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It’s best to be ready for any disasters such as severe weather and flooding. Although we less likely want to think about emergencies, it’s something that we need to tackle and discuss with our family.
Sydney has been experiencing heaps of heavy rainfall and flooding over the past three weeks. Wild storms and flash floods have caused many residents to evacuate their homes for safety.
Moreover, the severe weather warning covers most areas of NSW as the forecast shows that the heavy rainfall may continue for the next two weeks. Thousands of people were affected, and the death toll has alarmingly reached 20.
Keeping your family safe during these times is a top priority. You should know what you must do to survive and avoid casualties.
That’s why we’ve listed some helpful tips your family can practice to be ready and safe in a flood.
Stay Vigilant and Know Your Area’s Flood Risk
If you live near a river, creek, coast or in a low-lying area, your home might be at risk of major flooding. Know your flood risk by entering your location into the Local FloodSafe Guides.
The NSW SES has comprehensive plans for community and regional-level risks to keep all residents updated on the latest disaster warnings.
Make a Home Emergency Plan
Discussing things with your family is vital, especially when it comes to disasters and emergencies. You should plan what you will do in case of heavy storms or flooding.
Ensure that every family member is aware of your home emergency plan. Look out for each other and ensure to charge up your phones for communication.
You should also be ready for any evacuation advisory in your area.
Get Your Home Ready
Keep yourself posted on the latest weather reports to prepare your home for heavy rain or flood. Secure anything that may be blown away by strong winds and clean your drains and gutters.
Position your electronic devices above the level of base flood elevation. Seal your basement walls and prepare some sandbags to prevent floodwaters from entering your home.
You may also have to trim trees and branches that break or fall during a heavy storm to keep your home and family safe.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is always a must during disasters. Just think about everything that could happen when you’re caught up in a heavy storm.
Since power may be cut off at these times, finding some essential items may be difficult. An emergency kit is a secure and waterproof container that includes things you may need in case of a sudden evacuation.
Your emergency kit should contain essential prescriptions and medications, important documents, and your family’s emergency plans. Visit the NSW SES website for more details on the items included in an emergency kit.
Evacuate If Advised
Evacuation is done to keep everyone safe. Leave your home immediately if there’s a flood warning in your place and the local authorities have issued an evacuation advisory.
Don’t forget to turn off your home’s water and power connection before leaving. Gather your family and grab your emergency kits, then evacuate safely.
Move to a Higher Ground
If your car gets trapped on a flooded road and the water level rises, get your family out of the vehicle and move to higher ground quickly. Don’t stay on low spots such as underpasses and basements, as these areas are extremely at risk during a flash flood.
Keep posted on the latest weather news through radios or mobile phones. Call for a rescue if things are too dangerous and your family gets trapped by floodwaters at home. Stay on higher ground and keep each other safe until the rescue team arrives.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Heavy rainfall and flooding can cause emotional and physical hazards. You have to look after yourself and your family members during such times.
Floodwater may contaminate various elements, such as rubbish, oil, and gasoline. Avoid contact with floodwaters for your family’s safety as much as possible. If it’s unavoidable, disinfect yourselves and everything that got wet by floodwaters.
Taking the right actions to be healthy and safe during and after a flood is crucial. Listen to news reports and other advisories about the current weather and the power and water supply condition in your area.
You may also have to prepare for complete rubbish and junk cleanup after a flood with all the pieces of debris scattered in your home and backyard.
When clearing out your property, it’s best to get extra help from junk removal professionals at Aussie Junk for your safety. We can help you remove anything that has been impacted by flood damage.
