In this article, I will be going over the absolute best flood survival tips you should be learning and using to prepare and protect yourself before, during, and after a flood.
Flooding kills more people each year than any other thunderstorm related hazard. A flood occurs when water overwhelms normally dry land, which can happen in a variety of ways.
Excessive rain, a breached dam or levee, rapid melting of snow or ice, or even an erroneously placed beaver dam can overwhelm a river, causing it to flood the adjacent land, known as a floodplain. When a large storm or tsunami causes the sea to surge inland, coastal flooding occurs.
Most floods develop over hours or even days, giving residents time to prepare or evacuate. Others appear suddenly and without warning. Flash floods can be extremely dangerous, rapidly transforming a babbling brook or even a dry wash into raging rapids that sweep everything in their path downstream.
Let’s dive straight in
Sandbags are the cheapest way to divert mild floods away from your house. You’ll need a plethora of bags, plastic, and sand. Getting enough of these in times of extreme flooding can be difficult, so stock up now so you have what you need later.
If you already have a lot of sandbags, take some time to learn how to fill and layer them properly so that your sandbag wall is as effective as possible.
Door Dam
Floodwaters frequently enter a house through the doors. So, if you dam these weak spots, your home may be spared from minor flooding.
A door dam is a plastic or metal plate with rubber seals around the edges that bolts or screws to a door to create a dam. It forms a watertight seal and prevents water from entering beneath your door.
Driving in Floods
When a vehicle is driven into dangerous flood water, it causes half of all flood-related drownings.
Turn around and go another way if you come across a flooded road while driving. Avoid driving through flooded areas.
If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon it and move to higher ground if it is safe to do so. You and your vehicle could be swept away in an instant.
Stay Out Of The Water
Don’t go downstairs if you’re at home. Get to a higher level above the water instead. But don’t go hiding in the attic. Because most attics only have one way in or out, you could easily become trapped inside.
If you left something behind in the flood or are considering walking through a flooded area, don’t. It will be difficult to determine how deep the water is and what hazards lie beneath. The water could even be electrically charged as a result of a downed power line.
And, whatever you do, avoid drinking tap water and, especially, flood water. It may be tainted with sewage, gasoline, or bacteria. Stick with bottled water.
The rain is relentless. The floodwaters are still rising. Forget about your belongings. Your best option is to climb to the roof and call for assistance. However, the wind is strong, and an unwary wave pushes you into the water.
What To Do If Trapped
Make every effort to keep your feet pointed downstream and move over obstacles. Then, grab or climb onto anything that will keep you stable or above the water. When you get a hold of something, yell for help as loudly as you can.
How to Survive a Flash Flood
Keep in mind that flash flooding can occur. If there is a chance of a flash flood, get to higher ground right away. Do not wait for orders to move.
Because of the sheer force and volume of flowing water that can accumulate, flash flooding is by far the most dangerous type of flooding.
Keep an eye out for streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas that are known to flood unexpectedly. Flash floods can occur in these areas even when there are no traditional warning signs, such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
After the Flood
- Pay attention to news reports to find out if the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
- Avoid floodwaters because they may contain oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water can also become electrically charged as a result of buried or downed power lines.
- Stay away from moving water.
- Keep an eye out for areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads could have weakened and collapsed under the weight of a vehicle.
- Keep a safe distance from downed power lines and report them to the power company.
- Return home only when authorities say it’s safe to do so.
- If a building is surrounded by floodwaters, stay away from it.
- When entering buildings, exercise extreme caution; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
- As soon as possible, repair any damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, or leaching systems. Sewerage system failures pose serious health risks.
- Everything that got wet should be cleaned and disinfected. Floodwater mud can contain sewage and chemicals.
Looters
Looters come along and rob you blind just as you think you’ve survived the flood and are out of the woods. Looters are an unfortunate phenomenon in flood-affected areas.
They are well-known for raiding abandoned neighborhoods and stealing anything valuable. If you would like to learn more about how you can fortify your home, be sure you check out the 12 SHTF Home Security Tips To Fortify Your Home.
As a result, fortify your home ahead of time to make it a more difficult target.
When you return home, remain vigilant and arm yourself to protect yourself from these thugs.
Final Words
Now that you have learned about the best Flood Survival Tips, you have just improved yourself.
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