PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES IN FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS: (Article written on occasion of Chennai floods for Bluebase newsletter)

  

1.    Male members must first re-enter the flood affected house for cleaning purposes. Aged people, ladies and children must be allowed only after completely cleaning the flood afflicted house.

2.    Open all the doors and windows once you re-enter the house to allow fresh air and light to come in. Proper ventilation can drive way poisonous air and bad odour.

3.    Don’t switch on the electrical and electronic appliances even though electricity is available. Electrical leakage could cause shock. Ensure that there is no electrical leakage before operating household appliances.

4.    Ask your nearest electrician to check for possible electrical leakage. You can also check on your own but ensure to wear proper safety gloves, safety boots and use wooden chair to stand upon.

5.    Ensure to have sufficient stock of fever, indigestion and preventive tablets. If required get yourself vaccinated to protect yourself from water-borne diseases.

6.     Take light diet for a few days. Give your body some time to recover and recuperate from the shock. Give adequate confidence to your family members.

7.    Never use food items that are bought before flooding. Even if they are not spoiled inspect very carefully before consuming them.

8.    Service your refrigerators before using them. Since there was no electricity for long hours the gases inside the fridge may be poisoned. Throw away stored food inside refrigerator as they may cause food poison problem.

9.    File claim with your vehicle’s insurance provider. Don’t try to repair the water logged vehicle on your own. Because if the vehicle gets damaged in the process you will not be able to file insurance claim.

10. Clean your bathrooms and toilets with acid and bleaching powder. Since there may be drainage leakage during floods it is advised not to use them without properly sanitising them.

11. Don’t make use of gas cylinders for cooking purposes. Ask your gas agency staff to inspect them for any gas leakage before starting to utilize them.

12. Insects, snakes and lizards may be hiding in your clothes and your home’s less accessed places. Check for possible insects and reptiles before wearing your clothes.