Precautions Against Flood

Flood disasters in recent days, precautions to be taken before and what to do in case of floods, Dr. Faculty Member Rüştü Uçan explained.

Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Occupational Health and Safety Department Head Dr. Faculty Member Rüştü Uçan; He made important recommendations about what to do before, during and after the flood.

Industrial zones are risky places…

Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan said, "In the latest research conducted by universities, it has been determined that most of the organized industrial zones are in risky areas according to flood risk maps," and emphasized that settlements and industrial areas should not be allowed to be established in areas with flood risk.

What should be done to reduce the damage before the flood?

Stating that a weatherproof sealant should be applied around basement windows and the base of ground level doors to reduce the chance of damage prior to a flood, Dr. Faculty Member Rüştü Uçan,

• “Drainage for downpipes should be installed at a sufficient distance from the residence to ensure that the water moves away from the building,
• A sump pump and zero backflow valves should be installed in basement drains,
• Important documents should not be stored in the basement but should be kept at a higher level to protect them from flood damage.
• If flooding is predicted, the external gas valve should be closed,
• Special precautions should be taken to protect electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment.
• If there is sufficient time, the electricity or fuel supplier should be consulted for instructions on how to proceed.
• If the electricity has not started yet and the area around the fuse box is completely dry, care should be taken to turn it off and,
• When turning the power off near the breaker panel, look away from the panel and have a flashlight.” said.

If there is water, electricity should not be interfered with.

Suggesting that furniture, electrical appliances and other items in the house be moved from ground level to higher floors in case of flooding, Dr. Faculty Member Rüştü Uçan continued his words as follows:

“Toxic substances such as pesticides should be removed from the flood area to prevent pollution. In some cases, houses can be protected with sandbags or polyethylene barriers. Water and live electrical wires can be lethal. Therefore, if there is water, no intervention should be made to cut the electricity. If evacuation is required, the home should be left immediately and not entered until authorities have stated it is safe to return. Pets should be carried with a carrying container, and large animals should be kept under control by wearing a leash. It is useful to follow the radio channels to learn which areas were affected during the flood, which roads are safe, where to go and what to do if the local emergency team asks to leave the house. Using shortcuts can lead to a blocked or dangerous area. For this reason, the ways specified by the authorities must be followed. The emergency bag should also be kept in an easily accessible place.

Do not cross the flooded area.

Emphasizing that a flood flow that exceeds the shoes can become an irresistible flow in a very short time, since its depth cannot be known, Dr. Faculty Member Rüştü Uçan said, “While walking, fast flowing water can take a person away. Flood waters or underpasses should not be crossed with the car. The water may be deeper than it appears and the car may be stuck or swept away by fast water. Crossing bridges should be avoided if the water is high and flowing fast. If the car stops in case of being caught in rapidly rising waters, it should be left where it is, the driver should save himself and the passengers.” said.

Devices affected by water pose a risk of fire

Expressing that it is necessary to be very careful when returning home after the flood, Dr. Professor Rüştü Uçan said, “If the main power switch was not turned off before the flood, the house should not be re-entered until a qualified electrician decides that it is safe to turn it off. Devices affected by water present a risk of shock or fire when opened. No appliance, pressure or sewer system should be used until the electrical components have been thoroughly cleaned, dried and inspected by a qualified electrician. The main electrical panel should be cleaned, dried and tested by a qualified electrician to make sure it is safe.” gave warnings.

What should be considered in the workplace?

Mentioning that the meeting place of the flood emergency action plan is different in workplaces, Dr. Faculty Member Rüştü Uçan shared his recommendations as follows:

• If instructions are given, the utilities in the main switches should be turned off and the devices should be unplugged. If it is wet, the electrical equipment should never be touched,
• If it is necessary to leave the workplace, it should not be passed through the running water,
• The most suitable area where water cannot reach in the workplace is the top area. It must have been located before flooding,
• Important documents should be kept in watertight lockers in areas where there is a risk of flooding,
• An emergency kit should be created and a workplace communication plan made.
• Building in a floodplain should be avoided unless the business is elevated and strengthened.
• If you live in an area with a high risk of flooding, the furnace, water heater and electrical panel in the workplace should be located in a high area.