As floods, especially flash floods, are almost inevitable especially for those in low-lying areas, it is important for Malaysians to know what they should do and where to seek help if a natural disaster occurs.

To complement this article on flood management, here are some recommendations from health and security services company International SOS to help you prepare for and minimise the impact of floods:

• Recognise risks: Identify flood- or landslide-prone areas near you. Watch weather alerts and warnings.
• Stock up: Store a three-day supply of water (ration roughly 4 litres per person per day) and dry food.
• Be prepared: Know your community’s evacuation routes and emergency-shelter locations.
• Get help: If you are stranded, injured or ill, contact your local emergency services department and wait for help.

If you are stuck in a house/building:

• Keep up-to-date with information, advice and weather forecasts.
• Check the drainage system behind or outside your house for water levels. The higher the water, the more likely you will have to evacuate.
• Turn off your gas, power and water supply if floodwater has entered your home or before you evacuate. Make sure to unplug appliances.
• Move to higher ground, but only escape to the roof if necessary.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock gates and doors before leaving if possible.

If you are stuck in a car:

• Stay off bridges as they could get washed away by severe floodwaters.
• Stay inside your car if you are trapped by rapidly moving water.
• Move to the roof of your car if water starts to fill your vehicle.

Disease risks

After a natural disaster, the risk of infectious disease is greater. Floodwater may contain sewage and be contaminated with chemicals and other pollutants. It should, therefore, not be used to clean, bathe, play, drink, or cook with.

Children, meanwhile, must not play with floodwater-contaminated toys that have not been disinfected. Also note that rain and flooding may lead to an increase in mosquitoes, which can carry diseases.

Looking after your hygiene during and after a flood is very important. Wash hands before preparing food or eating, after toilet use, after participating in cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated with floodwater or sewage. Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers if you have a limited supply of clean water.

Here are some further tips:

• Do not return home unless advised to do so. Wait for the authorities or emergency services on the status of your housing area.
• Look out for dangerous wildlife that could be inside your house, including snakes, lizards, and even crocodiles.
• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup is complete.
  Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup.
• Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected, such as mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products.

• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or floodwater.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces such as flooring, concrete, moulding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures. Use hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
• Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and/or dehumidifiers.
• Have your onsite wastewater system professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage.
• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and clean water.
• Wash all clothes worn during cleanup with hot water and detergent. These should be laundered separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• Wash clothes contaminated with sewage separately with hot water and detergent.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.