Flood safety tips

Provided as a service of: The Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Committee Eta Psi Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

Provided as a service of: The Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Committee Eta Psi Omega Chapter | Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

Before a Flood Construct barriers (sandbags) to stop floodwater from entering your home.

If a flood is likely, listen to the radio or television for information.

Know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. A watch means flooding is possible. A warning means flooding is occurring or will occur soon.

Install backflow valves on toilets and drains to prevent sewage from backing up.

Have a licensed electrician elevate electrical components such as circuit breakers and fuse boxes at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) above your home's projected flood elevation.

Ensure there's proper drainage around your home. You may want to consider adding top soil with a minimum gradient of five degrees away from your home.

Trimming dead or rotting branches or cutting down dead trees on your property can reduce the danger from falling limbs.

When a Flood is Imminent Be prepared! Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don't forget to include needed medications.

Sanitize sinks and tubs, and then fill them with clean tap water in case water becomes contaminated.

If advised to evacuate your home, do so immediately.

If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.

If possible, bring in outdoor furniture and move essential items to an upper floor.

Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.

Disconnect electrical appliances.

Provided as a service of: The Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Committee Eta Psi Omega Chapter | Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

During a Flood Do not walk through moving water. As little as 6 inches (15 centimeters) of moving water can make you fall.

If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

After a Flood Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.

Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

Avoid moving water.

Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to BEC. Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools and pits as soon as possible.

Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.

Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud and dirt left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Provided as a service of: The Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Committee Eta Psi Omega Chapter | Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

Evacuation Tips: 

You should drive with extreme care if you're using your car. Ensure there's enough gasoline in the tank. If the car stalls, abandon it. Many people have died after being caught by rising flood waters while attempting to move a stalled vehicle.

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Electricity and gas valves should be shut off before you evacuate.

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Do you have a family rendezvous point? Prearrange a meeting place and establish some system of communication in case of separation.

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Avoid walking through moving flood waters.

Depth can be deceptive, and even shallow water rushing fast enough can sweep you off your feet.

FLOOD EMERGENCY KIT An emergency kit that includes: Water - two (2) gallons of water per person per day (Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order) Food - that won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year) Manual can opener Flashlight and batteries Battery-powered or wind-up radio (and extra batteries) First aid kit Special needs items - prescription medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities Extra keys - for your car and house Cash - include smaller bills, such as $10 bills

Provided as a service of: The Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Committee Eta Psi Omega Chapter | Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

Driving Through Flood Waters If no alternate route exists and you have no other reasonable alternative but to drive through standing water.

Do your best to estimate the depth of the water (if other cars are driving through, take note of how deep the water is).

Drive slowly and steadily through the water.

Avoid driving in water that downed electrical or power lines have fallen in — electric current passes through water easily.

If you have driven through water up to the wheel rims or higher, test your brakes on a clear patch of road at low speed. If they are wet and not stopping the vehicle as they should, dry them by pressing gently on the brake pedal with your left foot while maintaining speed with your right foot.

Stay off the telephone unless you must report severe injuries.

If your vehicle stalls in the deep water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety. Keep in mind that restarting may cause irreparable damage to the engine.

If you can't restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon it for higher ground. Try to open the door or roll down the window to get out of the vehicle. If you are unable to get out safely, call 911 or 919 or get the attention of a passerby or someone standing on higher ground so that they may call for help.

Provided as a service of: The Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Committee Eta Psi Omega Chapter | Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

BAHAMAS EMERGENCY NUMBERS MEDICAL SUPPORT AAS LifeFlight (Air Ambulance) 242-377-1606 242-323-2186 MedEvac 242-322-2881 Doctor's Hospital Ambulance Services 242-302-4747 Accident & Emergency (PMH) 242-326-7014 PMH Hospital 242-322-2861

UTILITIES SUPPORT BEC Power Outage 242-323-5561/4 BTC Telephone Repairs 242-225-5282 Water & Sewerage 242-325-0505 242-325-4504 (24 Hours) PROTECTION SUPPORT Police 919 911 242-322-4444

National Emergency Medical Services 919 911 323-2586

Crisis Centre 242-328-0922

Red Cross 242-323-7370

Social Services 242-326-0526

Child Abuse Hotline 242-322-2763

Rescue Services BASRA 242-325-8864 NEMA 242-322-6081

Provided as a service of: The Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Committee Eta Psi Omega Chapter | Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated