsible for responding to disasters in Nigeria is the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA. Keep your ears to the ground for alerts on areas to be avoided and directions to safety.
Assume floodwater is dangerous
For your safety and that of your family assume areas with floodwater are dangerous. This is because the flood may have carried waste products like sewage or refuse. Flood water may contain oil which may explode when in contact with light. Some may even be charged with the electrical current; animals that have lost their habitat may be in the water too. So, avoid it as much as you can, including a moving one as you may not be able to survive the tide.
Stay on high grounds
It is easy to drown in flooded areas as the depth cannot be determined prior to entering it. To avoid the hazards of floodwater, stay on high grounds. If the flood caught you in your home, stay abreast of the water by either ascending your staircase to the highest position; finding your way to the rooftop or arranging items to raise you higher in the water.
Avoid fallen electrical poles and wires
Avoid stepping on wires or moving over a fallen electrical pole. They may still be charged with electrical current, causing electrocution and perhaps, death.
The aforementioned are the first-aid tips to adopt before the emergency team in your locality arrives or the floodwater recedes.