A flood is an overflow of water beyond the normal confines of the channel
Causes
- Intense rainfall: Thunder storms greater on average than 25 mm/hr
- Prolonged rainfall: As with the Intertropical Convergence Zone (during the wet season)
- Poor drainage
- Clogged drains: Garbage thrown into drains and rivers
- High tides can coincide with overflowing rivers in low lying areas
Prevention
- Before building check the area for signs or history of flooding and find out how many feet above flood level you need to build your house
- Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing
- Do not throw garbage into drains and rivers
- Put sandbags by exposed openings and secure objects that are in the open
Precautions
- Turn off gas and electricity. Unplug electrical appliances
- Put dangerous liquids, especially flammable ones, in a safe place and close containers securely
- Tie down movable containers containing explosive liquids
- Seal in watertight containers and place important documents above flood height
- Take furniture to upper floors or raise on sturdy table
- Drive vehicles to places that will not be flooded
Have the following important supplies ready at a safe place:
- Food, drinking water
- First-aid equipment, medication
- Bucket, cloth, scrubbers
- Spades, shovels, tools
- Flashlights
- Covers and blankets
- Wooden planks, nails
- Sandbags, if available
During a flood:
- Turn on battery powered radio
- Avoid areas that are already flooded
- Avoid or leave areas exposed to flash flooding
- Do not try to cross water courses if the water is more than knee-deep
- Check the depth of water in depressions and underpasses before driving through them. If your car gets stuck abandon it immediately
- Take extra care at night as dangers are more difficult to recognise
Following floods:
- Gas and fuel pipes may have been damaged. Use flashlights instead of an open flame to investigate buildings
- Do not touch leads or live electrical equipment in wet areas
- Report broken utility lines to TTEC, TSTT or WASA
- Be careful of hidden objects or broken glass when walking in water. Stairwells and floors may be slippery
- Seek medical assistance at the nearest hospital or health centre
- Do not use food that has come into contact with flood waters
- Boil drinking water before drinking
- Do not go sight-seeing