Important Advice & Tips to Plan & Prepare for a Flood

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT
DR CHAN YANJUN
Medical Director
International SOS

“With forecasts indicating that our rainy season is far from over, Malaysians need to be prepared in case of floods,” advises Dr Chan Yanjun. “While there are many different actions people should undertake in a flood situation, the most important rule is do not try to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Cars and people can be swept away, so always remember safety first and to stay alert so you don’t get hurt.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO TO SAFEGUARD YOURSELF & YOUR LOVED ONES IN CASE OF A FLOOD
  • Identify flood or landslide-prone areas near you. Watch weather alerts and warnings.
  • Stock up enough water (ration roughly 4 litres per person per day) and dry food for 3 days.
  • Know your community’s evacuation routes and emergency shelter locations.
  • If you are stranded, injured or ill, contact your local emergency services department and wait for help.
IF A FLOOD HITS YOUR HOME, REMEMBER THESE POINTERS
  • Check the drainage system behind or outside your house to see the water levels. The higher the water level climbs, the more likely you will have to evacuate.
  • Switch off all gas, electricity, and water when electricity supply is down, water has entered your home, or before you evacuate. Make sure to unplug appliances to avoid electrical shock when power returns.
  • Move to higher ground. Only move to the roof if necessary.
  • If your family is advised to evacuate, do so immediately (lock gates and doors before leaving if possible).
WHEN YOU ARE ON THE ROAD DURING A FLOOD
  • Stay off bridges as they can be washed away in severe floods.
  • Stay inside your vehicle if you are trapped by rapidly moving water.
  • Move to the roof of your car if water starts to fill the interior.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE FLOOD
  • Do not return home unless advised to do so. Wait for a signal by authorities or emergency services on the status of your housing area.
  • Look out for animals that may be inside your house. This includes snakes, lizards and even crocodiles.
  • Keep children and pets out of the affected area until clean-up has been completed.
  • Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during clean-up of affected area.
  • Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).
  • Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
  • Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, moulding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
  • Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
  • Have your onsite waste-water system professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage.
  • After completing the clean-up, wash your hands with soap and clean water.
  • Wash all clothes worn during the clean-up in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

Important Advice to Stay Prepared During the Monsoon Season

WORDS LIM EN NI

FEATURED EXPERT
LIM EN NI
Chief Pharmacist
Alpro Pharmacy

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) recently announced that Malaysia will experience continuous heavy rainfall from mid-November, leading to probable major flash floods in several states, and the monsoon season will last until early next year.

We would like to outline several precautionary measures for residents in flood-prone areas, from a community pharmacist’s point of view, to proactively mitigate flood damages ahead of the period and in the aftermath.

BEFORE A FLOOD
  • Closely monitor your surroundings and stay up to date on weather forecasts and warnings
  • Assemble disaster supplies, including long-term medications and first aid kits in water-proof bags in case of evacuation.
  • People, especially the elderly, with chronic diseases, are advised to visit their nearest pharmacy and bring along with their chronic medications, in order to keep a record in the pharmacy and have an up-to-date medication list; this will be useful should one lose the hard-copy of their prescription and face difficulties in retrieving their medication
AFTER A FLOOD
  • Due to poor sanitation and hygiene in flood areas, there is a high risk of flood-borne diseases such as leptospirosis, cholera, and dengue fever. Keep an eye out for general symptoms such as fever, headache, diarrhoea, muscle aches, and vomiting. In the case of any such symptoms, please visit the nearest healthcare centres immediately.
  • Alpro Pharmacy and DOC2US have launched the Life-saving Medication Care Programme, which provides a one-time supply of medications for up to 7 days for free. Those with contaminated or lost chronic disease medications can visit an Alpro Pharmacy outlet and speak to the pharmacist for more details. Note that a police report copy of the flooding is required for verification purposes.