With the arrival of winter and the increase in extreme meteorological phenomena, such as cold dropthe volume of rain has been greater than usual in some regions of the country, a scenario that worsens the risk of flooding, becoming a real concern for many families, especially in areas most prone to flooding. However, with the right measures, you can minimize damage and protect your home and possessions. Find out how to prevent flooding and what to do if you face this situation.
Prevention: The best defense
Prevention starts with simple habits and proper maintenance of your home:
- Keep the plumbing in good condition
Regularly check pipes, taps and drainage systems. Small ruptures can worsen during heavy rains. - Clean downspouts and gutters
Leaves and debris accumulated in downspouts prevent water from draining, increasing the risk of infiltration. Make sure they are clean before the first rain. - Caulk the roof
Inspect and repair any damage to the roof to prevent leaks. - Prepare for emergencies
Have an emergency plan and store important documents and valuables in high, protected locations.
External floods: How to react
If you live in a flood area, pay attention to weather warnings and Civil Protection instructions. In case of alert:
- Protect essential goods: Store documents and important objects in waterproof plastic bags and transport them to higher areas.
- Prepare to evacuate: Be ready to turn off water, gas and electricity.
- Help those who need it most: Give priority to children, the elderly or people with reduced mobility.
If you need to leave your home:
- Avoid using your car in flooded areas. The force of the current can be deceiving and lead the vehicle into holes or dangerous areas.
- Do not enter floodwaters. The strength of the current and possible unexpected rises in water levels can be fatal.
In case of evacuation:
- Remain calm and follow Civil Protection instructions.
- Take a backpack with the essentials: documents, water, light food, medicines and hygiene items.
Internal floods: Immediate solutions
If the flooding originates inside your home, such as a water pipe break:
- Immediately turn off the safety tap and contact the water or sanitation services in your area.
- In case of wastewater or excessive rain, request help from the Fire Department or Municipal Service.
After the flood:
- Return home only when authorized by the authorities.
- Discard food and medicines that have come into contact with floodwaters, even if packaged.
- Avoid touching downed electrical cables and make sure you always have shoes on and, if possible, protective gloves.
- Inspect toxic or flammable substances to ensure they have not been affected.
Post-flood cleaning and safety
Start cleaning in the upper areas and organize yourself little by little. Always prefer boiled or bottled water for consumption until you confirm that the supply network is in good condition.
Prepare yourself, protect yourself
Floods can be unpredictable, but with preparation and knowledge, it is possible to face this type of emergency with greater safety and efficiency, even in extreme scenarios such as Gota Fria. After all, protecting your home also means protecting your family and well-being.
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