The Top Things You Need in a Flood

Wondering what are the top things you need in a flood? They are one of the most common natural calamities that can strike anytime and are often recurring in areas prone to flooding. Many of these places have to deal with it every year.

If you are in coastal areas, low lying areas, or near river banks, there is a greater chance for you to experience it. That being said, floods can happen in any place where there is too heavy rainfall. Flash floods in any of these regions can cause significant damage to life and property. Floods also mess up the water supply, power supply, and drainage system. Even after the water recedes, it takes a lot of time, effort, and money to rehabilitate everything.

People living in the flood-prone areas are often asked to keep a survival kit ready in monsoons as things can get out of hand anytime. They are usually evacuated well in advance, but emergency circumstances can arise at any time in monsoon.

Whether prompted by the concerned authorities or not, every household should have such a disaster kit ready. These kits should be frequently updated and checked. You can quickly get the things you need in a flood at the chemist, general stores, or even online.

Keep in mind the 5 C’s of Survival – Cutting, Combustion, Cordage, Container and Cover; while putting together your disaster kit. Cutting involves tools like knives and scissors, while combustion includes devices that are used to start fires like lighter and matchsticks.

Cordage means ropes. It is always necessary to carry a strong line like paracord with you. Surprisingly, most of the people forget containers. Containers are essential to sell stuff or keep it covered. If you find extra potable water, where will you keep it? And lastly, it covers. It includes your extra clothes, raincoats, tarpaulin covers, ponchos and anything useful to cover yourself.

If you are ill-prepared for a calamity, you risk your life as well as put the rescue operation people at risk. People sometimes get baffled and cannot judge what to pack and what not to pack. Don’t worry! We got you covered. This article has a brief list of things you need in a flood as well as some tips.

Here is an elaborate list of things you need in a flood as well as any kind of disaster. Usually, you are notified before evacuation so you could prepare yourself physically and mentally. If you keep the kits ready, it will save you a lot of last moment stress and hassle.

The Backpack

Always use backpacks as they’re very lightweight, practical, and easy to carry around. When not in use, they can be stacked away in a corner without taking up much space. The backpacks usually have many small compartments where you can stow away your little valuables in these. Most of the backpacks are waterproof. And the ones made for camping and hiking are very sturdy. These backpacks come with individual compartments for bottles, compact tents, and have extra buckles. So a good backpack is one of the most important things you need in a flood.

Plastic or Waterproof Covers

Preferably, the plastic bags with a zip-lock seal can keep your cash, valuables, and other relevant documents safe. Even if your bag is waterproof, you will have to cover everything to keep it dry and safe.

Remember to use good quality plastic, the one which is reusable and is not hazardous to the environment. This is one of the most important things you need in a flood.

Essentials

Most probably, you will have this stuff in your house. Every camping kit, more or less, has these things. Run a quick check through this and add whatever is missing. Here is a list of essential things you need in a flood –

• Flashlight – The flashlight makes its way into every crucial kit
• Cap – Without a doubt, a cap comes handy in any weather
• A sturdy stick – This can be used when you have to wade out into the water. You can check the depth of the water and determine what’s lying under the veil of water. You will need this in flood.
• Potable water – Despite being surrounded by water, you will lack clean water to drink. It is always preferable to carry potable water in an airtight bottle. If possible, get hold of a portable water filter or water kits.
• Non-perishable food – Dry foods like energy or nutrition bars, canned goods, biscuits, packets of nuts, granola bars, crackers, food items with glucose should be carried. They usually take up little space.
• Batteries – Dry cells, as well as rechargeable batteries along with their chargers, should be packed in a waterproof container or bag. They are essential for a compact radio, flashlight as well as any other electric device.
• Cell phone – A primary cell phone, the one that takes little time to charge and the battery stays on for days should be carried along with your smartphone.
• Charger – This is very important because your chargers will charge other electronic devices and batteries. It is always good to have an All-Purpose-Charger, Car charger as well as regular charger.
• Compact radio – Despite having your smartphone, it is advisable to have a compact radio to keep updates of the flood situation. Your phone may run out of battery, in such a scenario, it is good to have a radio.
• Cash – Cash can be handy as credit cards; online transactions may not be possible. Cash is very liquid and can be easily carried in a waterproof bag.
• Swiss army knife – Almost every household has this pocket knife. It is quite multipurpose and has a lot of tools in mini size.
• Rope – You never know what you will need a rope for.
• Whistle – A pocket whistle with a shrill sound or any other portable thing with a high pitched sound that attracts attention should be packed in the kit.
• Masks – A cloth mask or the ones used for the medical purpose can be useful any day. They take up little space.
• Lighter – You can even pack some matchboxes, but they might get wet. A lighter is preferable.
• Mints – Always carry some toffees, chocolates, and mint pops. In case you run out of the water, these will be useful.
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Some Spare Waterproof bags or Containers
• Carry small sachets of Shampoo and Conditioner.
• Spare clothes – This can be added if you have a little extra space in your bag. You might need a change of t-shirt if you accidentally rip the one you are wearing.
• Rain jacket – A rain jacket, raincoat, or even a waterproof windcheater can cover you well enough in the rough stormy weather during the floods.
• Socks – An extra pair of socks in case the one you are wearing gets wet or ripped.
• Map – Even though you have GPS on your smartphones, it is wise to have a hard copy map of your local region.

