impending Flood: Essential Priorities to Consider
Water levels are rising in Europe and Germany faces the risk of flooding in several areas. What actions can still be taken and what's crucial when the water begins to rise.
Fighting the flood itself is typically out of our control, but we can influence the impact it has on our home, environment, and personal well-being. When flooding is predicted in your area, there's often still time to act.
Preparing at home as flooding nears
- If time allows, the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) suggests a visit to the hardware store: "Pick up sandbags, planks, waterproof plywood, and silicone." These items can be used to seal windows, doors, and other entry and exit points.
- Check any backflow preventers you have in your basement before the water reaches that level.
- Identify any hazardous materials and chemicals in your basement and move them to a safe place. This includes heating oil tanks, which can be protected against floating.
- Switch off electrical devices and systems in rooms that may be at risk of flooding. If unsure, switch off the main fuse box. This reduces the risk of electrical shock during a flood.
- Move valuable items like furniture, tools, and electrical appliances to higher floors, if possible.
- Park your car in a safe location in lower-lying areas.
As a last resort, never stay in the basement during a flood. Rising water can become life-threatening quickly.
What else to consider: Emergency supplies, documents, and emergency plans
Following the flooding in Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic, Fritz-Helge Voß from the Bavarian association of the Technical Relief Agency (THW) suggested on Monday morning that ZDF viewers stock up on emergency supplies. Power outages are common in flooded areas. But what should be in your emergency kit?
- Sufficient food and drinking water. The BBK recommends around 2 liters of liquid per person per day. This can include water, as well as fruit juice and other long-lasting beverages. Don't forget your pets.
- An emergency medicine kit with your prescribed medications, along with pain and fever-reducing medications, anti-diarrheal medications, anti-nausea medications, a fever thermometer, tweezers, skin and wound disinfectants, disposable gloves, a face mask, and bandaging materials (like those found in a car first aid kit).
- A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, possibly with smartphone power banks.
- A flashlight.
- A portable gas-powered camping stove.
- Important documents such as IDs, certificates, diplomas, or contracts, kept in a waterproof envelope.
For more information on emergency supplies, medications, and backpacks, visit the BBK website at bbk.bund.de. You can also order printed brochures from the site for reference.
In light of the potential flood, it's crucial to have an emergency plan in place. This should include a list of important numbers, such as your local emergency services.
If a flood warning is issued, packing essentials like medications, documents, and a change of clothes into waterproof bags could be life-saving.
