The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) explains that you must have a complete first aid kit when preparing for a flood. DFES works with Western Australian communities and other government agencies to help prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from diverse hazards including floods. It also lists other important items to arrange to prepare you for any possible flooding. It further explains that it’s not necessary to have rain impact you. Since it’s still possible to be at risk even if you’ve never seen floodwaters near your home. So, read further to learn how to develop a plan and where you can find life-saving items in times of emergencies.
What Should You Put in a Complete First Aid Kit When Preparing for a Flood?
Healthdirect, an Australian government-supported website, lists the following items in a basic first aid kit.
- Crepe and elasticised bandages
- Hypoallergenic skin tape
- Triangular bandages
- Adhesive dressing strips
- Gauze swabs
- Combine and non-stick dressing padsÂ
- Sterile eye pads
- Alcohol swabs
- stainless steel scissorsÂ
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers
- Shock blanket
- Safety pins
- notepad, pen, and permanent marker
- Sterile saline tubes
- Disposable resuscitation face shield
- Antiseptic skin swabs
- Paracetamol/ibuprofen (pain killers)
- Stop itch cream
- First aid booklet
- Rubbish bag to put waste in
It explains to put these in a bag or box with enough space for all the items. It also suggests having a kit made of dust, moisture, and contamination-free material.
Where Do You Get a First Aid Kit When Preparing for a Flood?
Pharmacies may have the above items which you may buy individually if you would like to build your own. An already complete first aid kit is also available online where you only have to wait for its delivery to your door.
What Are the Other Items You Need to Bring When Preparing for a Flood?
Aside from building or buying a kit from CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903), it’s also ideal to prepare for the following items as DFES advised.
- Flood plan
- Emergency contact details
- Important documents such as passports and insurance certificates
- Radio
- Torch
- Batteries
- Toiletries
- Sanitary supplies
- Protective clothing such as footwear, gloves, and goggles
- Needs of the infant, the sick, and the elderlyÂ
- Spare clothes and shoes
- Pet supplies
- Spare keys for the house and the car
DFES recommends putting them all together in an emergency kit.
How Do You Use the First Aid Kit?
CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903) offers a free online course on its website that will help you learn the basics. First aid training is also available at Adelaide Business Hub, 6 Todd St, Port Adelaide, and in other centers of the organisation.
What is in the Flood Plan?
DFES explains that your flood plan must address the following questions.
- When will you leave?
- Where do you keep your emergency kit?
- What will you do if all your household aren’t already together, especially if they are at school or at work?
- Where will you go and how will you get there?Â
- If you can’t leave your property, where can you stay safe?
- Who will turn off the electricity, gas, and water supplies? Do they know how to do it?
- Where will you find sandbags, tape for windows, and tie-down materials?
- Where is your nearest evacuation centre, and what is the route to get there?Â
DFES’s website has a flood smart brochure you may use as a guide. It also advises checking in with family members and neighbors if they have one too.
What If You Have Pets?
DFES also suggests planning how to take care of your pets if there is a flood by preparing for the following questions.
- Where will they stay if there is a flood? Evacuation centres only accept guide and assistance animals.
- When will you relocate your pets?
- Do you have their registration details and collar tags updated?
- How will you ensure that they have an extra supply of food, water, and bedding?
DFES also provides a guide on pet and animal plans on its website.
What Extra Items Must You Need to Bring When Preparing for a Flood?
DFES suggests bringing the below extra items if there is an alert.
- At least 5 days’ supply of your food and medicine
- Phone charger
- Bank cards and cash
The agency also recommends filling up fuel tanks.
What Relocation Items Must You Need to Bring When Preparing for a Flood?
DFES lists the following needs for those who will relocate.
- Sleeping bags
- Blankets
- Towels
- Tent or tarpaulin for temporary shelter
- Pen and paper
DFES also suggests bringing any items to pass time such as books and playing cards.
How do You Prepare your Property for a Flood?
DFES recommends preparing your property by doing the following.
- Checking if the documents for your home and car insurance are in order
- Identifying which appliances to turn offÂ
- Buying emergency equipment such as containers to store drinking water, extra fuel supplies, and hessian bags for sandbags
- Storing chemicals above ground level
- Identifying the items that you need to elevate if floodwaters threaten your home
- Considering other options for carpet floor coverings
DFES also advises relocating electricity sockets and power points above floor level.
What Should You Do After Preparing for a Flood?
DFES outlines the following next steps after preparing for a flood.
- Taking action for flooding such as waiting for changes in water levels
- Preparing to evacuate
- Evacuating immediatelyÂ
- Taking care after rising water levels such as avoiding walking or swimming in floodwaters
DFES also highlights the importance of following road closure signs.
Conclusion
When preparing for a flood, it’s ideal to have a complete first aid kit, emergency kit, and supply of needs when relocating. It’s also important to prepare your property in case floodwaters threaten your home. Once you have these items ready, watch out for the water levels, evacuate when necessary, and take care after rising water levels.
