5 flood safety tips for senior adults

5 flood safety tips for senior adults


5 minute read

It is very important to be prepared for any disaster before it approaches. Floods are happening more and more often every year, and your chances of getting affected by them may be as high as ever. Standard flood safety tips include preparation of an emergency kit, installation of flood barriers for homes, and in some particular cases, evacuation.

But if you are a senior adult, flood safety may become a bit more complicated. You need to add some special items and medications to your emergency kit, it may be harder to protect your house from the floodwater, and restricted mobility may prevent you from evacuating safely if the flood becomes more serious than you have anticipated.

In this article, we shall provide special flood safety tips for senior adults to help you protect yourself, your senior relative, or your neighbor from an approaching disaster and make sure that you and your beloved ones stay safe and sound after the water retreats.

Assemble your emergency kit.

An emergency kit is a collection of items that will help you remain safe even if the floodwater cuts you off from the rest of the world for a longer period of time.

When it comes to arranging an emergency kit for a senior adult, it is essential to pay special attention to medications a person may be taking on a regular basis, as well as a first aid kit. A flood can be a pretty traumatic event, and seniors are among the most vulnerable ones.

Make sure to arrange enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours.

Except for medications and a first aid kit, it is essential to have enough clean water for drinking and hygiene purposes, non-perishable food, communication devices with external power banks, a flashlight, radio, and batteries.

Make sure to pack all the items into a convenient bag, preferably made out of waterproof materials. Place the bag in a place that is not likely to get affected by floodwater but is at the same time easy to access from any place in the house.

Communication

Communication and the ability to announce your location is one of the main survival factors in case of flooding or any other disaster. Make sure that all the necessary contacts, such as phone numbers of closest relatives and neighbors, are in your phone and are easy to find and dial.

It is also a good idea to print all the necessary emergency contacts on waterproof material and place those lists in several places in the house.

flood safety

Prepare for evacuation.

You should always keep in mind that you may need to evacuate. In case you have some sort of restricted mobility, it is important to thoroughly plan your escape plan, have contact with the person who can assist you close, and make sure that your neighbors, relative, or someone you trust has a key to your house or apartment and can get into the house if you cannot answer the door.

Protect your house.

There is a big chance that you may stay in your house safe during the flooding, especially if you have arranged and prepared a sufficient emergency kit.

You need to secure all the passages and gates, including garage and basement entrances, to make sure that floodwater won`t have a chance to get into the house. Sandbags might not be the best solution for a senior adult as they are pretty heavy and hard to install, remove and clean up after them.

The best solution is modern flood barriers for homes. Lightweight and low-maintenance constructions can be installed and removed easily with no assistance or skills required. They seal every passage securely and make sure that your house remains safe even in the face of 3-foot flooding.

flood safety

Plan transportation

In case you decide to leave your house for the time of flooding, make sure to do it before the floodwater arrives. Just a one-foot flood is enough to flip over a vehicle and make it extremely dangerous.

If you have restricted mobility or need special transportation, make sure to order it beforehand and be prepared to evacuate in advance. When you leave the house, make sure to install your home flood barriers. They will keep floodwater off the house and prevent water damage to your property. 

Keep people informed

It is essential to make sure that your neighbors, friends, and family are aware of your plans in case of flooding and your whereabouts. If you are planning to stay in your house, announce your neighbors and give them a key so they will be able to open the door and help you out if you need help. 

If you decide to evacuate, tell as many people as possible about your plans and whereabouts. It is a good idea to use social media to get in touch with as many people as possible at the same time.

Do you want to know more about flood safety and the means to protect your house?

Contact Dam Easy today and discover modern flood control solutions, get a consultation from our experts and make informed decisions about protecting yourself and your property in case of flooding.

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