Flood
Coastal flooding may result from seasonally high tides augmented by storm activity, or when a tsunami, generated by an earthquake, is driven ashore. Similar high-water occurrences happen on lakes. Floods can also be caused by ice jams, which occur when upstream water is blocked by accumulations of ice downstream.
If you are at home:
- Turn off the basement furnace and outside gas valve. Shut off the electricity. If the area around the fuse box or circuit breaker is wet, stand on a dry board and shut off the power with a dry wooden stick.
- If the flood is severe and your basement is filled with contaminated water, you will need to disinfect it once the water has receded, if your house is going to be occupied. For the average home, mix two litres of liquid bleach into the floodwater every three days.
- Mould is a health hazard that can be associated with flooding. Anything that stays wet long enough will grow mould. Dry everything as quickly as possible to avoid mould contamination. If mould is present, wear a facemask and disposable gloves.
- Wash and sterilize dishes and utensils. Use boiling water or a sterilizing solution of one part chlorine bleach to four parts water; then rinse dishes and utensils thoroughly.
- Drain water from your basement in stages, about a third of the volume of water per day. Draining the water too quickly can structurally damage your home.
If you are in a car:
- If you are in a car, try not to drive through the floodwater. However, if you are caught in fast rising waters and your car stalls, leave it and save yourself and your passengers. Fast water can sweep you and your car away, so avoid crossing flooded areas by car.