Flooding is a common occurrence in Nigeria during the rainy seasons between April to November. It comes with damage to properties, loss of lives (as many as 600 a year) and displacements.
Now like all natural disasters it is geographical and if you live in these states then you are at risk of flooding: Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Adamawa, Jigawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Anambra, Ebonyi, Yobe, Edo, Delta, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti and Plateau.
If you live in a flood prone area you shouldn’t wait for the rains to start first before you know how to get prepared for a flood. A good emergency flood plan like we discuss below can help you manage a flooding incident safely and might return to your pre-flood state.
Here’s a simple guide for preparing for emergency flooding in Nigeria.
Pre-flood.
Know your environment
- Find out how many emergency floods have happened in your community and it’s devastating effects
- Discover multiple routes leading to places you visit regularly e.g office, school, hospitals.
- Get the contact of emergency service providers like Emergency response africa stored on your phone
- Stay aware by listening for information on broken dams and weather forecasts.
- You should also keep an eye for
(I)slow-moving storms that repeatedly move over the same area.
(Ii)water collecting in pools, (iii) larger than usual roaring sounds around streams, lakes or seas.
- Prepare an emergency plan. It should contain:
(I)a common meeting point besides the home where everyone meets
(Ii)Protective covering, torches, power banks for power outages
- Ensure a member of the family is trained in first aid and CPR to provide basic medical help during flooding times
- Get insurance cover for your home. Most insurance covers don’t include flood cover. Check to make sure you have a cover that protects you from natural disasters.
- Ascertain what properties at home need to be placed in high positions
- Consider buying a sump pump to drain water
- Procure sand bags for fencing and diverting water.
What to do when water level becomes dangerous
Here are steps to take once water levels rise above 6 inches.
- Place sandbags to divert water or act as a barrier
- Use your sump pump to drain water
- Place sandbags in toilets and doors to avoid water spilling.
- For Electricals
(I)Avoid stepping into rooms with cables and electric outlets to avoid electrocution
(Ii)avoid turning on electrical equipments if you must stand in water
- If you must evacuate it’s important you
(I)Avoid walking in flooded areas as rushing water at 6 inches can sweep off an adult
(Ii)Avoid driving as water levels at 2 feet can sweep off most cars including SUVs
(iii)Use a stick to gauge water depth.
(Ii) if you can’t make it to a safe location of your choice get to community centers where fellow flood victims have gathered
Flood prevention in Nigeria is a huge task just do your bit
Establishing meteorological centers, drainages and flood awareness campaigns are common steps to reduce flooding in Nigeria and are the responsibility of the government.
You can however do your bit by taking steps like the ones outlined above to protect yourself from flooding in Nigeria. Other important long-term measures include avoiding littering and clearing drains near your property.
You can also count on ERA to render medical assistance like evacuation to partner ready hospitals and first aid training to increase your emergency preparedness.
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