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Article Series: Floods
Flood Facts, Tips and Safety Protocols
What
Are The Proper Flood Evacuation Procedures?
A difficult moment may come when you will
be asked to evacuate your home for safety concerns. This will
not be an easy thing to do. We tend to feel safest in our homes
and there is also the aspect of not being there to help keep
our property as safe as possible. So rather than leave things
to the last emotional moment it is essential to give thought
in advance as to what you may need to do before closing up
your home and as well what you may need to take with you.
Start
by writing out a personal needs check list. Next, you
will need to prepare and keep readily accessible an emergency
kit with all the essentials that can keep you going over a
72 hour period. Keep in mind that if you have pets that they
will be needing water and food and perhaps some medicinal care
just as their human counterparts do. Because the advisory to
leave your home could come very suddenly, it is vital to have
these kits together ahead of time. Ensure that every member
of the family has waterproof outerwear and footwear.
Know
how to safely turn off your utilities – which includes
water, electricity and in some cases gas at their main valves.
Turn off and unplug your appliances. Move any hazardous materials
or chemicals to a higher level. Take any valuables that are
stored in the basement upstairs. And you may in fact find it
a good idea to move as much in the way of valuable items or
furniture to upper levels as well. Then be sure to lock and
secure all your windows and doors.
Arrange ahead of time to discuss with your family a safe
meeting place outside of the danger zone. This will be important if
for any reason someone becomes separated from the others. Although
nowadays most people have cell phones it may be good to pick
an out-of-state or province contact that would serve as a base
of information if it should happen that communications get
broken down.
When
instructed by authorities to vacate it is good to listen
promptly. They are more aware of the situation as it is progressing.
And if you are being housed temporarily at a community center
be sure that everyone is registered properly. This will provide
information to the local authorities that you have properly
evacuated your area, even if you decide to stay somewhere else
for the night.
Remember that water can be deeper and stronger than it may
first appear. Avoid any unnecessary risks. It only takes a
couple of feet of fast moving water to sweep a car away and
as little as six inches of water can cause a person to stumble
and fall. Proceed cautiously, staying alert to your surroundings
in case there are sudden washouts of roads or bridges or if
there are downed power lines.
The key, as always, is to try and remain calm and aware of
the changing conditions around you. In time, you will be given
permission to return to your property when the authorities
feel that certain factors – such as a clean water supply and
proper sewage disposal is in place. Then will come the mighty
job of cleaning up.
Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere without warning. Protect yourself and your family. Click to see valuable emergency preparedness supplies and information. Be ready. Be prepared. I love this website. It's my SolveYourProblem recommendation.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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