Flood & Earthquake Household Safety Tips

Posted on: Jan 8, 2019 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Flood & Earthquake Household Safety Tips

Floods are among the most frequent and extensively damaging natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area

Flood Safety Tips

Floods are possibly the most frequent natural disasters that can have devastating impacts. Therefore it is important to follow flood safety tips by breaking them into- pre-, during and post-flood situations:

Pre Flood

• Understand whether your area is a flood-prone zone and which months are prone to flood the most.

• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

• If a flash flood is possible move immediately to higher ground.

• Keep Valuables & furniture above flood level where flooding has previously occurred.

• Get reliable flood insurance to avoid financial turmoil.

During Flood

• Construct barriers (beams, floodwalls) to stop flood water from entering your home.

• If possible, install a pump (e.g. sump pump) to pump out water that accumulates in the basement or lower areas of the structure

• Be prepared! Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don't forget to include medications.

• If advised to evacuate your home, do so immediately.

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances.

• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

Post Flood

• Follow the instructions of the concerned authorities.

• Return to your home safely.

• Keep checking the news for updates.

• Stay indoors for a few days.

• Avoid visiting areas with flooded or standing water.

Earthquake Safety Tips

Earthquakes are not a frequent occurrence. However, they can be very disruptive because they occur suddenly and tend to affect large areas making it important to have a plan to deal with the situation. Consider these earthquake safety tips for pre-, during and post-earthquake situations:

Pre Earthquake

• Know how to turn off your gas, water mains and power

• Keep breakables in low or secure cabinets with latches

• Use flexible connections where gas lines meet appliances

• Install strong latches on kitchen cabinets

• Secure top-heavy furniture to studs

• Keep a supply of canned food, an up-to-date first aid kit, water, dust masks and goggles, and a working battery-operated radio and flashlights.

• Get reliable earthquake insurance.

During Earthquake

• Head to a place in the house where you can take additional shelter. It should be a spot where nothing is likely to fall on you

• Head out to an open space if you have the option

• Don’t panic

• Don’t waste time collecting your belongings before moving out.

Post Earthquake

• Stay out if your house has suffered immense damage to avoid any mishap

• Listen to the news for updates

• Check on your friends, family and neighbours

• Wait for the situation to settle in before making a decision.

Common Safety Tips for Both Floods and Earthquakes

If you stay in an area that is prone to natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, chances are that you already know the precautions. However, if you are new or want to stay prepared for a sudden attack, here’s a list of safety tips that can protect you against natural disasters:

• Learn how to turn off the main switch for electricity and gas supply as this is the first thing to do when a flood or earthquake hits.

• Ensure that your house has barriers to restrict flood water inflow and a flood and earthquake-resistant construction.

• Avoid going for a few days after a natural disaster has hit.

• Know a safe place to hide in your home and neighbourhood.

• Don’t panic and rely on guidelines issued by concerned authorities.

• Opt for a flood/earthquake insurance plan.

• Check on your neighbours and provide aid, if needed.

• Keep a supply of canned food, an up-to-date first aid kit, water, dust masks and goggles, and a working battery-operated radio and flashlights.

• Document the damage. If your Home Insurance policy covers earthquake damage, make sure you take photos or video of the damage to use in the claim process.

Are Earthquake and Flood Damages Covered by Home Insurance?

Yes, earthquake and flood damages are also covered by home insurance. These are natural disasters that affect the safety of the home and, therefore, are covered under home insurance perils.

You can opt for a comprehensive home insurance plan to create a financial shield against the damages caused due to floods or earthquakes. Additionally, there are additional benefits offered under a home insurance plan that you can explore to extend the coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need flood and earthquake insurance?

Natural disasters like earthquakes or floods can be unforgiving and cause large-scale damage. Therefore, it becomes important to create a safety net to overcome the damage. A comprehensive home insurance plan offers coverage against natural disasters.

2. What are safety tips in case of flooding?

In case your neighbourhood has been hit by a flood, there are safety measures that you can follow to avoid mishaps, such as staying calm, creating barricades around the house, moving to an upper flood level, cutting off gas and electricity supply, and keeping food and a first-aid bag handy.

3. What are safety tips in case of an earthquake?

If you stay in an earthquake or even otherwise, you can follow safety tips like taking shelter under the table, moving to an open area in the neighbourhood, not panicking, not trying to take your belongings along, and following the news for updates from authorities to protect yourself.

Conclusion

A natural disaster has a history of leaving behind deadly impacts that can cause severe damage. Following safety guidelines as mentioned above and notices issued by concerned authorities can lower the severity. In addition, opt for a comprehensive home insurance plan as it is designed to promise coverage against natural disasters.

Disclaimer The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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