Preparing for the Floods

CEBU, Philippines - Flooding is now a major problem in many areas of the country during the rainy season. It seems the ground could no longer absorb the rainwater when it pours. This is particularly true in urban centers, where most of the ground space has been covered with concrete and building structures are quite dense. 

When the flood comes, various discomforts and risks arise. Damage to property results, as well. The country has even seen cases of human death during flooding. And various illnesses can result after a flood.

Road Risk

There have been deaths on roads that are flooded, which deaths could have been avoided if people caught on roads that were covered with water followed a simple advice: Turn Around, Don't Drown.

Flooding usually occurs during or after a heavy, slow-moving rainstorm. But it also can result from strong coastal storms. Severe flooding can occur even in areas that are far away from the eye of a storm.

The reason why so many people drown during flooding is a lack of understanding of the incredible power of water. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away a vehicle, including pickups and SUVs.

People who come to an area that is covered with water won't know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true in the dark, when vision is rather limited. They need to play it smart - play it safe. Again the smart advice rings to those on the flooded road, either driving or walking: Turn around, don't Drown!

Flash Floods

Flooding that leads to drowning usually occurs during flash-flood conditions. Flash floods are those that develop within six hours of a rainstorm. That may sound like a lot of time, but severe flash floods can occur in a matter of minutes, depending on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography of an area, and the condition of the soil and ground cover.

Anyone who has witnessed a flash flood can testify to the devastating power of fast-rushing water. Flash floods can roll boulders, uproot trees, destroy buildings and bridges, carry away vehicles and create deep new channels in the earth. Rapidly rising water can reach heights of 30 feet or more. Rainstorms that trigger flash floods can also cause catastrophic mud slides.

Many flash-flood fatalities are vehicle-related, affecting mostly male victims. But flood deaths affect people of both sexes and all age groups.

Preparing in Advance

Weather conditions may be beyond human control, but with proper planning, possible precautions may be taken to protect the home from severe damage and ensure the safety of the residents. Certain measures can be taken in order to safeguard the home and the family.

• Find out how vulnerable your home is to flooding by determining the elevation of your property.

• Evaluate your insurance coverage once a year to make sure your home is fully covered. As new construction grows in certain areas, more flood-plains are sometimes created.

• If your home is in a flood-prone area, contact the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to learn what mitigation measures you can take in advance. Ask how to construct proper protective measures around your home.

• If you live in a flood-prone area, keep these materials on hand: sandbags, plywood, lumber, plastic sheeting, trash bags, shovels, work boots and gloves.

• Purchase a battery-operated radio set. It does not cost much, but is very helpful in keeping you posted with the latest weather updates - even when the power supply has gone out. These special, battery-operated radio sets are found at many electrical supply and appliance stores and other retail outlets.

• Put together a disaster survival kit. Have the following supplies and put them in a water-tight container: flashlight with extra batteries, battery-powered radio set, first aid kit, medicines, drinking water, non-perishable foods, spare clothes, and cash. Also secure, in the kit, copies of all important documents.

• Plan two evacuation routes in advance and get family members familiar with each. Don't wait until threatening weather conditions occur before trying to determine your route to safety. Be aware of streams, drainage channels and low sections in your area that are prone to flooding, so that your evacuation routes are not cut off.

• Do not park your vehicle near streams or rivers, especially during threatening weather conditions.

Proper preparation can go a long way keeping the home safe and secure during flooding. It is smart for the family to adapt to this new reality. (FREEMAN)