Flood

A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. [1] In the sense of
"flowing water", the word may also be applied to the inflow of the tide. Floods are an
area of study of the discipline hydrology and are of significant concern inagriculture, civil
engineering and public health.

Flooding may occur as an overflow of water from water bodies, such as a river, lake, or
ocean, in which the water overtops or breaks levees, resulting in some of that water
escaping its usual boundaries,[2] or it may occur due to an accumulation of rainwater on
saturated ground in an areal flood. While the size of a lake or other body of water will
vary with seasonal changes in precipitation and snow melt, these changes in size are
unlikely to be considered significant unless they floodproperty or drown domestic
animals.

Floods can also occur in rivers when the flow rate exceeds the capacity of the river
channel, particularly at bends ormeanders in the waterway. Floods often cause damage
to homes and businesses if they are in the natural flood plains of rivers. While riverine
flood damage can be eliminated by moving away from rivers and other bodies of water,
people have traditionally lived and worked by rivers because the land is usually flat
and fertile and because rivers provide easy travel and access to commerce and
industry.

Some floods develop slowly, while others such as flash floods can develop in just a few
minutes and without visible signs of rain. Additionally, floods can be local, impacting a
neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins.

Dos
Dos and don’ts during flood catastrophes are secondary to simply remaining calm
● Turn off gas valves fed to appliances, water valves and the electricity on the main
fuse box. Be aware that surges of electricity during gas leaks can cause violent
ignitions.
● Unplug all electrical items and store them away from floodwaters.
● Move all inhabitants and pets to safe locations, ideally in pet carriers.
● If safely possible, move rugs, furniture and any sentimental or otherwise valuable
possessions to a drier location. Big appliances may be raised with bricks.
● Sop up and extract intruding waters when possible.
● To prevent sewage backups, put sandbags in the toilet and obstructions on drain
holes.
● Bathe and wash items with clean, preferably safely contained water. Drink only clean
water, preferably bottled water. If left without options, boil water for ten minutes before
using and drinking.

● Enhance airflows to enhance drying. Bringing the heat down to around 65℉ impedes
bacterial growth.

● Wearing mosquito nets can combat the heightened threat of mosquito-borne

diseases.
● Look out for snakes, which often go inside flooded homes.
● If trapped, try to contact 911 and stay by a window to attempt to signal someone
outside.
● Use a radio and local media for news updates.

● Help neighbors when possible but otherwise avoid walking through floodwaters, as
something like a manhole opened due to water pressure could make a situation worse.
● Sturdy work boots and gloves can help with submerged and dangerous debris. The
most common injury during a flood is cut feet.

● Beware of and watch for structural damages, such as falling walls and ceilings.
Piercing small holes in sagging ceilings can strategically drain them and prevent
collapses.
● Strong ropes and a well equipped First Aid Kit can greatly enhance rescue efforts.

Don’ts
● Don’t eat or drink anything exposed to the likely contaminated floodwaters.
● Don’t use potentially contaminated water for washing or food preparations.
● Don’t let wet dyes from clothes, books, etc. damage other items and carpets.
● Watch out for and don’t approach downed power lines.
● Don’t drive through floodwaters. If stuck, exit the car and move to higher ground.
● Don’t use open flames in the presence of gas, propane or natural gas. Use flashlights.
● Both floating and sinking littered debris and refuse can both complicate rescue efforts
and plug outgoing flows.

● Don’t be careless in a flooded area at night when it’s much harder to see standing and
flowing water. Two feet of moving water is deep enough to sweep away a vehicle and
six inches can sweep away an adult.

● Touching or approaching wet, plugged-in electronics can lead to electrocution.

● Don’t leave doors and windows unlocked when leaving your property due to high
incidences of looting.