Prepare for a Flood

3 Parts:

Steps to take for flood preparedness:

TIPS, TRICKS & WARNINGS:

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Disasters strike all over the world, and one of the worst catastrophes is a flood. You have probably seen on international newscasts, the devastating results of floods, ranging from a deadly typhoon in the Philippines to heavy flooding in the streets of cities in Vietnam to a cyclone in the Midwest United States leaving many people homeless.

Do you think it will never happen to you or your family? Think again.

Do you live in a coastal city or town? These areas will likely face increased risk from flooding in the future, as the world adjusts to an increasingly warmer climate.

An expert from Time.com stated, "It is unthinkable that the great New York City would become flooded. It is a city that almost always is thinking inwards, as its citizens do -- always thinking about ways to earn big bucks in the city. The people here are not thinking outwards, meaning, most of them are not even remotely aware that the Atlantic Ocean is right at their doorstep. Last year, Hurricane Sandy changed the myth that is New York City with billions in losses for both the government and the citizens. And to make things worse, scientists are predicting that sea level will rise by about 3 feet by the end of the century because of carbon emissions which are very much factors in climate change. This explains the warmer climate."

This exemplifies the lack of, and the need for, flood preparedness. Flood survival planning is a combination of contingency, advanced planning and quick-minded responsiveness when disaster eventually strikes.

1. 1
   Know your area's vulnerability to flooding. If your place of abode is a coastal area or near a body of water like a river, it is at high risk for flooding.

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2. 2
   Check that your insurance coverage includes "Acts of God" Insurance policies and other documents should be kept in a safe, dry place.

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3. 3
   As a general flood prevention plan, your house should have a sump pump. According to Wikipedia, a sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basement of homes. And, according to Popular Mechanics, a sump pump is the best defense against minor floods and eternally flooded basements.

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4. 4
   Stock emergency supplies. This should include:  

   1. Essential and emergency first aid kit.
   2. Lots of drinking water (at least 3 gallons per person).
   3. Canned goods and a can opener.
   4. Sleeping bags, rainwear and other waterproof clothing.
   5. Battery-powered accessories (for example, radio and flashlight) and extra batteries. Have also, on hand, your cellphones and extra battery packs.  
      1. List of important contacts such as nearest hospital, police, armed forces, fire department, etc.
   6. Identification cards, driver's licenses and passports.
   7. Items for babies, seniors and sick and disabled members of the household (such as diapers, toys, nebulizer, or other necessities).

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5. 5
   If a storm, cyclone or typhoon is imminent, the first thing to do is to move everything up to a higher level, then evacuate.

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6. 6
   Never drive through a flooded area. Fifty percent of all fatalities in a flood are car-related.

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7. 7
   Never walk through moving water.

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8. 8
   Get regular flood updates. Keep in touch with social media such as Facebook or Twitter. Facebook is great for getting updates from friends. Twitter, on the other hand, is useful for official updates from government agencies concerned with flooding and other disasters. Remember, old-fashioned TV and radio can be great sources of information too. Batteries will come in handy for these items as well, in cases of electricity black out.

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• Learn the basic skill of swimming. This could come in handy.
• Take a flood seriously because it can be very dangerous. The moving waters could carry mud, trees and sharp objects, which could harm or kill people.
• In case of a flash flood when you are inside your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground.
• If possible, avoid contact with flood water. It could be contaminated with all kinds of bacteria, gasoline or feces. It could also be charged with electricity from fallen electric poles.
• We can never really accurately predict 100 percent (even with the help of the weather bureau) the onset of a monster typhoon or cyclone, but awareness and preparedness can make all the difference between catastrophe and saving your life and the lives of your loved ones.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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