Prepare your family for floods
Planning and preparations are paramount and can save lives and damage to property.
The rainy season has arrived and risks of flooding have increased.
A flood occurs when there is an abundant amount of water which results in the banks of lakes and dams to break, resulting in water escaping its regular boundaries.
It may also occur due to an accumulation of rainwater on saturated ground.
Flooding puts the lives of people at great risk.
Floods often occur rapidly and it is therefore important to be cautious at all times.
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Planning and preparations are paramount and can save lives and damage to property.
The metro advises residents to heed the following safety tips:
• Develop an effective evacuation plan.
• Keep essential items on hand – this includes at least three days’ worth of drinking water, non-perishable food and any important medication.
• Prepare your home and family for disaster.
If you know a flood or large storm is imminent, have packed bags ready in case you and your family need to leave.
• When evacuating, remember to disconnect utilities and appliance to reduce fire risks.
• Stay away from flood waters.
• Avoid crossing bridges.
• Keep children and pets away from the water; the water might be polluted and full of debris.
• Get to higher ground if possible.
• Do not attempt to walk or drive through large bodies of water.
• Listen to the directions of local officials and keep yourself updated with weather and news reports.
• After the flood, check for any damage to your property.
• Allow an electrician to inspect your home before switching the electricity back on.
The following conditions can result in floods:
• High rainfall intensity over a prolonged period.
• Overflowing rivers.
• Broken dams.
• Storm surges and Tsunamis.
• Large paved areas.
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In large paved areas, the ground is less permeable resulting in the water being unable to penetrate the ground resulting in flooding.
• Clogged drainage systems.
• Developments in a natural waterway.
Water naturally flow from a high-level area down to low laying areas. Poor developments in the low laying
areas will result in water damming up and flooding the area and into the structures.
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