Rules of conduct during flooding, inundation

      Rules of conduct during flooding and inundation

      Flooding and inundation are significant inundations of land due to the rise in water levels in rivers and lakes during snowmelt, heavy rains, wind-driven water surges, blockages, etc.

      The danger factors of flooding and inundation include the destruction of houses and buildings, bridges; erosion of railway and roadways; accidents on engineering networks, destruction of crops; casualties among the population and the death of animals.

      As a result of flooding and inundation, houses and land begin to subside, shifts and landslides occur. During floods and inundations, the radio broadcasting network in apartments and workplaces must operate around the clock, as the population is notified in advance. Familiarize yourself with the warning signals, measures, and evacuation rules, and prepare for it in advance.

      HOW TO ACT DURING FLOODING AND INUNDATION

      Actions in case of a threat of flooding or inundation:

      Listen carefully to information about the emergency situation and instructions on actions to take, do not use the phone unnecessarily to keep it free for communication with you.

      Stay calm, warn neighbors, assist the disabled, children, and elderly people. Find out from local authorities the gathering place for residents for evacuation and prepare for it.

      Prepare documents, clothing, the most necessary items, a food supply for several days, and medications. Pack everything in a suitcase. Keep documents in a waterproof bag.

      Disconnect all electrical appliances from the power supply, turn off the gas.

      Move valuable items and food to upper floors or raise them to higher shelves.

      Actions in the zone of sudden flooding during flooding or inundation:

      Stay calm, do not panic.

      Quickly gather necessary documents, valuables, medicines, food, and other essential items. Assist children, the disabled, and elderly people. They should be evacuated first. If possible, leave the flooding zone immediately.

      Before leaving the house, disconnect electricity and gas supply, extinguish fires in stoves, close windows and doors, and if there is time, board up the windows and doors on the first floor.

      Go to the upper floors. If the house is one-story, occupy the attic.

      Until help arrives, stay on the upper floors, roofs, trees, or other high places, signaling rescuers so they can quickly locate you.

      Check for nearby victims and provide assistance if possible. First aid to people found on the water's surface includes changing them into dry clothes, wrapping them warmly, and giving them a calming agent, while those pulled from the water need artificial respiration. If you find yourself in the water, remove heavy clothing and shoes, look for nearby objects that can be used until help arrives. Do not overload rescue means (boats, rafts).

      If you are in a car:

      Avoid driving on flooded roads; you may be swept away by the current.

      If you find yourself in a flooding zone and the car breaks down, leave it and call for help.

      Actions after the emergency:

      Get the first aid kit, help the injured. Listen to the radio and follow the instructions of rescue services.

      Exercise caution when returning home.

      Check the reliability of its structures (walls, floors).

      If you find a puddle of standing water in and around the house, immediately pour 2 liters of bleach into it or sprinkle it with chlorine lime.

      Do not drain all the water at once (this may damage the foundation); drain only about a third of the total volume of water each day.

      Do not live in a house where standing water remains.

      Beware of electric shock if the water layer on the floor is thicker than 5 cm; wear rubber boots. Ensure that electrical cables do not come into contact with water. In flooded areas, immediately disconnect power at distribution panels if you have not done so already. If the floor at the electrical panel is wet, cover it with a dry board and stand on it. To turn off the electricity, use a dry stick.

      If you suspect that drinking water in the well or pump is contaminated, use water that has been pre-stored in bottles; or boil it for 5 minutes. Wash or disinfect contaminated dishes and utensils using boiling water or bleach (one teaspoon of bleach per sink filled with water).

      Do not raise the air temperature in the house above +4 degrees until all standing water has been drained. Clean the house of all debris and water-soaked items.

      Remove remaining silt and dirt, discard contaminated bedding, clothing, furniture, and other items. Wipe all surfaces in the house. Ensure good ventilation to clear the air of toxic vapors.