Guide in pdf format

Floods

BEFORE A FLOOD

If you stay in an area with flood problems during the past

• Make sure that the wells and gullies outside your house are not blocked.
• Make sure that house drains function properly.
• Reduce your removals as much as possible.
• Avoid working or living in underground places if necessary.

DURING THE APPEARANCE OF FLOOD

• Avoid underground places and move to a secure higher point
• Don’t cross torrents on foot or by car
• Abandon your car if it gets immobilized as it might be swept away or flooded.
• Stay away from electric wires.
• Avoid areas where there have been landslides.

ACTIONS IN FLOODED AREAS

Stay away from flooded areas or areas dangerous to flood in the next hours

• The flood is likely to have changed the area characteristics and waters might have swept away parts of the streets, the pavements etc.
• Dangers are imminent from broken pavements, areas with dangerous slope, flows of mud etc.
• The water is likely to be polluted from rubbish, dead animals, raw sewage or other materials.
• Be careful not to prevent the rescue–parties.
• Don’t approach areas where landslides and rock falls have been recorded.
• Check if your house or place of work runs the risk of a possible fall of rocks.

If you need to walk or to drive in flooded areas

• Try to find solid ground.
• Avoid moving waters.
• If you see a flooded street, stop and change direction.
• Avoid stagnant waters that could be electric-current conductors if there are underground power cables or leaks.
• Follow the authorities’ instructions.

The restoration of damages at home or the place of employment

If the area you stay had been evacuated, don’t return before the authorities indicate that is safe.

Before you begin restoration works at your place

• Switch off the electric supply even if the power company has switched off the whole area.
• Turn off the water supply in case the network fails.
  
  
  To overhaul a flooded building, pay attention to
  
  
• Wear protective shoes so as not to get injured from objects or irregularities of the ground hidden by water.
• Examine the walls, doors, stairs and windows.
• Check the networks of electric power, water and drainage systems.

REMEMBER: Even when flood waters recede danger exists.