Taking preventive measures against flash floods can alleviate the depth of damages, as they are swifter, unpredictable, dangerous and happen within a short time, according to experts.
While developing an evacuation plan and keeping an emergency 'go bag' prepared and handy is a must, one should look out for information from official channels to follow.
"Follow evacuation orders of the officials and follow guidelines from official channels if there's an evacuation instructions before or during flash flood from local officials," reminds the Civil Defence and Ambances Authority (CDAA).
CDAA stated that it is highly advisabe to move to a higher ground from low-lying area immediately if there is a flash flood warning. "Also, one should avoid seeking shelter in a closed attic as it may pose you getting trapped by rising floodwater," CDAA official said.
"As much as possible, try to avoid direct contact with floodwater that enters the home or premises as submerged rooms, or basement where floodwater has touched can pose electrical shock. If you're trapped in a car and a flash flood is imminent or occurring, most importantly, stay calm and never drive around barricades, and instead, try to find an alternate route or abandon the car and save ones life," he added.
"While there's a flash flood happening, avoid driving on the bridge over fast-moving water as chances are powerful currents can wash out a bridge. Most importantly, avoid driving through floodwater or through large puddles as it is dangerous," he added.
According to reports, it only takes 12 inches of water to for a small sedan or SUV to float, and one should also avoid driving through flash floods as they may look more shallow than they are. Most importantly, try to stay calm in the vehicle that you're driving if you're surrounded by fast-moving floods and don't try to exit the vehicle unless water is rising inside the vehicle. If water is entering inside the vehicle, leave the car and get onto the roof.
"Remember, prevention is always better than facing the danger and avoid venturing out in vehicles and try to stay indoors as much as possible. Follow official information and alert the authorities if need be," he said.
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