6 Ways of Flood-proof Living UPDATED

The mission of RS Flood Control Asia can be summarized as: save lives through flood-proof living. In fact, one of the first blogs we published was about simple ways it can be done. A lot of time has passed since.

Let’s revisit the tips we gave and update them. We’ll show you simple ways of flood-proof living for today!

1. Always Be Alert

In the past, we advised you to keep in mind that flooding can happen in any place any time. Rain in one place can cause flood in another. Luckily, keeping updated is as easy as ever. More and more people can now use the internet making it easy to get the latest on weather news. There are multiple weather forecast websites supported by different meteorological agencies from all around the world.

If rain or flood is anticipated, monitor your surroundings. Check if your house can withstand a huge amount of water and make sure there is a path for the water to subside.

2. Check for Leaks

Flood-proof living is all about keeping the water out of your home. So be sure to check any holes or leaks where water might find its way. Areas where water could seep through can jumpstart and aggravate the damage to your home. Repairing porous roof supports and cracked walls immediately will prevent further structural damage.

3. Clear Gutters and Drains

Flood can be simplified as trapped water, except in large quantities. So to stop it from happening in the first place, you must ensure that the water can leave. Make sure that gutters, drainage, and canals don’t have any debris to avoid clogging. Small items like leaves and pieces of plastic can build up. Not to mention, clogged drains can cause violent backflows spewing sewer water. Floods not only become a safety hazard, they also become a health hazard!

4. Prepare Flood Barriers

The most immediate way to become flood-proof is simply blocking the flood. This solution has existed ever since humans have recognized the power of nature. From primitive walls to the prolific sandbags of today. Each of them carry their own advantages and disadvantages. Demountable flood control solutions are the most effective ways of blocking and redirecting stormwater and debris from flowing into any establishment.

5. Secure Your Belongings

One of the most common problems connected with floods is the problem with electricity. Electricity related accidents cause a high number of injuries and casualties during storms. Whether it’s broken power lines or submerged electrical outlets, both present the same fatal danger. Elevate anything that uses electricity.

If possible, shut off the electricity circuit breaker panel to avoid any unnecessary accidents. Similarly, make sure to store important documents in waterproof containers. You don’t want those floating away, do you?

6. Prepare a Go-Bag

Emergency responders highly recommend a “go bag” or an emergency kit that can be used at a moment’s notice. Whether for personal use or enough for a household , a go-bag contains the essentials for survival during a calamity.
Prepare basic necessities such as canned or preserved food, bottled water, first aid kit, and emergency equipment like flashlights, crank radio, extra batteries, emergency blankets, etc. The idea of a go-bag is survival just until rescuers are able to reach you, so PACK LIGHT! A go-bag prepares you not just for floods but for other calamities like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other emergencies that can strike suddenly and without warning.

Staying Alive

Storms and other outrageous weather phenomena are way too impossible to elude ever since the beginning of time. The lack of preparation and awareness leads to more devastating situations that result in protracted recovery.

In countries like the Philippines, flooding isn’t new. The only way to survive is to have a plan for flood-proof living by practicing prevention. Being prepared and having a plan is key to staying alive.

And this is certainly true for other Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. From China, Japan, and Taiwan to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, so many countries are suffering year after year!

There is at least a simple way to protect yourself immediately. Use these simple ways for flood-proof living. Stay safe and stay flood-free.