Dominica shares flood safety tips after Tropical Storm Fiona watch comes into effect

Roseau, Dominica: The Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment of Dominica shared the flood safety tips during the impending weather as a watch for Tropical Storm Fiona is in effect across the nation. 

With the impending weather, please remember these flood safety tips: 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Flooding often occurs following a hurricane, storm, or several days of sustained rain. Some floods develop slowly, but flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

As with any disaster, it is critical to be as prepared as possible. Be sure your family has an evacuation plan, ensure you have adequate emergency supplies, and keep important documents in a waterproof bag or container.

The Health Ministry outlined the fact or fiction about the safety tips for the floods. 

FACT or FICTION

Fiction:

• In case the flooding water interrupts and contaminates the public water supply, people should fill their sinks and bathtubs with drinking and clean water.

Fact:

• The waste which is stored in bathtubs or sinks will never be able to be used for drinking or for bathing purposes as the lead can leak from the glaze in bathtubs and sinks into water stored in them.
• Although, people can use the water stored in bathtubs and sinks for flushing the toilet or cleaning or washing clothes.

What Should You Do During a Flood?

Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. 

How to Stay Safe Indoors

• With the instructions from the local authorities, turn off the power and water.
• In order to clean the water, boil it nicely until it is declared safe.
• Try to avoid contact with the floodwater as it may be contaminated, which might cause diseases.
• Stay in touch with the local area media for the latest update on the weather and floods.
• Don’t use gas or electrical appliances that come into contact with the flooded water.
• Dumb the food item that has been flooded.

How to Stay Safe Outdoors

• Don’t try to walk, swim or drive in the floodwater as just six inches of fast flowing can knock you over. The car will float over the water.
• Get out of the car immediately and moves to the higher ground if you get trapped on the flooded road where water is rapidly rising.
• Avoid walking on beaches or riverbanks.
• Make children away from the flooded area and don’t allow them to play in or near contaminated water.
• The flood water might be contaminated with sewage or contains dangerous insects or animals, so do not come into contact with the water.
• Don’t come to contact with the areas subject to flooding.
• Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live. Electrocution is also a serious danger in floods as electrical currents can travel through water.

FACT or FICTION

Fiction:

If you have a truck, pickup or SUV, it’s okay to drive across rushing floodwater.

Fact:

Just two feet of rushing water could carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups. Never try to drive across rushing floodwater.