Before a flood

1. Stay informed

Make sure you can receive alerts, warnings, public announcements, local safety instructions, and most importantly, real news. Be alert to disinformation, misinformation, and rumors.

2. Create a family emergency plan

At least you should know where the nearest higher ground is.

3. Assemble a family emergency kit (details at the end)

During/in a flood

4. Move to higher ground

5. Avoid walking through flowing water (a rule of thumb: do not wade if the water level is up to your knee)

6. Don’t drive through flooded roads (60cm of moving water can sweep away a car, even SUVs.)

7. If your car is trapped in the flood, do the following:

– Turn on the headlights and hazard lights (easier for rescuers to see you)

– Unbuckle your seat belt

– Unlock the doors

– Lower your window, climb out, leave your car and belongings, go to higher ground immediately

After a flood

8. Continue monitoring the news

9. Stay away from the fallen wires, damaged buildings

10. Use a long stick (or tree branch) while walking. Be careful of slippery and muddy surface of roads.

Two life-saving devices you should get ready before a flood strikes:

(1) A bug-out-bag type of emergency kit containing the following items

– bottled water

– ready-to-eat canned food

– Flashlight, radio, cellphone, charger, fully charged power bank, pliers, knife, a whistle.

– Personal hygiene items, prescription medicines, eyeglasses

– Important documents

– Cash (don’t take too much)

– Other items you may need away from home (sleeping bag, blanket, small towel, extra socks, etc.)

*Reference – https://www.mass.gov/doc/emergency-kit-checklist/download

(2) An emergency hammer

Keep one in your car. Use it to break your car window in flood emergency.

*Reference – https://english.jaf.or.jp/safe-driving/disaster/protect-in-a-flood

How to Use an Emergency Hammer & Seat Belt Cutter (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm6sL_tk3A0)