How to protect your house from floods

Flash floods tend to occur after heavy rainfall from storms and they can happen in the blink of an eye. Here is a checklist of things we recommend doing to keep you and your family safe before, during, and after a flood.

Before a flood

• Be aware of happenings in your surroundings: If your house is located in a flood-prone area, stay alert and informed about news related to common causes of floods such as prolonged heavy rainstorms, mudslides, or river floods.  Monitor the information from reliable sources or ask relevant authorities.  
• Prepare a rescue bag: Your essential documents, such as birth certificate, house registration, and bankbook, should be packed safely in a waterproof bag that you can quickly grab and go during emergencies.  
• Prepare to protect your house and belongings: Once the area has been declared a flood monitoring area, move necessary items, electrical appliances, and furniture to higher ground.
• If there is enough time, you should build defensive barriers by placing sandbags in and around the house, and on top of drains (including those in the toilets). You may block the drains by tightly squeezing a piece of cloth or newspaper into the drains to prevent water from overflowing.
• Draw up an evacuation plan: You should plan where to stay and how to travel in case of a flash flood and note useful telephone numbers of emergency responders.

During a flood

• Keep calm and do not panic: Execute the plan and monitor the situation to see whether you should evacuate the house.
• Turn off all electrical appliances and gas valves: If your house is inevitably going to be overrun by flood water, turn off and unplug all electrical appliances and shut down all valves inside and around the house to prevent electric shocks, electrical short circuits, gas leaks, etc., that may damage your property. 
• Pay attention to your surroundings:
  • Keep an eye out for poisonous animals that come with flood water.
  • Stay away from power sockets, switches, and electrical appliances.
  • Avoid walking through floodwater. If you have to, wear protective boots as the floor may contain broken glasses, sharp objects, foreign objects, poisonous animals, germs, and chemicals. It is best to

• Travel with caution:  The flood may have cut off your regular route. Avoid flooded areas if you need to travel and keep an eye on the road ahead. Do not proceed through deep water and contact an emergency team to assist you if needed.

After a flood

• Check electrical equipment: Before using any appliance or turning a switch on, you should check the cut-out and engage a professional inspection service to prevent a short circuit that may cause a fire.
• Take pictures of the house: Use them as evidence when making home insurance claims. 
• Clean and disinfect: Clear unwanted residues, dirt, garbage, and germs in the house and the surrounding area