1. Best practices during flood events for community members
Juan Fernandez Sainz
Lead Flood Forecaster/Early Warning System Expert
Lead Hydraulic Modeller

2. Post-Event Recommendations

3. Post-Event Recommendations
Clean up work of any kind is hazardous, but flood conditions make it even more so. Following the procedures listed below will help to keep you safe and healthy while cleaning up after natural disasters that involve flooding.
Use a wooden stick or pole to check flooded areas for pits, holes, and protruding objects before entering
Be sure that a first-aid kit is available. Establish a plan for contacting medical personnel in the event of an emergency.
Report any obvious hazards
Wash your hands often during the day
Conduct a preliminary worksite inspection to verify stability before entering a flooded or formerly flooded building or before operating vehicles over roadways or surfaces.

4. Post-Event Recommendations
Do NOT touch downed power lines or any object or water that is in contact with such lines.
Treat all power lines as energized until you are certain that the lines have been de-energized.
Be aware that de-energized power lines may become energized by a secondary power source such as a portable backup generator.
If damage to an electrical system is suspected turn off the electrical system in the building and follow procedures before beginning work

5. Post-Event Recommendations
Floodwater: Floodwater often contains infectious organisms, including intestinal bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella; Hepatitis A Virus; and agents of typhoid, paratyphoid and tetanus
Consider all water unsafe until local authorities announce that the public water supply is safe
Do not use contaminated water to wash and prepare food, brush your teeth, wash dishes or make ice.
Keep an adequate supply of safe water available for washing and potable water for drinking

6. Post-Event Recommendations
In general:
Turn off electricity
Turn off gas
Make sure water is safe
Make sure food is safe
Stay healthy
Use generators safely
Use chainsaws safely
Use electricity safely in wet areas
Take care of yourself and your family

7. General Cleanup
Evaluate your house’s foundation and structural soundess before entering
Remove water from the basement slowly
Get organized. Set priorities. Follow a three-step process for cleaning
Remove mud
Clean
Disinfect
Dry ceilings and walls
Prevent mould growth

8. Individual Flood Preparedness

9. Individual Flood Preparedness
Basic Safety Tips
Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
Just 15cm of moving water can knock you down, and 60cm of water can sweep your vehicle away.
If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.
If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.

10. Flood Watch = “Be Prepaped”
Conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area
Steps to Take
Turn on your TV/radio. You may receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Seek assistance from local authorities
Know where to go. You may need to reach higher ground quickly and on foot.
Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

11. Flood Watch = “Be Prepared”
Prepare Your Home
Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.
Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.

12. Flood Warning = "Take Action!"
Flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.
Steps to Take
Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground.
Evacuate if directed.
Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Just 15cm of moving water can knock you down and 60cm of water can sweep your vehicle away.

13. After a flood Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded and watch out for debris. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways.
Do not attempt to drive through areas that are still flooded.
Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Photograph damage to your property

14. When it is not flooding: Make a flood plan
Know your flood risk.
Make a flood emergency plan.
Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
Familiarise yourself with local emergency plans. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to get to higher ground, the highest level of a building, or to evacuate.
Stay tuned to your phone alerts, TV, or radio for weather updates, emergency instructions, or evacuation orders.

15. Emergency Communication Plan
Why Make a Plan
Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to think about the following situations and plan just in case. Consider the following questions when making a plan:
How will my family/household get emergency alerts and warnings?
How will my family/household get to safe locations for relevant emergencies?
How will my family/household get in touch if cell phone, internet, or landline doesn’t work?
How will I let loved ones know I am safe?
How will family/household get to a meeting place after the emergency?

16. Emergency Communication Plan
Here are a few easy steps to start your emergency communication plan:
Understand how to receive emergency alerts and warnings.  Make sure all household members are able to get alerts about an emergency from local officials.
Discuss family/household plans for disasters that may affect your area and plan where to go. Plan together in advance so that everyone in the household understands where to go during a different type of disaster.  
Collect information. Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family that includes:
phone
medical facilities, doctors, service providers
school

17. Emergency Communication Plan
Identify information and pick an emergency meeting place. Things to consider:
Decide on safe, familiar places where your family can go for protection or to reunite.
Make sure these locations are accessible for household members with disabilities or access and functional needs.
Examples of meeting places:
In your neighbourhood: the end of the driveway, or at a neighbour's house.
Outside of your neighbourhood: library, community center, place of worship, or family friend’s home.
Outside of your town: home of a relative or family friend. Make sure everyone knows the address of the meeting place and discuss ways you would get there.

18. Emergency Preparedness Kit
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
Water, four litres of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help

19. Emergency Preparedness Kit
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Wet wipe, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Mobile phone with chargers