Flooding can be catastrophic and is a very real risk, so make certain to learn these essential survival tips. From our friends at Survival Life…

[cmamad id=”3117″ align=”center” tabid=”display-desktop” mobid=”3104″ stg=””]

Before A Flood

Identify The Risks You’re Facing

Coordinate with local authorities, emergency response units, and the dam operator if you can. Identify your location from the dam in case it breaks. Find out if it is a significant hazard potential dam or a high hazard one. Contact the NID (National Inventory of Dams) or the ASDSO (Association of State Dame Safety Officials).

Prepare A Bug Out Bag And Make An Evacuation Plan

This is where the current EAP comes into play. This is a formal document which indicates preplanned actions to be taken to minimize damage to property and deaths. This also identifies possible emergency conditions at a dam. You must place the bug-out bag at an accessible spot ready to be grabbed at a moment’s notice. Make sure you’re familiar with the evacuation route.

During A Flood

Increase Your Situational Awareness

When a dam failure occurs, listen to the sound of the siren. The time between the alarm and the raging waters hitting your location can be a matter of seconds. This time is critical for you and your family.

Protect Yourself

Wrap yourself in a mattress to shield you from flying and floating debris. Some survivors who were in bed while a flash flood occurred survived because they were protected by the mattress.

Other ways to protect yourself are the following:

• Unplug electrical appliances.
• Switch off main electrical switches and gas lines.
• Secure outdoor furniture and other essential items.

After A Flood

Put the following tips in mind to avoid any further injuries or possible deaths:

• Bring your survival kit with you at all times.
• If you’re evacuating on foot, keep away from floodwaters.
• Listen to your portable radio for reports if the water supply would be safe for drinking.
• Return to your house only when given the green light by local authorities.
• Disinfect and clean everything that is wet and muddy. The mud may contain hazardous chemicals.

Make sure to memorize these tips before you need them! For more great survival tips and info, please visit Survival Life.

Please SHARE this with your family and friends – thanks