Flood evacuation – essential precautions
🌊 Why prepare for flooding?
Flooding can happen quickly, with serious consequences for your safety and property. Proper preparation makes it easier to react appropriately and safely, whether you need to evacuate or take shelter at home.
1. Recognizing warning signs
– Pay close attention to official weather warnings (radio, TV, mobile apps).
– Pay close attention to signs of rising water in your immediate surroundings. – Do not underestimate how quickly a flood can occur.
2. Switch off electricity and gas (if possible)
– If the situation allows, turn off the electricity and gas immediately to prevent any risk of electrocution or explosion.
– Only perform this action if it is safe to do so.
3. Call for help and follow their instructions
– Immediately call 112 or your local emergency number for help.
– Follow their recommendations carefully: they’ll tell you whether it’s best to evacuate or stay at home.
4. Take shelter at home (if evacuation is not recommended)
– If the emergency services recommend that you stay at home, immediately climb to a higher floor or higher ground with your Evakit bag.
– Never descend into low-lying areas where water could rise rapidly.
5. Take your Evakit bag
– Your Evakit contains your important documents (identity papers, insurance, title deeds), warm clothing, drinking water and food rations.
– If evacuation becomes necessary, the Evakit bag features an inflation valve on the side. Open the first cap of this valve and blow into it to allow the bag to float like a buoy. This option can help children or elderly people move the bag more easily without excessive effort.
6. Evacuate only on the recommendation of emergency services
– Evacuate only if the authorities clearly indicate that this is the best option.
– Quickly make your way to an elevated spot sheltered from rising water.
– Absolutely avoid crossing flooded areas: the current can be violent, sweeping you away or causing you to fall, and manholes can act as dangerous siphons.
7. Stay informed and safe
– Keep up to date with official news (crank-operated FM radio included in your Evakit).
– Stay indoors until the authorities make it clear that the situation is safe.
Common mistakes to avoid
– Ignore official flood warnings.
– Attempt to cross moving or flooded water.
– Return to your home before the authorities confirm that the situation is safe.
IN SUMMARY:
– In case of flooding, follow official recommendations: stay at home on higher ground with your Evakit if necessary, or evacuate only when instructed by emergency services. Be cautious of strong currents and stay informed until the alert is over.
Proper preparation and thoughtful response can save your life in the event of flooding.
