5 ways to ensure safety during flood
In recent times, thousands of Nigerians in several states have been impacted by severe floods which wreaked havoc in their regions.
The World Health Organisation estimated that the Borno State flood recently displaced more than 225,000 people with 201 deaths reported in 15 of the country’s 36 states.
Entire communities, health facilities, homes, schools, and farmlands were submerged by floods caused by a combination of the effects of climate change and downpours.
Last week, torrential rainfall in Niger State also resulted in flooding which destroyed 271 houses and 171 hectares of land, according to the state emergency management agency.
In April, the Federal Government warned that 148 local government areas in 31 states were at risk of flooding from that month till November. This prediction could be worsened by the opening of the Lagdo Dam in neighbouring Cameroon last week which has been released into River Benue and River Niger.
“Everybody has their part to play; as the Federal Government is doing its part, our agency is doing its part,” said the Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Mohammed.
“Look at your house, if your house is in the floodplain, please move from the floodplain, it is an appeal,” Mohammed added.
These are five ways by which you can ensure safety during a flood:
Be informed
An environmental safety officer, Seun Adegbola, advised residents to seek information about the flood-prone part of their streets and residences.
“This is often announced by the various state ministries of the environment. They have a list of flood-prone areas or areas that are sited on floodplains. If your residence falls into this category, then you should not take any chances.
“It is also crucial to follow weather forecasts. If there is a forecast for a downpour, then you can start making plans ahead so you don’t get caught in the flood,” Adegbola noted.
Create an emergency plan
Adegbola further advised that families map out an emergency plan that may include an escape route and a meeting point if there is a downpour which could result in a flood.
“Discuss with your family and plan on where you would meet if the rainfall lasts longer than an hour which will most likely cause a flash flood. Have an emergency kit prepared also; this will include necessities, money, clothing, food and a flashlight,” he added.
Elevate utilities
Another safety expert, John Okoye, explained that when families plan to evacuate their homes in anticipation of a flood, they should ensure that they minimise the risk of damage to their appliances.
“This can be done by wrapping your gadgets in waterproof materials. Place appliances and house utilities on high-rise tables or elevated places to prevent them from being damaged by the flood water.
“Your beddings, documents, clothes, and raw food stuff should also be placed at strategic places high above the ground. Ensure that the electric meter is switched off also,” he advised.
Know your evacuation routes
Explaining further the need to ensure safety, Adegbola added that the choice of the evacuation route should be ascertained not to be another flood-prone area or one which is susceptible to invasion by animals.
He said, “When floods occur, animals like snakes, crocodiles and scorpions are also displaced from their immediate environments and could eventually find themselves in places where the waters have receded or that were not flooded.
“Make your diligent search and be sure that you are not relocating to a dangerous route. Your mode of transportation to the evacuation route should also be clarified.”
Don’t wade into water
“As much as possible, avoid wading into flood water because you can be easily swept away. This is the mistake many people make when they are stranded in a place that has been submerged by a flood. Don’t enter the flood water with a bike or car.
“The safest thing to do is to wait in a relatively secure space and let the water recede. Some communities use canoes to navigate flood waters, this is still safer than wading in the water,” Okoye added.
