Summer is the season when flood disasters frequently occur in low-lying areas. Floods threaten people's lives and property. Knowing some self-rescue knowledge can save lives in critical moments. So, how should we respond when a flood strikes? Let's take a look at the following emergency measures.
I. Flood Self-Rescue and Escape Methods:
1. If evacuation is not possible, remain calm and move to higher ground (such as the roof of a sturdy building or a large tree) to await rescue. Simultaneously, use flood-resistant materials like sandbags or stone piles to seal gaps around door thresholds, minimizing water ingress, or seek refuge on rooftops.If the house is not sturdy enough, build a makeshift wooden (or bamboo) raft for escape, or climb a large tree for refuge. Before leaving the house, try to bring some food and clothing.Ideally, place sandbags outside the doorframe. Sandbags can be made from burlap sacks, straw bags, cloth bags, or plastic bags filled with sand, soil, or gravel. If further flooding is anticipated, also stack sandbags outside the lower window sills. 3. If floodwaters continue to rise, stockpile food, drinking water, warm clothing, and boiling equipment on upper floors.
4. In severe flooding with rising water levels, construct a makeshift raft for escape. Any buoyant materials—bed slats, boxes, cabinets, door panels—can be used. If ropes are unavailable, tear bed sheets or blankets into strips for use.
5. Before boarding the raft, test its buoyancy. Gather essential supplies: food, signaling devices (whistles, flashlights, flags, bright bedsheets), and paddles. Consume food and warm beverages before floating away to maintain strength.
6. Before leaving home, turn off gas valves and main power switches. If time permits, wrap valuables in blankets and store them in upper cabinets. Securely lock doors when exiting to prevent belongings from being swept away.
7. If swept away or submerged, remain calm and grasp floating debris like planks, boxes, or wardrobes. If far from shore with no nearby people or vessels, avoid swimming recklessly to prevent exhaustion.
II. Four Urban Flood Survival Methods:
When facing urban flooding, first quickly ascend to a sturdy high-rise building for safety, then contact rescue services. Simultaneously, gather floating objects—wooden basins or barrels can serve as effective escape tools. Analysis shows flood-related disappearances stem partly from sudden, overwhelming water flow.On the other hand, some individuals venture into dangerous waters due to unfamiliarity with the conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to remember: if you are unfamiliar with the water conditions, you must wait for rescue in a safe area. It is also advisable to keep emergency supplies at home for unexpected situations.
1. Refuge locations should generally be chosen based on proximity to home, higher elevation, convenient transportation, and good sanitary conditions.In urban areas, this often means flat rooftops of high-rise buildings, elevated school or hospital grounds, or sturdy structures like hospitals. 2. Store blankets and other cold-weather gear in elevated locations. Secure valuable items that are difficult to carry by waterproofing them, then bury them underground or place them high up. Money, jewelry, and similar valuables can be sewn into clothing.
3. Construct wooden rafts and gather floating materials like wooden basins and planks to build emergency lifesaving equipment. Clean drinking water may be scarce during floods, so store it beforehand using containers like wooden basins or buckets.
4. Prepare medical supplies and fire-starting materials; preserve all functional communication devices to maintain external contact and transportation links.
The above outlines basic flood preparedness measures. We hope this information proves helpful and wish you well.