With the irregular heavy rainfall, the possibility of a sudden flood is definitely not unimaginable. Such a sudden flood typically occurring due to heavy rains or is called a Flash Flood. Sometimes there is no warning of flash floods and that is why it is important to know what these are and be prepared before they happen.
Not just adults but children too should be aware of such calamities and understand few quick actions that they too, can take before, during and after a flash flood to stay safe and ensure other’s safety.
Here are a few things you should tell your kids and that can be really helpful during such a crisis:
Before the floods
- Know about your local relief centres and evacuation routes
- Keep emergency numbers and important information handy, as well as emergency supplies, kits, first aid items. These may include water, canned food, can opener, battery-operated radio, flashlight and protective clothing
- Roll up and secure electrical appliances, Television, valuable documents, jewellery, etc
- It is important to plant trees and shrubs in your compound if you stay in a lowland area. This can control erosion and cut down the speed of the flowing water
- Keep a keen eye outside and on the weather report so that you can stay prepared
- Do not step out in the rains. If you are already outside while it is raining it is advisable to get back home as quickly as possible
During floods
- Flash floods occur in a short span of time. With the onset of a flash flood, be very quick, keep safe and ensure that children and elderly are safe by leaving the house to a higher ground
- Turn off all electrical appliances and stay away from power points or broken power cables. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet
- Carry emergency supplies and first aid items. Remember to carry drinking water
- Do not walk through moving water during flash floods. As little as 6 inches of moving water can make you fall
After floods
- Keep electricity off until the house is cleaned up properly. Check every corners of the house to be sure that the house is free of any water borne insects or snakes
- Flood water is highly contaminated. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters
Flash flood can disrupt livelihood. Many people and animals become homeless. But this will not ruin our love for monsoon and affect us in a bigger way if we are well aware and well prepared to tackle such a situation. While you train your little ones with some safety tips, here’s a beautiful nursery rhyme that will make their monsoon even merrier.
