Floods

GETTING PREPARED

If you live in an area with flood problems in the past

In case of severe rainfall warning:

  • Make sure that the water drains and rain spouts outside your house are not blocked and operate properly.
  • Limit traveling as much as possible and avoid working or living in underground places.

DURING THE FLOOD

If you are indoors

Avoid underground places and move to a secure higher point.

If you are outdoors

  • Do not cross torrents on foot or by car
  • Stay away from electric wires.
  • Abandon your car if it gets immobilized as it might be swept away or flooded.
  • Avoid areas where landslides have occurred.

AFTER THE FLOOD

If you are outdoors

  • Stay away from flooded areas or areas dangerous to flood in the next hours
  • The flood is likely to have changed the known area characteristics and waters might have swept away parts of the streets, the pavements etc.
  • Dangers are imminent from broken pavements, areas with dangerous slope, mudslides etc.
  • The water is likely to be polluted from rubbish, dead animals or other materials.
  • Be careful not to obstruct rescue crews.
  • Don’t approach areas where landslides and rock falls have occurred.
  • Check if your house or place of work runs the risk of a possible fall of rocks. 

If it’s absolutely necessary to walk or to drive in flooded areas

  • Try to find solid ground.
  • Avoid moving waters.
  • If you see a flooded street, stop and change direction.
  • Avoid stagnant waters that could be electric-current conductors if there are underground power cables or leaks.
  • Follow the authorities’ instructions. 

What to do during restoration of damages

Before you begin restoration works

  • Remember: Even when flood waters recede danger still exists.
  • Contact the Authorities to ensure that the location of your home or your place of employment is safe to return, particularly if there was prior evacuation.
  • Switch off the electric supply even if the power company has switched off the whole area.
  • Turn off the water supply in case of potential damage to the water supply. 

To inspect a flooded building

  • Wear protective shoes so as not to get injured from objects or irregularities of the ground hidden by water.
  • Examine the walls, doors, stairs and windows.
  • Check the networks of electric power, water and drainage systems.

THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT FOR CIVIL PROTECTION

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