Flood Advice From A Veteran

Our Cavite home has been flooded twice before, in 2001 and then in 2006. The first time was quite traumatizing, since I was 13 then and the dark flood waters came rushing in the middle of the night. When I woke up, the flood was knee-length already so imagine if it was a little later - we would have all been drowned in our sleep. We were so shocked and unprepared for what happened next as the water rose up to my dad’s waist (he’s tall) inside the house and chest deep outside. It flooded again later in the week.

What did we do after the experience? Well, nothing. We didn’t seriously think it will happen anytime soon so we procrastinated until we forgot about it. We were wrong. It flooded again in 2006 and that’s when my mom has had enough of it. Our house is a bungalow, so these are the preparations my mom did. Being paranoid, you know, is a gift.

Before a flood happens:

1. Have shelves built. Most of our stuff is up there most of the year. My mom had one wall of our house lined with shelves.

2. Buy rubber boats. If you can afford those used by professionals and for rescue operations by the military, that would be awesome. If not, buy the salbabida for adults (not the one you wear on your body, but those shaped like boats). They’re made in thick material and is quite roomy. My mom bought two. If there’s any news of impending heavy rains, inflate the boats immediately.

3. I didn’t realize this until now: get a barred gate and sliding doors instead of a wall gate and doors that open front and back. Why? So the flood waters won’t trap you inside the house due to pressure. We managed to get out of our house because of this.

4. Buy water-proof containers to store all your stuff. Also invest in a shitload of thick garbage bags to store your clothes in.

5. Invest in a nice, thick, rope. You may want to tie down your furniture with it. You may also want to tie your boat or yourself to something to prevent being washed away by the currents, if you need to leave your house and move to safer ground. Lastly, it’s cool to have a rope and pretend to be an adventurer or a pirate.

6. Of course, stock up on non-perishable canned food, noodles, chocolate bars, candies, and potable water. You don’t want to fight your neighbors for overpriced food, believe me.

7. If you can afford it, buy an insurance plan that covers Acts of God.

8. If you’re not safe where you are and if you have enough time while the weather isn’t bad yet, shack up somewhere else during the storm. Rent a room in a hotel or go to a relative with a second floor.

During the flood:

1. DON’T PANIC. Keep a cool mind, always remember your priorities. Forget the appliances, you can buy that again. Always put the safety of your family first.

2. DON’T FORGET YOUR DOGS. Or other pets. They’re family! Sofas float so you might want to put them there, or better yet, in a boat with you. Batyas are excellent dog boats.

3. Common sense: leave the house if the waters are too high. Go to a neighbor with a second floor. This is where ropes come in handy.

After the flood:

1. Let everything dry for a week before using them. We’ve been able to use our fridge, water pump, and desktop computer after they have been soaked. Minor repairs only. We didn’t even need to take out a cash loan.

2. Don’t wait for the flood water to completely ebb before cleaning. When the water is only knee-high, start sweeping and mopping to prevent the mud from settling.

3. Clean all your stuff IMMEDIATELY. Mud from floodwater stains and is almost impossible to remove when it cakes. Save yourself the trouble, so start cleaning shoes, furniture, appliances, clothes, books, and knick-knacks before they dry up.

3. Bleach and disinfectant are your best friends. Molds grow in dark corners if you don’t properly dry and disinfect your place.

Hope this helps!