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Staying at home
Staying at home
If you decide to stay at home during a flood event, it is a good idea to know what you can do to protect your home against the water.
(An animation. In blue letters appears: what do you do if the water level rises... do you stay? Go to a dry place. Take with you: water, food, medicines, transistor radio and blankets. Also check for other tips on this website.)
EXCITED MUSIC AND SLOSHING WATER SOUNDS
THE EXCITED MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING
THE EXCITED MUSIC FADES AWAY
Find a dry place
Make sure that you stay dry, warm (with blankets and clothing) and safe. Take the following action:
- Find a dry spot in the house, or go to a dry spot somewhere in the vicinity. See the map below to find out where there are dry spots in your area.
- Check whether you can get out of the house through a skylight or using a ladder
- Hang a (white) sheet out of the window. This makes it clear where you are.
- Use a whistle to signal where you are if help is at hand.
Dry places in the vicinity
Temporarily no map available
Protecting your home
High water levels in your home are dangerous, and will damage the house. Take the following action:
- Shut off the main gas valve
- Switch off the electricity
- Unplug all devices
- Jam a heavy sand (or other) bag in the toilets, wash-hand basins and floor drains so that sewage cannot get in.
- Put any valuables somewhere high up to prevent them getting wet.
Lighting
Both the lighting in your home and public street lighting may fail. Make sure you have:
- Candles, matches and lighters
- A battery-operated or wind-up torch
- Remember that you will basically be camping in primitive conditions in your own home for some time
Collaboration
You can increase the chance of getting through a flood event by working in collaboration with your neighbours. Form a team and use each other’s resources. Not everyone will be able to reach a dry spot 'under their own steam' in the event of flooding. Help people in your area.