Flash Flood Warning In Goa: 5 Ways To Floodproof Your Belongings, Protect Them From Water Damage

Friday, July 7, 2023, 13:52

Flash Flood Warning In Goa: The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert on 5 June and an orange alert on 6 June warning of a low to moderate flash flood in several parts of India, including Goa.

'Surface runoff or inundation may occur at some fully saturated soils and low-lying areas,' read the alert. The areas of concern (AOC) include a few watersheds and neighbourhoods of coastal Karnataka, Kerala and the Konkan region.

We have seen how floodwaters can have a startling amount of devastating damage. This can not only damage your floors, walls and furniture but also destroy your entire house. Floodwaters may contain undesirable elements like raw sewage, oil, gasoline, etc. and also mould, which can start growing within a day after flooding. This can result in serious illnesses.

Therefore, you need to take the right measures to floodproof your belongings. Check out our 5 top suggestions.

Floodwaters can leave a surprising amount of devastating damage in its wake. Not only can the water damage your walls, floors, and furniture ... floodwaters may contain oil, gasoline, raw sewage, or any number of undesirable materials. And mould, which can start growing within 24 hours after flooding, can cause serious illnesses.

Cleaning up after flood damage can become a nightmare. If you live in a flood-prone area, you'll want to be as prepared as possible for any threat of potential flooding through specific flood-proofing steps. With the right precautions, you can keep your house safe from flood damage. Here are four floodproofing tips to protect your home.

1. Big Plastic Sheets

If you want to food-proof your house, then using large plastic sheets wrapped outside the house before a flood will minimise the damage. All you need to do is make some effort to install and wrap the sheeting around the house. However, you need to remember that this one is not a permanent solution and prolonged exposure to the elements will cut down the membrane's effectiveness.

2. Flood Proofing Sandbags

This is one of the classic ways to protect your home. Sand absorbs water and therefore, it can block water from entering your home as it will barricade your walls and will help you to divert the flow of water around the house. Do not wait till the last minute to get sandbags for floodproofing. Also, it is one of the inexpensive ways to solve a crisis and prepare yourself ahead of time. Pick the one that is specially made for flooding.

3. Lift Electrical Items

You need to save what you can before the flood hits. Therefore, whatever electrical items were present unplug them and move them from the basement to the first floor to prevent electric shock. You can put the heavy items in a plastic-covered box and store them in a safe place.

4. Large Stretch Film

Whenever there is a possibility of flood, you need to store away your furniture and take it to a safe location. However, this may not be feasible for everyone therefore, you can only move them to a safer place and away from the basement after covering them with a large stretch film so that it doesn't get damaged due to excess moisture in the environment.

5. Elevate Your House

If you are staying in a flood-prone area, then you need to give your home the ultimate protection by elevating it a bit. You can separate the house from the existing foundation with the home elevation process and you can build an extended foundation. This will keep the future floodwaters at bay from your living areas. Also, you can check for house lifters.