Flooding is a frustrating experience that may or may not come during the rainy season. The worst kind of flood is flash flood which strikes quickly with little warning. Imagine a sudden rush of water coming towards you on an empty street; scary, isn’t it? We’ll tell you how to deal with flooding in this article.
Flash floods have overtaken some major areas in Nigeria, especially in the city of Lagos. The city’s coastal nature has always aided flooding; each year, it worsens. The flash floods currently occurring result from heavy rains (up to 36 hours), coastal table level areas and improper drainage systems. The following are what to do and ways to combat flooding in such areas.
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1. Always get to higher ground
The safest place to be during flooding is on higher ground; this can be hills (with no history of mudslides), tall buildings or even mountains. Do not bother taking valuables from your homes when evacuating, and don’t wait until the water overwhelms you before running away. Flowing water is very dangerous to swim in, don’t cross them and avoid them as much as possible.
2. Listen to radio, news and updates
News updates are one of the quickest you can get information on flood warnings, know places to avoid, and where you can seek refuge until the water level drops. Always listen to radio or news channels to know the updates on road routes to avoid.
3. Use sandbags and wooden boards to stop flooding
Use Sandbags and wooden flood boards to prevent water from your homes, primarily through doors and windows. It is best to prepare for rainy days by putting sandbags outside your homes. You can make them yourself by using cement bags and fine sands.
4. Beware of electrocution
Ideally, power companies will turn off the power during a flood. However, if you have a solar panel installation, cables and connection points between the panels on the roof of the house and the inverter can remain energized.
This is not the time to be worried about the soups and stew chilling inside the fridge, but it becomes meaningless when something worse happens. Numerous electrical faults can go wrong whenever water meets electricity or electrical appliances. It’s best to safeguard your home from electrocution and faulty appliances.
5. Park your cars on higher ground
Start parking your cars on higher grounds early enough before the rainy season comes. Suppose you live in an area liable to flood every monsoon or heavy rain season. Scout out where you can park your cars for a while to avoid being swept away by the flood. You can choose places like your office, church, parks etc.
6. Fumigate your home/surroundings
After flooding, dangerous animals like snakes and reptiles may have washed up around your home and surroundings to take refuge there. Sadly, the flood that brought them doesn’t take them back. This displacement is terrible for you because these reptiles can hide inside your bedroom, around cracks and damp places. To prevent confrontation with such deadly animals, call an expert to fumigate your home before moving back in.
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