Though it is still early in the season, the recent rains have already led to devastating floods, causing irreparable damage. Many citizens have been severely affected, with entire households submerged, lives lost, and many displaced in various communities.
In response to the situation, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the agency responsible for managing disasters, emergencies, and rescue operations in the country, has shared essential safety insights on what individuals can do be safe during floods, prevent loss of life and reduce the risk of unforeseen dangers during any disaster.
What to do before floods
According to NADMO, some of the key things to acquaint yourself with before the floods are as follows:
1. Know the flood risk of the area where you live, work or attend school.
2. Do not build your house in an area that is a waterway or in waterlogged areas.
3. Identify safe places where you can take shelter if your home or school gets flooded.
4. Ensure drains and sewage pipes are regularly clean for clear passage of rainwater.
5. Pay attention to flood warnings or weather forecasts during the flood season.
6. Do well to inform friends and family who might have missed the flood warning alerts due to disability or do not have access to radio or TV.
7. Secure essential documents and medications in plastic bags and store them above the reach of flood waters.
8. Always store food and drinking water that can last the household for at least a week.
9. Keep emergency numbers for security agencies and relevant bodies closer so you can call for assistance in case of an emergency.
What to do during floods
Additionally, in instances where floodwaters enter homes, these safety guidelines provided by NADMO will be of immense help.
1. Move to identifiable safe havens or high grounds when you notice your home, office or school is getting flooded.
2. Turn off all electrical appliances and gas connections before evacuating your house, office or school etc.
3. Assist children, persons with disabilities, elderly people and pregnant women who may need help to reach safe havens. If possible, ensure that any assisting device used by a person with disability is not left behind during evacuation.
4. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters as snakes and other poisonous insects may be present. You might also fall into a pit or an uncovered drain.
Next step of action after the floods
1. Only return to your home, workplace, or school etc, after it is safe to do so.
2. Do a thorough clean-up before settling in when you return to your home, workplace or school.
3. Ensure there are no faults or all electrical sockets are completely dry before turning on the switch, Gas, etc. If you suspect a fault, quickly contact a competent person to fix it before turning it on.
4. Don’t drink floodwater or consume food that has come into contact with floodwater.
5. Don’t enter residual floodwaters as snakes and poisonous insects may be present. You might fall into a pit or an uncovered drain.
6. Be mindful that some household members and neighbours may be traumatised by the flood and may need support and time to heal.
The public is encouraged to adopt all safety precautions as more rains are expected in the coming days following updates by the Ghana Meteorological Agency.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
