After extreme rainfall, which now occurs more frequently , there is a risk that entire residential areas will be flooded and homes & properties seriously damaged if not destroyed.
So, what can and should every homeowner do to make their home as near 100% flood proof as is possible ?
Let’s first consider a general overview of what needs to be done Before, During and After an environmental Flood Crisis event.
1).Home Weak Points / Vulnerabilities
First and foremost, your home must be examined for weak points. Firstly, check its location. If a house is on a slope or at the foot of a depression, it is more likely that large amounts of water will collect on the house during a storm and then run into the house through the basement, windows and doors.
The building structure and/or the roof can represent further weak points. If you are unsure, it is best to consult an expert.
- The Basement – a major risk : The part of the building is not only vulnerable to flooding, because groundwater can also rise and be pushed up when there is a lot of rain. A flood in the basement can cause great damage. This part of the building is particularly vulnerable to flooding because groundwater can also rise and be pushed up when there is a lot of rain. Apart from damage to household effects, furniture and personal documents the central heating system represents an important source of danger. This is especially apparent with older heating systems which are liable to break down / burst due to increased water pressure. Added to this is the high risk of fuel pollution from the heating system.
- Structural Precautions – In order to protect your house against flooding, it should be structurally retrofitted if there is a risk. This includes, for example, sealing the basement and purchasing protective elements for the windows and, if necessary, mobile flood protection walls made of stainless steel beams. If you are building a new building, you should already include possible flooding in the planning at this point in time.
2). Preparation – ” The Lull Before The Storm “
Heavy rain lasting weeks can turn entire regions into disaster areas. In such cases, even small streams can turn into torrents that pose a danger to life, house and property.
When the water level is still rising and there is no end in sight, there is still time to prepare !
- For protection, stock up on sandbags, clapboards, waterproof plywood, and silicone.
- Make sure that hazardous substances or chemicals cannot be reached by the water.
- Bring valuable furniture or equipment such as computers etc. to the upper, flood-protected rooms.
- Secure the heating oil tank against the buoyancy of the water, e.g. B. anchor it to the wall or weigh it down with ballast.
- Get enough food and drinking water, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, a camping stove and a camping toilet. Have your most important documents ready.
- Also remember to bring insect repellent in case mosquitoes and other pests come into the house after the flood waters have subsided.
3).During the Crisis ……….
Correct action in case of flooding – in the house
- Keep calm and prudence. Check whether your precautionary measures are sufficient.
- Clear out the basement rooms that groundwater can penetrate or that can fill up.
- Seal windows and doors as well as drain openings.
- Turn off electrical devices and heaters in rooms that can fill up. Be aware of the risk of electric shock. If necessary, switch off the power completely (fuse out).
- Check backwater flaps in the basement.
Acting correctly in case of flooding – in the car
- Drive your car out of vulnerable garages or parking lots in time.
- Caution! Underground car parks can become deadly traps when there is a risk of flooding.
- Do not drive through flooded streets. Water in the engine compartment causes major damage. The catalytic converter, which has an operating temperature of 700 degrees Celsius, shatters if it is suddenly cooled by water.
- Have your vehicle towed if it is up to its wheels in water.
Acting correctly in the event of flooding – save lives
- Help others, but don’t put yourself in danger.
- Remove children from the flooded area before danger arises.
- Do not unnecessarily “walk” boats or other vehicles in flooded areas because of wave formation and the risk of underwater obstacles.
- Do not enter any shore areas due to the risk of undermining or crashing. Flooded or partially flooded roads must not be driven on.
- Observe the instructions and barriers of the emergency services.
Very important >>>>> Keep up to date! Follow the latest weather reports and flood warnings.
Think early about:
- caring for the sick or those in need. Can you evacuate these people from the danger zone in time? and to where?
- the evacuation of pets.
- the opportunities to talk to neighbors or others when the phone and cell phone are down. Discuss distress and danger signs with neighbors.
- the “role distribution” for emergencies. Who does what?
4). What to do after the Flood
The water gives way. Now it’s time to take stock and clean up.
- Do not start pumping water out the house until you are sure that the water table has dropped enough that you do not cause damage to the building. Make an inventory and photograph the damage for your insurance company’s inspection.
- Clear the house of residual water and mud and dry the rooms as quickly as possible to avoid structural damage or mold. Use heaters for drying.
- Have the electricity, heating oil tanks and, in special cases, the structural analysis checked by a specialist.
- If pollutants such as paint, varnish, pesticides, petrol, oil, etc. are released, call the fire brigade.
- Dirty, broken furniture and spoiled food do not simply belong in the household waste, but must be disposed of properly.
- Do not eat fruits, vegetables and salads that have originated from flooded areas. In the case of gardens or fields contaminated with pollutants from e.g. oil, overflowing drains, notify the responsible authorities.
ANTI-FLOOD PRECAUTIONS : Do Flood Bags Work ?
Flood Bags are inflatable protection bags against ‘small’ floods, typically those that occur in houses.
Heavy rain, a fridge to defrost, a faulty household appliance, a leaking toilet, damaged pipes, so many situations that can cause small floods, and which can also be avoided in a few seconds. Quick Dam is a renowned manufacturer of this type of anti-flood device whose range of protective bags will inflate on contact with water to prevent or at least minimize the damage associated with flooding.
Before describing this particular product it would be wise to present a COMPARISON TABLE to explain the various types of flood protection measures available :
Protects against storm surges, rainwater, burst water pipes, overflowing appliances and equipment, spills, leaks, floods, drips and more! Perfect for the garage, basement, driveway, kitchen and anywhere water might cause damage. Compact, light and fast and easy to deploy. A great alternative to traditional sandbags, with no sand or labor! Quick Dam bags are eco-friendly, pet-friendly, non-toxic, non-hazardous and last for months.
- The Quick Dam Bag is a flood barrier that is activated upon contact with water
- Inflated bag absorbs, controls and diverts water to help protect against burst water main lines, overflowing appliances, air conditioner condensation, flooding, leaks and more
- Proves a quick and effective solution against flooding; absorbs approximately 4 gallons of water and inflates to an approximate height of 3.5"
- Reusable: inflates on contact with water and deflates when water evaporates
- Easy to store thanks to the compact and lightweight design
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Available in Packs from 2 up to 26
DIMENSIONS:
Length: 24 inches
Width: 12 inches.
For now, this concludes our discussions and reviews of Devices related to disaster prep and survival.
***************************
