Flooding is one of the natural disasters that brings harm to many people and ecosystems. It can be hazardous because the water can sweep and damage the environment. Since it can be expected to happen according to history, people should know how to survive flood.
Early detection is very crucial and it becomes the responsibility of the local government. Working with meteorological and climate agencies would help to conclude and forecast the flood as soon as possible. As citizens, what do we have to know to survive this disaster?
How to Survive Flood Safely
1. Understanding the risks of flood
The risk of flood is different according to the topography and the location. Flooding can be severe in the lower land such as valleys and coastline. For a location that has many types of storms, a flood can happen once the rain with high intensity pours.
With the higher intensity and severity of the causes, people should learn to evacuate themselves in case it occurs. They also have the choice to consider other places to live because floods can be dangerous most of the time. Climate change increases the impact of the flood.
2. Learning the signs from EWS
How to survive flood is by learning some signs from early warning systems. However, it applies to the area that has this integrated system. Unfortunately, the country might not be able to provide this system because it needs strict maintenance.
Relying on EWS is a key to surviving from floods. Usually, there are many signs that show the severity of floods that might happen in the future. A warning can be issued after high-intensity rain. After that, follow the guidelines on the warning message either to evacuate or take other actions.
3. Emergency Preparation
Excellent emergency preparation is important for yourself and your family. Children and the elderly should have more attention because they are more vulnerable compared to others. You can prepare an emergency bag that is filled with water, medications, documents, and some food.
Teaching vulnerable people to face an emergency is important because floods can come faster than expected. There is a critical time to save themselves in this situation. Sharing the evacuation route and the emergency number to contact can help them.
4. Planning for evacuation
Evacuation planning should be very careful because people should go to a certain place as a shelter. Learn the routes that are shared by the local government and communities. It is also important for the disabled, elderly, and children to know about this.
Evacuation should be timely as well. People are expected to be ready to evacuate when the issued warning shows a certain level of hazard. People should contact emergency services during this time or follow the instructions in the warning message as the step of how to survive flood.
5. Learning basic survival
There are some techniques of basic survival that people can learn during this situation. Besides staying on the higher ground to avoid the water, they also have to know how to signal for help so the rescue team can notice their existence.
Swimming in flood water is unnecessary because it can be dangerous. Sometimes, the water has a strong stream and brings anything, including people to other places. Instead of moving, people can get swept away. The loss of lives can happen because of this.
6. Learning to avoid hazard
There are many types of hazards because of floods, such as fast-moving water that contains debris and contamination in the water. People should learn how to avoid them all because they can bring harm to people. Going to higher places can save themselves faster from these hazards.
7. Recovery preparation
After the flood, returning home can be challenging as well. You have to clean the house and pay attention to the safety as well. The structure of the house may not be the same as before. Electrical hazards and bad hygiene may happen because water has damaged it.
Using an SMS broadcaster device as part of an early warning system during a flood can be one of the ways how to survive flood. This device can send messages to many people who may be affected because of the flood. After a warning, they can go to a safe shelter or evacuation point.
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