Preparing for flooding and what to do during a flood

"Great floods have flown from simple sources."

- William Shakespeare (1564-1616), legendary English playwright.



A flood is defined as "as a temporary covering by water of land not normally covered by water." The word is derived from the Old English flod, a word common to Germanic languages. It is one of the most devastating of natural disasters and has troubled Man over millennia. In fact, a great flood is mentioned in may of the ancient religious texts, such as the Hindu Vedas and the Christian Bible.



A flood can affect just about anybody, although those residing beside large water bodies are especially prone. Even bursting of water mains can cause floods. The FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has guidelines to help you determine what to do during a flood. At the same time, it is always better to be prepared for such an eventuality. As you know, "Prevention is better than Cure."



Precaution



You must realize that low-lying areas are more prone to floods. Therefore, if you do live in such a region, take proper precautions by insulating the electrical wiring, sealing off your basement and building flood barriers around your house. Install furnaces, water heaters and electrical paneling elevated on cinder blocks.



Also, you should take out flood insurance to protect possible damages. Additionally, keep some emergency rations and apparatus handy. These combine food, water, clothes, cellphone, radio, flashlight, medicines, batteries, credit cards, cash, insurance information, etc.



Preparation for evacuation



You may have to abandon to higher ground depending on the strength of floods. Before you do, confirm you are appropriately instructed by monitoring the news on radio and television. Before you leave, secure your home and move costly items to higher locations. Shut off utilities and electric apparatus. However, do not touch them if either you or the appliances are wet. Remember that water is a adequate conductor of electricity and there is a chance of electrocution under such circumstances.



For more information, please visit: www.bbsteamatic.com