50+ Essential Safety Tips To Protect Yourself During Flood And Stay Safe

Essential Safety Tips During Flood: India is currently dealing with severe flooding in many regions of the country, which has led to a dire situation. States like Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are experiencing widespread flooding as a result of heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers and abrupt dam releases. Roads are damaged, crops are destroyed, thousands of families have been displaced, and many areas are still underwater for days at a time. People are having difficulty finding adequate food supplies, safe housing, and clean drinking water in both rural and urban areas. The problems for farmers and local communities are exacerbated by the negative effects on cattle and livestock, in addition to humans.

Delhi, the capital of India, is currently in danger of flooding as a result of the Yamuna River's 207-meter rise in water level and continuous release of water from Hathinikund Barrage by Haryana. After 63  years, the water level in Delhi has surpassed the danger level. In such a scenario, the best survival skills are awareness and readiness. Life can be saved by exercising caution before, during, and after a flood. Easy actions like keeping clean water in storage, putting together an emergency kit, protecting important documents, and adhering to evacuation protocols can have a significant impact. 

This guide shares 50+ essential safety tips to protect yourself during floods, covering awareness, safety for rural and urban areas, health, hygiene, and emergency essentials to help you and your loved ones stay safe.

Awareness Steps and Safety Tips Before a Flood

Safety tips during floods (Image: Canva)

1. Always keep track of weather forecasts and flood alerts.

2. Prepare an emergency kit with water, food and medicines.

3. Store important documents in waterproof bags.

4. Keep sandbags or barriers ready to block water entry.

5. Teach family members emergency contact numbers.

6. Elevate electrical appliances and valuables to higher shelves.

7. Make a safe evacuation plan with your family.

8. Keep a battery-operated radio and flashlight handy.

9. Store drinking water in clean, sealed containers.

10. Keep cash and ID cards ready in a waterproof pouch.

ALSO READ: Heavy Rains Lash Delhi, Noida, Gurugram Amid Flood Alert In Low-Lying Areas; Yamuna Breaches Danger Mark

Safety Tips During Floods for Rural Area People and Their Cattle

Important Safety tips during floods (Image: Canva)

11. Move cattle and livestock to higher ground before water rises.

12. Store extra fodder and water for animals in dry places.

13. Do not tie cattle near riverbanks or low-lying areas.

14. Build raised sheds or shelters for animals in flood-prone areas.

15. Keep veterinary medicines for livestock handy.

16. Never leave animals unattended during evacuation.

17. Use boats or carts to move cattle if needed.

18. Provide clean drinking water to animals to avoid infections.

19. Keep cattle vaccinated against common flood-related diseases.

20. Inform local authorities about stranded animals for rescue.

Safety Tips During Floods for Urban Areas

Essential Safety tips during floods (Image: Canva)

21. Avoid using elevators during floods.

22. Disconnect all electrical connections before leaving home.

23. Do not drive through flooded city streets.

24. Use footpaths or raised platforms if you must move.

25. Keep emergency numbers of the local disaster control with you.

26. Avoid basements and underground parking during floods.

27. Stay on higher floors of buildings if trapped.

28. Keep mobile phones and power banks fully charged.

29. Stock extra dry food and bottled water at home.

30. Help neighbours, especially the elderly and children, during evacuation.

Essential Things to Keep During Floods

31. First aid kit with basic medicines.

32. Bottled water and water-purification tablets.

33. Non-perishable food items like biscuits and dry fruits.

34. Flashlight with spare batteries.

35. Power bank or solar charger.

36. Waterproof bag for documents and cash.

37. Extra clothes and blankets in plastic covers.

38. Whistle or signalling device for emergencies.

39. Baby food, milk powder, and essential items for infants.

40. Leash or carrier for pets to keep them safe.

Health and Hygiene Safety Tips During Floods

Safety tips during floods (Image: Canva)

41. Drink only boiled or bottled water.

42. Wash hands with soap regularly to avoid infections.

43. Avoid eating food that has been touched by floodwater.

44. Wear gloves and boots while cleaning mud and debris.

45. Keep mosquito repellents to prevent malaria and dengue.

46. Do not let children play in dirty water.

47. Dispose of garbage properly to avoid disease spread.

48. Use disinfectants to clean household surfaces.

49. Seek medical help immediately if fever, diarrhoea, or skin infection occurs.

50. Get vaccinated against waterborne diseases when advised.

51. Cover wounds with waterproof bandages to avoid infection.

52. Take rest and care for mental health after the disaster.

ALSO READ: Flood Alert In Delhi: Yamuna Breaches Danger Mark, Relief Camps Full As Water Enters Homes | Pics

Safety Tips After Floods

53. Wait for official clearance before returning to your home.

54. Do not switch on electricity until it has been inspected by experts.

55. Check your house for cracks or structural damage before entering.

56. Wear gloves, boots, and masks while cleaning mud and debris.

57. Discard all food, medicines, and drinking water that came in contact with floodwater.

58. Boil or purify all drinking water to avoid waterborne diseases.

59. Use disinfectants to clean walls, floors and utensils.

60. Watch out for snakes, insects, or animals hiding in flooded areas.

61. Take medical help if you or your family feel sick, weak, or get skin infections.

62. Take care of mental health—talk to family, friends, or counsellors to overcome stress after the disaster.