tastrophes that can cause se- rious damage to our homes, our property, infrastructure, business, our loved ones and families. Re- cently, Myanmar people from the most of the cities in 10 out of 14 states have been suffering due to the serious floods. Author-
ities, NGOs, and local contributors are trying to provide help to effected people. Here are some facts to know how to manage risks from floods.
If a major flood is likely in your area, remember to:
Monitor the News: Keep on top of the latest information through radio, television,and Internet reports.
Move To Higher Ground: In the event of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Don’t wait for instructions.
Be Aware of Areas Known to Flood Quickly: Flash floods can occur suddenly in areas such as streams, drainage channels, and canyons.
Stay Away from Floodwaters: Floodwaters can carry raw sewage, chemical waste, and other disease-spreading substances. If you come into contact with the water, wash immediately with soap and disinfected water.
Evacuate: If you must evacuate, secure your property by bringing outdoor furniture inside and moving essential items to upper floors. Turn off utilities at the main switches if instructed, and disconnect electrical appliances.
Following a major flood, it’s important to first ensure that it is safe to return to your property and inspect the damage. Floods can have more than one peak, hence it would be wise to listen to the advice given by emergency officials before returning to your property.
Enter with Caution: Before entering the damaged property or area, look for hazards such as cracks in the foundation, gas leaks, broken power lines, and leaking chemicals. Remove Wet Contents Immediate- ly: Mold can begin to grow on wet carpets, furniture, bedding, and other high moisture retaining items within 24 to 48 hours of saturation. Take these items out, clean them thoroughly, and ensure that they are completely dry and fungus-free before bringing them back inside.
Ventilate and Dry: On dry days, open your windows and doors to let air inside to help dry out the interior of your property. Consider using a heavy-duty dryer or air mover to expedite the process.
Extract Water: A large amount of standing floodwater can be pumped out gradually either by using a heavy-duty water pump or by employing a professional water ex- traction service. For floods of a few inches, scooping up water with a bucket — while wearing the right protective gear to prevent exposure to bacteria — may be your best bet. Dehumidify to Reduce Odors: Extracting excess moisture from the air will not only speed the drying process, but it will also help eliminate musty odors and prevent mold and mildew growth.
Clean and Disinfect: Disinfecting all surfaces and areas touched by floodwater is imperative to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease.
Restore Indoor Air Quality. If mold and odors are still present after the water removal, drying, and cleaning process, consider using an air purifier to help filter out impurities from the air.
Flood risk management is a partnership between government and the community using a range of measures to reduce the risks to people, property and infrastructure. Decisions on managing flood risk should be made in consultation with the community that may be impacted by floods.
