To get involved with our climate change adaptation work, please visit our joint effort with Goodbranch Vergara here

 

2012-2013 SANGDAAN FLOOD PREPAREDNESS INFO CAMPAIGN: 100 SCHOOLS IN 12 MONTHS

HELP GOODBRANCH VERGARA REACH 100 SCHOOLS (high schools, colleges, universities) in Latin America and Southeast Asia that are usually hit by typhoons and, thus, flooding. We can prevent unnecessary loss of life with our flood preparedness info campaign. You can help in 3 easy steps below.

STEP 1: Send the info below to your school contacts in these continents. Help prevent unnecessary loss of life from flooding and extreme storms during the 2012-2013 storm season (June-February).

STEP 2: Please share your efforts back here, if you like.

STEP 3: Have fun informing friends and family to be safe. Salamat po!

***Public Service Info You Can Send to Your School Contacts in Latin America and Asia***

FLOOD PREPAREDNESS INFO YOU CAN USE IN FLOOD-PRONE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES:

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. Move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

• Listen to the radio or television for information.

If you must evacuate, you should:

• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to evacuate, remember these tips:

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

Driving Flood Facts: Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups. Emergency supplies that may assist in a flood, include: Disaster kit (first aid kit; backpack with food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours, extra clothing, blankets, and flashlights, 12-ft rope); Radio with extra batteries; Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, and fluorescent distress flags).

After a Flood: Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink. Avoid floodwaters. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Water may also be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company. Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals. Repair damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.