Disaster Preparedness:
Remember These Flood Disaster Survival Tips
By Carlo
Morelli
The dangers of a flood are always the obvious ones.
Floodwaters are liable to contain toxic chemicals and
will inevitably spawn dangerous bacteria. Only if you
have your own supply of fresh water for drinking and
washing can you keep any cuts or open sores from infection
from floodwater-borne microorganisms. Follow the below
precautions for you and your family’s safety.
If you need to walk through floodwater only do so wearing
boots or waders high enough to protect you from the
water. Wash your hands with soap and clean, safe water
completely and often. If available, use antibacterial
soap, especially when preparing food or eating. Children
who suck their thumb or those too young to know the
danger are at risk of hand to mouth infection.
Drink no water except bottled water until the water
supply has been deemed safe by local officials. Even
following the water supply being declared safe, water
lines to your home must be disinfected.
Structures that have been flooded can be dangerous.
Ceilings can cave in, floors give way and the entire
building can collapse with no warning. Have your home
inspected by a professional and certified safe for you
and your family before moving back in.
If you live in a flood-prone area, keep a waterproof
flood survival kit in your home, with the following
items: Bottled water, ready-to-eat foods, drinks that
don't require refrigeration, first aid equipment, extra
medications, rubber boots, heavy shoes, dry clothing,
thermal blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-operated
radio, plastic bags for trash and smaller sealable bags
for keeping things dry or just keeping things together
and a small set of vitall tools including: a sharp pocket
knife, razor-blade knife, adjustable-wrenches, assorted
screwdrivers, adjustable pliers and channel-locks, rope,
twine and bailing wire, duct tape, electrical tape.
Standing water next to the outside walls of the house
could indicate the structure or foundation’s integrity
has been compromised it is unsafe to enter. You must
have the house inspected by professionals and certified
safe for you and your family.
Walk around the outside of the house, looking for loose
power lines and signs of gas leaks. You may not be able
to smell a broken gas line, but you can probably hear
the hiss of escaping gas. If you see, hear or smell
anything suspect, call the utility company or emergency
services.
Do not light matches, use lighters, smoke or use candles,
gas lanterns, camp stoves, or any other open flame around
the house until it has been inspected and declared free
of any flammable fumes or other fire hazards.
Carlo Morelli writes for OnlineTips.Org, where you
can read tips on home
alarm monitoring, and home
security services and products.
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