How to escape and save yourself when a flood strikes

First and foremost, it's crucial to be prepared for the arrival of a flood. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and pay close attention to any flood warnings issued by local authorities. If heavy rain is expected to continue for several days, people living in low-lying areas or along rivers should remain especially alert. Be ready to act quickly by gathering essential supplies such as food, warm clothing, rain gear, flashlights, batteries, matches, and a first-aid kit. Make sure to store enough bottled water, fully charged mobile phones, and necessary medications in a safe place. In case the water level rises rapidly, prepare a large board, raft, or bamboo boat for emergency evacuation.

Next, plan your evacuation route and identify a safe destination in advance. If a flood occurs, move to higher ground immediately using the pre-determined escape path. Take your family, pets, and valuable belongings with you. Before leaving your home, turn off the gas and electricity to prevent further hazards. Secure any items you cannot carry by wrapping them and placing them in elevated spots. Close all doors and windows to protect your belongings from flood damage. If you're driving, move your vehicle to higher ground to avoid it being swept away.

If the flood is sudden and there's no time to evacuate, stay calm and act fast. Move to higher ground as soon as possible and wait for help. If you are caught in the flood, try to grab anything that floats. If nothing is available, lie back in the water, keep your mouth and nose above the surface, take deep breaths, and exhale slowly to stay afloat. Avoid contact with dangerous creatures like snakes or insects, and be cautious of fallen power lines that could cause electric shocks.

After the flood, the living conditions in affected areas can become extremely difficult. Water sources and food supplies may be contaminated, leading to serious health risks. Crops may get moldy, increasing the chances of food poisoning and intestinal diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, and heatstroke. Skin infections, malaria, dengue fever, and other infectious diseases can also spread quickly. Without proper precautions, a major outbreak could occur, worsening the situation and endangering lives. Therefore, it's vital to focus on disease prevention and take every possible measure to ensure public health remains protected after the disaster.

China Labor Insurance Network