Flooding Do's and Dont's

The state of Gujarat, parts of Rajasthan and many states of Northeast are flooded and NDMA, Home Ministry, administrator of circle - The Police Foundation, no one has had the courtesy to even share do's and Don'ts.

Here is what I could find from the NDMA several years ago. Thought bit outdated but still mostly relevant.

Before floods

Do not litter waste, plastic bags, plastic bottles in drains
Try to be at home if high tide and heavy rains occur simultaneously
Listen to weather forecast at All India Radio, Doordarshan. Also, messages by Municipal bodies from time to time and act accordingly.
Evacuate low line areas and shift to safer places.
Make sure that each person has lantern, torch, some edibles, drinking water, dry clothes and necessary documents while evacuating or shifting.
Make sure that each family member has identity card.
Put all valuables at a higher place in the house.

In the Flood Situation
Obey orders by government and shift to a safer place.
Be at safe place and they try to collect correct information.
Switch of electrical supply and don’t touch open wires.
Don’t get carried away by rumors and don not spread rumors.

DO's

Switch off electrical and gas appliances, and turn off services off at the mains.
Carry your emergency kit and let your friends and family know where you are going.
Avoid contact with flood water it may be contaminated with sewage,oil,chemicals or other substances.
If you have to walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that you do not step into deep water, open manholes or ditches.
Stay away from power lines electrical current can travel through water, Report power lines that are down to the power company.
Look before you step-after a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, which may include broken bottles, sharp objects, nails etc.Floors and stairs covered with mud and debris can be slippery.
Listen to the radio or television for updates and information.
If the ceiling is wet shut off electricity. Place a bucket underneath the spot and poke a small hole into the ceiling to relieve the pressure.
Use buckets,clean towels and mops to remove as much of the water from the afflicted rooms as possible.
Place sheets of aluminium foil between furniture wet carpet.

Don't's

Don't walk through flowing water - currents can be deceptive, and shallow, fast moving water can knock you off your feet.
Don't swim through fast flowing water - you may get swept away or stuck by an object in the water.
Don't drive through a flooded area - You may not be able to see abrupt drop - offs and only half a meter of flood water can carry a car away. Driving through flood water can also cause additional damage to nearby property.
Don't eat any food that has come into contact with flood water.
Don't reconnect your power supply until a qualified engineer has checked it. Be alert for gas leaks - do not smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames.
Don't scrub or brush mud and other deposits from materials, This may cause further damage.
Never turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Stay away from ceilings those are sagging.
Never use TVs, VCRS, CRT terminals or other electrical equipment while standing on wet floors, especially concrete.
Don't attempt to remove standing water using your vacuum cleaner.
Don't remove standing water in a basement too fast. If the pressure is relieved too quickly it may put undue stress on the walls. more