As the annual year-end monsoon season approaches, Malaysians have been warned to stay vigilant and prepare for floods. Last year, flooding in several states forced over 20,000 families out of their homes and into relief centres, with an estimated loss of at least RM20 billion nationwide.
With rainfall at an all-time high at this time of the year, there are precautionary steps that can be taken to help minimise losses and even lives. Here are some things you should do before, during, and after a flood.
Before
1. Flood-proof your home
Familiarise yourself with where the main switches are and how to turn them off quickly. Portable electricity sockets and movable power points should be relocated above floor level, or covered properly to prevent water from entering.
Identify items that can be raised onto higher ground to prevent them from being damaged. Valuables such as important documents and jewellery should be placed into waterproof containers or zip-lock bags.
2. Prepare emergency kits
Make a checklist of what you will need, especially necessities such as food and drinking water. It is also crucial to stock up on emergency items such as flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and even cash, along with a good and long-lasting powerbank to ensure your mobile phones do not run out of battery.
Familiarise yourself with your home’s emergency exits and escape routes and know how to get to higher ground safely.
3. Make sure you’re insured
It is wise to get flood coverage in your insurance policy, as this will cover the expenses incurred when repairing damage to vehicles or property. If you already have home and vehicle insurance, check to ensure flood coverage is provided; don’t take it for granted that it is automatically included.
During
1. Stay connected
Try to ensure your connection to the world is not cut off and you are able to seek help if needed. Monitor the news or social media feeds for updates or announcements on rescue operations and recommendations from experts or the authorities.
Try to be resourceful and exchange information with neighbours to find the best way to get to safer ground.
2. Stick to higher ground
The safest thing to do is get to higher ground immediately, but avoid locking yourself in a room as water might enter and flood the space. It would be better to get onto the roof or an open balcony.
Do not attempt to wade or swim through floodwaters as this could be hazardous: you don’t know what is in it, or how deep it is.
Also, try not to drive out of the flooded area as the vehicle might get stuck or swept away.
3. Execute emergency plans
The moment water starts seeping in, execute your emergency plans. Move all electricals to higher ground and immediately turn off all the mains for water, gas, and electricity.
Gather all necessities like food and drinking water before making your way to a higher location. Be prepared to evacuate if necessary, and follow all instructions given by rescue personnel.
After
1. Take photographic evidence
The first thing to do upon reaching home would be to take pictures of everything that has been damaged for insurance-claim purposes. Make sure you cover vehicles and every part of the home to clearly show the extent of the damage.
2. Clean and disinfect
Major cleaning work will be needed, especially when most items in the house will have been inundated with floodwater. Wear gloves, masks, rubber boots, and other protective gear. Be mindful that stagnant water can be a breeding ground for microorganisms that spread diseases.
Clean everything from the floor and walls to furniture and appliances, but do keep an eye out for debris, especially sharp objects.
3. Be wary of your surroundings
Flood victims should only return home when the authorities have given the green light. Remember, just because the water has receded or the rain has stopped, it does not necessarily mean conditions are safe.
Also be careful of standing in stagnant water as this could, in some cases, prove to be an electrical hazard.