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what
you should do during a flood
Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean
water in case water becomes contaminated.
Listen to a battery-operated radio for the
latest storm information.
If local authorities instruct you to do so,
turn off all utilities at the main power switch
and close the main gas valve.
If told to evacuate your home, do so immediately.
If the waters start to rise inside your house
before you have evacuated, retreat to the
second floor, the attic, and if necessary,
the roof.
Floodwaters may carry raw sewage, chemical
waste and other disease-spreading substances.
If you've come in contact with floodwaters,
wash your hands with soap and disinfected
water.
Avoid walking through floodwaters. As little
as six inches of moving water can knock you
off your feet.
Don't drive through a flooded area. If you
come upon a flooded road, turn around and
go another way. A car can be carried away
by just 2 feet of flood water.
Electric current passes easily through water,
so stay away from downed power lines and electrical
wires.
Look out for animals -- especially snakes.
Animals lose their homes in floods, too.
Articles
on Flood, Flood Insurance and more Tips
:
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About
National Flood Insurance
In
1968, Congress created the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) in response to
the rising cost of taxpayer funded disaster
relief for flood victims and the increasing
amount of damage caused by floods. The
Mitigation Division a component of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
manages the NFIP, and oversees the floodplain
management and mapping components of the
Program.
Nearly
20,000 communities across the United
States and its territories participate
in the NFIP by adopting and enforcing
floodplain management ordinances to
reduce future flood damage. In exchange,
the NFIP makes Federally backed flood
insurance available to homeowners, renters,
and business owners in these communities.
Flood
damage is reduced by nearly $1 billion
a year through partnerships with communities,
the insurance industry, and the lending
industry. Further, buildings constructed
in compliance with NFIP building standards
suffer approximately 80 percent less
damage annually than those not built
in compliance. And, every $3 paid in
flood insurance claims saves $1 in disaster
assistance payments.
The
NFIP is self-supporting for the average
historical loss year, which means that
operating expenses and flood insurance
claims are not paid for by the taxpayer,
but through premiums collected for flood
insurance policies. The Program has
borrowing authority from the U.S. Treasury
for times when losses are heavy, however,
these loans are paid back with interest.
For
the full article click
here
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Flooding:
a guide for older people
Your safety is the most important thing...
Your
first thought should be your safety.
Find out if family or friends can offer
you a place to stay when flooding threatens
If you have a disability contact your
local authority social services and
ask them how they will help if you are
at risk from flooding.
Plan
your escape route, particularly if you
are in a bungalow. If you live in a
house and have window locks, always
keep a key upstairs. Find out from your
local authority where you would be evacuated
to and let family and friends know.
Download the full guide for older people
below, and find links to other information
about flooding.
Make
a list of useful numbers and keep it
in a safe place. This should include,
Floodline 0845 988 1188, family and
friends, your local authority and your
insurance company.
For
the full article click
here
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Emergency
Measures for Flooding
Home and property flooding can
occur anywhere in Manitoba. Flooding can
be caused by leaks, sewer backup, broken
water mains or dam collapse. Being prepared
for a flood can reduce potential harmful
effects to your family and property.
Flooding Precautions
There are several long-term precautions
you can take to minimize flood damage.
Improve property drainage by sloping grounds
away from buildings.
Prepare plugs for basement drains and
install sewer backup valves.
Purchase sump pumps for quick removal
of water.
Flood Warning Action
When a flood warning is issued, you should
consider taking the following action:
Install plugs in basement drains.
Store drinking water in case tap supply
becomes contaminated.
Disconnect eaves troughs that drain into
the sewer.
Remove all chemicals from the basement
and move personal belongings to upper
floors.
Install pumps, if they are available.
Seek the advice of local municipal authorities
before dike building. For
the full article click
here
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