Flood Preparedness

 

Flood Preparedness 

This is a continuation of preparation during Natural Disasters.

For California, the rainy season is around the corner. For some areas, it may rain more than other places, or in some cases, it may flood due to its location. When this occurs, many properties and businesses may end up being destroyed. Water may seem harmless, but it can be destructive. 

Before informing about the preparations necessary to maintain the state of safety, there are several types of warnings that are issued by the NWS (National Weather Service) as shown below:

As it is shown, the Flood Warning and the Flash Flood Warning are actually the highest warnings that NWS gives out, however, one should keep in mind that All Warnings have the same significance. All of these warnings serve the fact that one must prepare for a flood, especially in the building of the business. 

OSHA has done a marvelous job of presenting the ways to prepare for a flood. As in almost every Natural Disaster, one has to have a emergency plan or route of Evacuation. However, the most common advice when it comes floods is to go to high ground. 

This graph explains why it is important to protect oneself during a flood. 

The CDC has some recommendations of their own, when it comes to Flood Preparedness. (1) This information is not only for business or firms, but for homeowners and in fact, the whole population of the U.S or anywhere. 

• Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability.
• Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the flood strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuation. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
• Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where it is and how to use it.
• Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
• Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12″ above your home’s projected flood elevation.
• For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.

So, to that end, floods are dangerous and can only be avoided by taking action. As employers and supervisors, it is important to have safety and order, to avoid casualties or fatalities. Remember, safety is and always, will be the #1 priority.