HomeStaying safe
Flood water raises serious risks and dangers. The greatest risk from flood water is drowning.Follow these rules to ensure your safety during a flood:
Do:
- Stay away from flooded drains. Drains are especially dangerous as the power of the water entering them may suck you in.
- Remember that flooding problems are made worse at night.
- Look out for hidden traps like missing manhole covers, sharp objects and fast moving objects.
- Remember that the flow of the water may be so powerful that six inches of water could sweep you off your feet. Two feet of water can lift and float a car.
- Where possible seek advice from the emergency services.
- Smoke or use a naked flame where there is a smell of petrol or oil from flood water.
- Forget that cold water may quickly incapacitate you.
- Ever go into the water. It is impossible to know the depth of the water before you enter it. If you must go in the water then you should do so only with an other person, in case you get into difficulties. Use a stick or pole to help to feel your way and gauge the depth of the water.
