Flood Safety and Survival Tips

In light of the recent flood situation in our country I can't help but feel helpless and useless sitting at home, knowing that I am just blogging at the comforts of my home, high and dry. But was cheered up and invigorated after reading Patty Laurel's post of "More Than Just Rain" (excerpt below).

"I am not a part of any organization. I am just a regular citizen, stuck at home and with a heavy feeling of helplessness. Watching the news and seeing the images caught on camera makes me feel so uneasy..knowing that there are people out there who need help and that I am limited to do only so much. I have so much respect for the volunteers, reporters, cameramen, policemen, doctors, nurses, etc on the field---who don't even have the luxury to tweet because they're just too busy WORKING. Nakakahiyang isipin na hanggang dito lang ang kakayanan ko. But instead of feeling stressed about the magnitude of the problem, God has given each of us the capacity to HELP. Sure some may argue that tweeting, facebooking, and even blogging pales in comparison to the actual physical work needed to move people out of their homes, pack relief goods, raise funds for rebuilding---but if you are confined to your homes at this moment, then this is something that you can do for now. And you'll be surprised that a simple RT can go a long way! I still would like to encourage you however to set aside some time for you to assemble relief goods or spend a few hours to volunteer in your neighboring communities.Safety is a top priority, take care of your children, dont take unnecessary risks---but if you feel you are in a good position to go out there and help, please do so! God will honor you for your good deeds!:)" 

- Patty Laurel 

(http://www.pattylaurel.com/2012/08/more-than-just-rain.html)

Below are compilations of Flood Safety and Survival Tips from the web. Let us continue to utilize our God given "capacity to help" the best that we can! :)

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Web Resources

1. http://climatex.ph/

"The Climate Experiment Project : Predicting rainfall for the Philippines"

Up to date forecast of the weather in 4 hour intervals.

 note: you have to change the location on the forecast board to match your current location

2. http://www.improd.net/rescue/updateph/

" Tulong Ph update board compiled from different government and news organizations."
Compilations of tweets and updates.

3.  http://www.google.org/crisisresponse/2012-08-philippines-flood.html

"Resources related to the 2012 Philippines flood"

Google crisis response page.

4. http://www.improd.net/rescue/

"Tulong PH"
 List of relief centers

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Flood Safety Tips from ANC

1. Prepare Emergency Food and Water

2. Listen to the radio and television for information and updates

3. Prepare dry clothes and keep extra in reserve

 4. If you have time prepare a basic survival kit 

(inc. batteries, medicine, important documents, basic clothes, cash, and water)

5. Use flashlights rather than flamable sources of light

6. Do not touch electrical equipment if you have been outside the rain.

7. Move special belongings to higher ground or in a secured spot in the house 

8. Avoid electrical using electrical outlets that have been submerged in the water

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How to purify water

http://notsorandomthoughtsaboutlife.blogspot.com/2012/08/how-to-purify-water-in-case-of.html
http://www.gov.ph/2012/08/07/doh-advisory-on-safe-drinking-water/

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Safety Tips

from 

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/floods-safety-tips/

Before a Flood

• Avoid building in a floodplain.
• Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering your home.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
• If a flood is likely in your area, listen to the radio or television for information.
• Know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. A watch means flooding is possible. A warning meansflooding is occurring or will occur soon.

When a Flood is Imminent

• Be prepared! Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don't forget to include needed medications.
• If advised to evacuate your home, do so immediately.
• If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
• If possible, bring in outdoor furniture and move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances.

During a Flood

• Do not walk through moving water. As little as 6 inches (15 centimeters) of moving water can make you fall.
• If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

After a Flood

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Avoid moving water.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Source: U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency

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