WEATHER WATCH – IN CASE OF FLOODING : TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS
What is Happening: Rising Waters in Some Parts of the City and Coast of Guyana: As of this morning May 31, some high water levels have been reported which official sources indicate are due to heavy and continuous rainfall combined with a high tide. While there is no cause of alarm and though everything is being done at this time to stop the water from rising any higher, private citizens can do their part by responding in several pro-active
ways to keep themselves, livestock and valuables safe should a situation arise. Guyanese For Peace in continuance of our work in the best interest of all Guyanese has responded by issuing the following TIP SHEET which we hope you will find useful and will share.
POSSIBLE CIVIL SOCIETY RESPONSE: TAKE BE VIGILANT AND TAKE PRECAUTIONS.
HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS:
A) VIGILANCE:
Keep a close watch on the situation to see if water is rising;
Listen and watch media for updates
Check with local authorities for status and inform them of any important changes you see;
B) TAKE PRECAUTIONS:
Always have an emergency kit at home: this should include a gallon of bleach, plastic bags, drinking water; flashlight and plastic containers in which you put your important documents to save them from water damage.
C) BE PREPARED:
Move your valuables to high places within the home if possible to an upper floor but if not use any available high space that you can like countertops, cupboard tops etc.
Put chemicals or harmful products, such as insecticides and waste oil, in a safe place. When putting them back, make sure that they are out of children’s reach;
Shut off electrical outlets that can be exposed to water. Be careful when doing this, ensure you wear rubber since water is a dangerous conductor of electricity and you could get shocked / electrocuted.
Place bags of sand in front of each entrance and opening (doors, garage and coping) if you think you need to do this.
Where people have poultry, livestock or pets they are advised to try to get them to higher ground; In extreme cases of severe flooding animals who are housed or tied may have to be let loose in order to fend for themselves otherwise they could get trapped and perish;
Check the official sources such as the Civil Defense Commissions website www. cdc.gov.gy and the Guyana Weather center at http://www.hydromet.gov.gy/ for updates.
Share this information with others who may not have internet access or any others who you think of.
D) EVACUATE: IF PRECAUTIONS FAIL - TAKE ACTION:
If the authorities require it or you believe your safety is in jeopardy you may need to leave home for a while. Remember to take your emergency kit which should include your phones, chargers, medication, dry foodstuff, valuables and important documents with you. Also Inform your family and friends of the place where you plan to stay temporarily.
E) AFTER THE EVENT:
If the authorities allow it and your safety is not jeopardized, return home preferably during the day, when problems and hazards are easier to see.
When you arrive, take pictures to document the damage to your home.
Ensure that you wash and disinfect everywhere that has been touched by flood waters with a storing solution of bleach or other safe cleansing agents.
Ensure that all items or places which could have collected water in your surroundings are cleaned since this could provide a breeding ground for disease bearing insects and other animals.
Keep a watch for fungus which may follow prolonged water damage and if left untreated can cause serious respiratory and skin infections.
If you or anyone in your care begins to develop a fever or flu like symptoms or skin problems get them to a health center quickly to ensure they are treated.
Stay Safe Guyana. Guyana First. Guyana Wins.
