Safety Precautions after a Flood

The state of Kerala has been experiencing the worst floods and landslides in 2018 and 2019 since 1924. Now that the worst is over and the flood waters have receded, Kerala now faces the daunting task of rebuilding the state, rehabilitating its citizens and preventing the outbreak of diseases.

Vishraam Builders, prime builders of flats in Thrissur bring to you Safety Precautions  after a Flood issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for the flood victims to help get back to their homes. 

• Only eat freshly cooked food and not any food item that has been in contact with flood water. 
• Fruits must be thoroughly washed with clean water and peeled. 
• Do not eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products. Tetra packs of milk should be used for children.
• Wash your hands with soap- or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and then cook food.
• Clean and disinfect cooking and eating utensils with hot water and use detergent if they’ve been in contact with the flood water.
• Throw out all food that has become spoilt.
• Take care while opening the fridge. Rotten food may produce dangerous gases like methane which can exit with force.
• When there are no other options available use a folded clean thin white cotton cloth to filter water. 
• Hydrating yourself with ORS solutions or coconut water is essential to prevent diarrhoea and dehydration. You can make ORS solution adding six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt to one litre clean, boiled water. 
• Do not use the taps and toilets in case muddy water is present, or water pipes/sewer lines are broken.
• Wash your hands with clean water and soap many times after cooking and eating, after using the toilet, before and after caring of ill persons, after clearing garbage, etc.
• Do not venture out alone after sundown. Always take 2-3 people with you as that may help in case of a sudden emergency. Do not take children with you.
• Cement structures can collapse. Do not use too much force to open bloated wooden doors that may have gotten stuck.
• Never touch a dead body, be it human or animal- with your bare hands. Wear a mask and thick gloves, or tie a towel around the mouth and nose.
• Let in fresh air inside the house opening windows. Don’t stay long if there is a prevailing foul smell. 
• Keep the main power switched off
• Do not use any candles or smoke cigarettes- there may be a gas leak in the house. 
• Reptiles like snakes and crocodiles may have taken shelter inside cupboards, under the bed or even the attic.
• Avoid using any electrical appliances or switches until a licensed electrician has checked them.
• Flood water contains sewage and pathogens causing water-borne diseases. Clean and disinfect anything that has been in contact with the flood water with chlorine disinfectants. 
• Wear covered footwear, and treat any cuts- even the smallest of scratches- with antiseptics.
• Use mosquito nets to prevent malaria. Keep an eye out for symptoms, like fever, chills, diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pains. Seek medical help as soon as possible.
• Drink only boiled water. Chlorinated water is safe to drink, and if there is no drinking water available, collect rainwater and filter it before drinking.

Stay safe and take care of yourself. To book apartments in Thrissur, get in touch with us at Vishraam Builders.