Flood Preparation - How to Prepare Before Potential Flooding
Every year, homes in Panama and around the world are affected by flooding.
Record rainfalls in Panama this year have brought devastating floods to hundreds of homes and affected thousands of people.
And while this year may have been abnormal, floods can happen in many areas at any time.
If your home exists in a low lying area, you need to be prepared.
You may not be able to completely stop the risk of flooding, but there are things you can do to protect your home and family.
By taking some steps to be prepared, it is possible to minimize the damage from flood, and keep you family safe.
The first thing you need to do is understand your flood risk.
Obviously, floods do happen in areas that have never seen them before, like in the case of record rainfalls.
But, most of the time, if flooding is a risk, flooding has happened in the past.
Just having this knowledge that flooding is possible, puts you ahead of the pack, so you can prepare for it.
In general, if you are in a low lying area, or you are near water such as a lake or river, you could be at risk.
Your first step is to make a plan.
You plan should include deciding on how your family members will communicate in case you are separated in a flood.
It should include emergency phone numbers and contacts.
The next stage of your planning should involve learning your homes various systems.
You should know how to turn off gas and electricity, as well as other critical systems.
You should also understand how drainage works on your property.
Your preparation should include critical supplies in case of flood.
This includes items that can help protect your home, and supplies to keep you safe.
Items for your home include:
These include, but are not limited to:
It goes without saying you should also take appropriate steps in preventing floods.
This includes keeping drains and gutters clear and free of blockages.
It also means cleaning gulleys and other areas that water needs to run free.
Creating a plan in case of flooding should happen well before flooding season so you can be ready.
But if you are already deep into flood season, you should start now.
Natural disasters can be devastating.
And sometimes there is nothing that can be done to prepare.
But, by doing adequate flood planning and flood preparation before you need it, you are more likely to come through the event with minimal damage or health and safety issues.
Record rainfalls in Panama this year have brought devastating floods to hundreds of homes and affected thousands of people.
And while this year may have been abnormal, floods can happen in many areas at any time.
If your home exists in a low lying area, you need to be prepared.
You may not be able to completely stop the risk of flooding, but there are things you can do to protect your home and family.
By taking some steps to be prepared, it is possible to minimize the damage from flood, and keep you family safe.
The first thing you need to do is understand your flood risk.
Obviously, floods do happen in areas that have never seen them before, like in the case of record rainfalls.
But, most of the time, if flooding is a risk, flooding has happened in the past.
Just having this knowledge that flooding is possible, puts you ahead of the pack, so you can prepare for it.
In general, if you are in a low lying area, or you are near water such as a lake or river, you could be at risk.
Your first step is to make a plan.
You plan should include deciding on how your family members will communicate in case you are separated in a flood.
It should include emergency phone numbers and contacts.
The next stage of your planning should involve learning your homes various systems.
You should know how to turn off gas and electricity, as well as other critical systems.
You should also understand how drainage works on your property.
Your preparation should include critical supplies in case of flood.
This includes items that can help protect your home, and supplies to keep you safe.
Items for your home include:
- Sand bags
- Plastic tarps
- Floor boards to cover windows.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Well stocked first aid kit
- Extra medication if required
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Bottled water
- Canned and dried food which do not require cooking
- Warm and water proof clothing items
- Rubber boots
- Extra blankets
- Baby supplies if required
- A portable radio with extra batteries, or a wind up radio to get weather and travel related information
It goes without saying you should also take appropriate steps in preventing floods.
This includes keeping drains and gutters clear and free of blockages.
It also means cleaning gulleys and other areas that water needs to run free.
Creating a plan in case of flooding should happen well before flooding season so you can be ready.
But if you are already deep into flood season, you should start now.
Natural disasters can be devastating.
And sometimes there is nothing that can be done to prepare.
But, by doing adequate flood planning and flood preparation before you need it, you are more likely to come through the event with minimal damage or health and safety issues.
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