During the flood
If you are indoors
- Do not go down in the cellars, basements or garage to secure the goods: you will risk your life
- Absolutely do not go outside to secure the car
- If you are in a basement or ground floor, go up to the upper floors. Avoid the elevator: it may get stuck.
- Help the elderly and people with disabilities who are in the building
- Turn off the gas and the electrical system. Do not touch wirings and equipment with wet hands or feet.Do not drink tap water: it may be contaminated
- Limit mobile phone use: holding free lines facilitates relief efforts
- Stay informed on how the situation evolves and follow directions provided by the authorities
If you are outdoors
- Move away from the flooded area: due to the speed at which water flows, even a few inches could make you fall
- Reach quickly the nearest high area avoiding heading to slopes or artificial embankments that could collapse
- Be careful where you walk: there may be chasms, potholes, open manholes etc.
- Avoid using the car. Even a few inches of water may cause you to lose control of the vehicle or cause the car turning off: you will run the risk of being trapped
- Avoid underpasses, embankments, bridges: stopping or transiting in these places can be very dangerous
- Limit mobile phone use: holding free lines facilitates relief efforts
- Stay informed on how the situation evolves and follow the directions provided by the authorities. After the flood