Safety tips for when a flood occurs
It is the rainy season, and more lives may be lost due to sporadic flooding or floods.
A flood is the overflow of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines, especially over what is normally dry land, and may occur from water bodies such as rivers, lakes, dams or even oceans in which the water overtops or breaks banks, resulting in some of that water escaping its usual boundaries.
Flooding may also occur due to an accumulation of rainwater on saturated ground.
Whenever flooding takes place, there is the possibility of a loss of life, hardship to people and extensive damage to property. Some floods occur abruptly and recede quickly whereas others take several days or even months to form and to recede because of various topographic factors.
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Causes of flooding
• High rainfall over a prolonged period can cause infrastructure drainage systems that remove rainwater appropriately to reservoirs to become overwhelmed and the water does not drain as quickly as it needs to. Water will back up and rise into dwellings and other structures.
• Overflowing rivers do not necessarily have to experience heavy downpours to experience flooding, moreover, those people living upstream next to the rivers. Rivers with dams not managed effectively can contribute to flooding for those living upstream.
• Broken dams, aging dam walls, and water gates can fail to contain the rising water levels in the dam. Walls can unleash torrents of water to unsuspecting households.
• Storm surges related to hurricanes and other storms can lead to significant flooding, as can tsunamis that are caused by underwater earthquakes.
• Large paved areas in urban areas become impermeable, resulting in water being unable to sink into the ground. Subsequently, flooding occurs even with small amount of rain, which could have been handled easily by unpaved areas.
• Uncontrolled littering results in drain systems clogging and preventing rainwater from draining quick enough through the system.
• Poor developments in a natural waterway, especially in low-lying areas, will result in water damming and flooding the area.
Types of floods
• Flash floods generally cause greater loss of life and they occur when runoffs from excessive rainfall cause a rapid rise in water heights of streams or normally dry channels.
• River floods generally cause greater loss of property.
Both these types of floods cause wide-scale devastation and affect everyone negatively. It doesn’t differentiate between the rich and the poor, the young and the old. It causes economic losses – it damages bridges and washes away automobiles, farm crops, and livestock. The flow of sewerage and debris into the rivers also causes pollution.
Safety tips for when a flood may occur
Planning and preparation are of paramount importance before flooding, it can save lives.
• Have a family evacuation plan. Tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters require people to have a plan on how to safely evacuate their homes.
• Have the essentials on hand. Keep at least three days’ water, non-perishable food and any important medications on hand so it will be available when needed.
• Prepare your home and family. If you know a pending storm is likely to cause major flooding, have bags packed and ready in case you need to leave quickly.
• When evacuating, if possible, disconnect utilities and appliances before you leave to minimise the risk of fire and electrical hazards. Close and lock all the windows and doors.
• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, use an alternative route.
• When the flooding water covers the surface of a bridge, do not cross it. The bridge might have been washed away or the water stream might be too strong and wash your vehicle or yourself away. Even if you drive a heavy truck, do not take the chance.
• Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to see flood danger.
• Keep children and pets out of the water. The water might be polluted and full of debris.
• Go to higher ground and avoid areas subject to flooding.
• Do not attempt to walk or drive through flowing streams or flooded roadways.
• Listen to the direction of local officials and stay updated by following local weather and news reports.
• If you come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.
• After the floods, check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
• If your home was affected by floodwater, keep the power off until a qualified electrician has inspected your system for safety.
• Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
• Prevent mould by removing wet contents immediately.
• Wear gloves and boots when cleaning and disinfecting.
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For any life-threatening emergency call the Ekurhuleni life-threatening emergency numbers (011 458 0911) or the national toll-free number (10177 from a landline or 112 from a cellphone).
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