In some cases, you might even add a compact tent, sleeping bags, or some more toiletries depending on the space in your bag, capacity to carry, and the circumstances you face.

The Feminine Kit

You should always plan for protection for at least a few hours. It is good to have pads, tampons, or even menstrual cups on you also if your period has not yet started. It would be difficult to procure these products at the last moment or if you are caught unawares.

• Washcloths – Washcloths are very useful and multipurpose. Keeping one or two with you is necessary.
• Pads – You got to have your sanitary napkins with you at any cost.
• Tampons – Carry spare tampons along with sanitary pads.
• Toilet paper – A roll or two of toilet paper.
• Tissues – Carry a few bunches of tissues or a pack of it.
• Napkins – Keep a small towel or a face towel.
• Hair ties – Do keep a few rubber bands or barrettes with you. Rubber bands are very fragile, and you will need to tie up your hair in such emergencies. Also, the rubber bands have multiple uses so you won’t regret having them
• Vaseline – This is the multipurpose family cream. They do not cost much and can be used on rashes, dry skin, chapped lips, and a quick fix for almost anything.

The Medical Kit

A first aid kit and a feminine kit are some essential things you need in a flood or any kind of disaster. It is advisable to have your first aid kit prepared for emergencies. If possible, pack these in a waterproof container or bag.

Usually, you should get these items in a drug store, online, or even general stores. Keeping this kit upgraded is essential. If you want the kit to be compact, then get multipurpose items.

• Band-aids – they usually come along with a first aid kit. It is always suitable for a quick fix solution.
• Crepe bandages – They are suitable for minor injuries that cannot be treated with band-aids.
• Gauze bandages – This will help keep your wounds cleans as well as let air pass through it.
• Medical Gloves – Medical gloves prevent contamination and are useful for both caretaker and patient. A pair or two is always helpful.
• Tweezers – For pulling out thorns or glass shards if you step on them or get embedded in your skin.
• Pain killers – Advils or Ibuprofen. Get an extra pack for your kit.
• Scissors – A multipurpose essential. Get a sharp, mini pair of scissors to save space.
• Cotton- Sterilized medical cotton for cleaning wounds and bandaging.
• Multivitamins- Because the chances of getting any nutritious food are very limited, it always smart to pack some multivitamins.
• Ointments- Antiseptic creams and lotions are great for first aid treatment. A tube or two of those is necessary.
• Repellent – Again, this is an essential component of the kit. This is a must-have. Insect and bug repellent will ward off any poisonous bugs lurking around. It is readily available in cream as well as spray form.
• Wet wipes – Go for alcohol-free ones if possible. They can be used to clean wounds.
• Medical tape – For taping gauze bandages and pads.
• Allergy medicines – You might suddenly develop an allergy out of nowhere. So it is advisable to carry them.
• Gauze Pads – Gauze pads are used when there is excessive bleeding. It is more effective than gauze bandages. You have to use them with medical tape.
• Safety pins –this is necessary as they can pin up bandages, shoes, or fix anything, even some rips and tears in your clothes.
• Paracetamol Tablets – These pills have multiple uses. It can relieve muscle aches, headaches, toothaches, backaches, and even reduce fever. You can 2-3 doses of it in a day.
• Personal Medicines – Do not forget to add any personal medicines that are prescribed to you or the ones that you need to take when required, like Asthama medicines.
• Glasses – If you wear glasses or contact lens, do remember to take the spares and some extra solution.
• Cough drops – Cough medicines can make you drowsy, so cough drops and tablets are the best alternatives.
• Hand sanitizers – You cannot waste water for washing hands, so it is good to have a hand sanitizer. They come in compact bottles and are also available in spray format.

Here are some tips to help you store your disaster kits. Click here.

Some tips

These are some tips to remember during the flood.

• Always be updated about the current scenario, rescue operations, and weather forecasts.
• Always head in the opposite direction of the floodwater. Secure yourself in an elevated area as soon as possible.
• Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate. Do it as soon as you are prompted to do so.
• It is always advisable to be prepared beforehand to avoid the last-minute hassle.
• Try to pack everything neatly and in a compact manner to fit in as much as you can.
• If you live alone, away from your family, inform them about your whereabouts. If you have to evacuate your house, tell your relatives and family about the location you are heading to.
• Do not try to cross the flooded area. Try to find other possible routes.
• Don’t try to get your car across through water.
• You should always keep a copy of your documents with your friends or relatives. If possible, you should also make a soft copy of it.
• If you have to wade through the floodwater, make sure to check the depth of the water with a stick. Also, stay away from electrical equipment.

This was a list of things you need in a flood. You may or may not be able to get hold of all these items. But try to get as much as possible. You may never know what might come handy. After all, you can never be too careful.

Take a peek at some disasters by mankind in the 20th century that will haunt the world. Click here.

Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by NamitaSoren