On dry and cracked river beds, or near buildings built on narrow waterways or behind barriers, rainstorm will soon cause floods. The surging water will break through these barriers and engulf everything that passes through them.
1. Be wary of floods
If there is continuous heavy rain and severe storms after a period of drought, be vigilant and stay away from waterways and low-lying areas. But floods can affect a large area. Staying in highlands is always safer, and if the water level rises, it will be moved to higher areas. In mountainous areas, it is important to stay away from canyons and lowlands, which are particularly susceptible to flooding.
The source of food is not a problem, at least initially. Because animals also tend to hide high, whether they are carnivores or small animals, they will gather in a safe area – but be careful not to be harmed by animals that panic in the water.
Drinking water may not be easily accessible, and although the water is raging around, it may have been contaminated. Collect rainwater for drinking and boil it before use.
2. Flooded buildings
If you are in a sturdy building when the water level rises, stay inside and don’t run. Even if the water level rises rapidly, the danger is less than escaping barefoot. Turn off gas and electricity, prepare emergency food, warm clothes, and drinking water. Drinking water should be stored in plastic bottles with screwable caps and other tightly sealed containers. All water containers must be sealed to avoid leakage or contamination, which is important. If possible, collect flashlights, whistles, mirrors, brightly colored clothes or flags that can be used as signals and put them in the toolbox. A camping stove is very valuable as it can be used to heat food, drink water, and keep warm. Candles are also useful – don’t forget matches.
3. Transfer upwards
Transfer to the upper room, if it is a bungalow, go up to the roof. If you are forced to go up to the roof, you can set up a protective shed. If the roof is inclined, tie yourself to a chimney or other sturdy object. If the water level appears to continue to rise, prepare a small raft. If there are no ropes to tie objects, use bed sheets. Unless there is a possibility that the flood may collapse the building or the water surface may not reach the roof and force you to evacuate, stay still and wait for the water to stop rising.
4. Flood prevention
If you live in a river valley or coastal area prone to floods, calculate how much your home is above normal water level and understand the easiest route to the highlands – not necessarily a road line, as most roads run parallel to the waterways at the bottom of the valley. During the rainy season, you should listen to flood warnings, which will often predict the height to which the water surface may rise and the areas that may be affected.
Even if the flood only rises a few centimeters higher, it can still cause huge losses. Place sandbags or plastic shopping bags filled with soil along the threshold and window bottom, and try to keep the water out of the door as much as possible. If you have a truly enclosed building with doors and windows, and other possible water ingress gaps have also been blocked, water will not enter.
5. Sudden floods
During or after the rain, sudden rainstorm water will rush to the valley and river bed. Remember, don’t stay at the foot of the mountain, otherwise you will be submerged by the rushing floodwaters – floods often carry mud and debris from trees and rocks that can kill people.
6. Gulf Floods
Often associated with high tides and strong winds, they can raise the water level of floods. The best way to receive a flood warning is usually to evacuate.
7. After a flood
After the flood receded, a chaotic scene was left: the eyes were filled with dilapidated ruins and drowned animal corpses.
Due to the fact that decay and water pollution can cause diseases, extra caution is necessary. Burn all animal carcasses – do not risk eating them. All water should be thoroughly boiled before drinking. After the flood, certain crops and crops can still be found, and birds escaping the flood can safely consume them.