The householders guide to considering an out of the blue flood

Even non flooding areas encounter flooding as a result of high winds and severe storms. Weather conditions have become extreme and regions that were once deprived of water can now encounter heavy rainfall in a single day. Therefore, it is important that everyone knows how to react to an event such as a flood.

Owing to the uncertain occurrence of these acts of God, you must undertake a number of measures to prevent your house from being affected with flash floods.

Make sure the water does not break in your house.

For those who live in highly vulnerable areas where heavy rains or storms are expected often, it is advisable to cover-up doors and windows using metal sheets, sandbags, plywood etc. Silicone sealant is another thing that you can use during floods, to make sure that water doesn’t seep in into your home. Long-term effects are not guaranteed by these methods, however these measures will protect your property from damage due to flash floods and keep them dry for a while.

Shut off your utilities.

These utilities have to be shut down at the mains, not just for appliances. Electrical devices should be unplugged and kept away from water, preferably at a higher level. Water that enters homes may rise to a height of several feet or more; the second floor will therefore remain dry, so that any objects stored there will not be affected.

It is important to be mindful of furniture and appliances.

Make sure that these appliances or furniture are moved upstairs, since you cannot afford to buy them again without a large insurance claim.
Suppose there is no second floor, just keep those items at a higher level like on some bricks. Your curtains and carpets should be removed immediately, you should even remove the internal doors in your home.
When all these goods are stored at high locations, they stand a much better chance of weathering the incoming water.

The higher areas like the second floors are the best places to accumulate essential papers, images and other personal articles which are difficult to replace. If possible, put them into a waterproof container, maybe a food storage container. If you do not have these, keep important papers from contact with floodwater by storing them in plastic bags that can be sealed.

Items usually kept outside the house, such as gardening implements, should be removed to a safe location. If not, these items will be floating on the flood water, which may pose a threat to others. Any possessions that may be washed out by the storm must be kept in a lockable area like a garage. Even a wheelbarrow could float away if left outside whereas it will not move if kept in a garage and will not be harmed by the flood water.

Soon after the announcement of a potential flood, make sure to follow some important rules.

Keep you ears and eyes open for any sort of information.

Hence, keep a watch over the news for announcements or updates by listening to the radio or television. Be supportive of the emergency crews and local authorities, give them all your cooperation. If they require you to evacuate, follow them and do not delay as you will put yourself and your helpers at risk.

Try to finish up your work during the daytime as electricity is usually not available in such conditions. Doing things in the dark is not only tough but also dangerous. Keeping batteries and torches in places you will remember is a handy tip for coping with an emergency.

Ensure that you share any information with your neighbours, particularly the elderly, so that they can properly prepare.

Do not try to go out of your house until and unless you are asked to. Floodwater in its most fast flowing form can take lives and one should avoid moving outside if at all possible. Remember that two feet of water level causes floating of your cars, while six inches of water is enough to drown a child.

Make sure to find some safe place for your pets and your familys cars. Once you heard of flood warning, you should stay on the second floor of your house. Since many objects may float in the raging floodwater, do not try to swim across to safety or a higher location. These objects can hurt or trap you and you could be washed away.

Avoid contact with floodwater, as it may be unclean or have become contaminated by contact with sewage waste. It really will be a terrible situation if you survive the flood and later fell ill owing to contaminated water. Where possible, steer clear of riverbanks, bridges over rivers and sea defenses during floods, as they are extremely hazardous places to be. You might have heard of many incidences of floodwater having destroyed and collapsed defenses and bridges , so don’t make yourself a victim.

Where can I find a replacement shower drain cover to raise the existing drain about 3/4?

I am remodeling my shower stall. The shower floor is below the bathroom floor level and is set in concrete. All of the tile and concrete are ok, so I am going to simply tile over the existing floor. But that means my drain is about three quarters of an inch below the new floor level. I need to raise the level of the exisitng drain to the level of the new floor. There are no screw holes, only a drain about two inches in diameter. Any Ideas? Thanks, Bob...

Posted in Help