Take extra precautions during heavy rains and possible floods

With the recent heavy rains in Gauteng that contributed to smaller rivers and low-lying areas to fill up quickly, ER24 has released some tips to stay safe.

A flash flood is a rapid flooding of a low-lying area. This may be caused by heavy rains associated with a severe thunderstorm, hurricane or even a tropical storm.

Flash floods are distinguished from regular floods by a timescale of fewer than six hours. You will not always have a warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming, so, if you live in areas prone to flash floods, plan accordingly to protect your family and property.

Some tips form ER24 include:

• Keep an eye out for weather warnings, radio announcements, news articles and only trust warnings from verified sources
• Do not distribute warnings circulating on WhatsApp and other social media channels that cannot be verified
• If you are caught in a heavy storm, try and find cover. Ensure that you are not in the open or near any large trees or high rising objects that might be struck by lightning
• Remember that visibility will be decreased during heavy downpours and this will affect your ability to see other vehicles on the road as well as pedestrians
• Keep a wider than normal following distance and ensure that you decrease your speed. Your vehicle must be roadworthy and your windscreen wipers must be in perfect condition
• Where an area is flooded, it is advisable to seek an alternative route and not to attempt to cross the road or surface. More than often there is debris that is not visible and the current may be stronger than what is perceived
• If you are trapped in your vehicle during a flash flood, rather abandon your vehicle to try and get to higher ground
• If flooding occurs at your home, ensure that all your electrical devices are switched off at the main distribution board
• Move to higher ground and inform emergency services of the situation
• Remember to keep a first aid kit and always ensure you have the necessary emergency numbers at hand and someone knows the route you are travelling.

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