hsse pres #8-flooding in trinidad

8/7/2019 HSSE Pres #8-Flooding in Trinidad

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HSSE PRESENTATION #8HSSE PRESENTATION #8

FLOODINGFLOODING

A. ManboadhA. Manboadh


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IntroductionIntroduction

FLOODINGFLOODING

--WHAT TYPES?WHAT TYPES?

--SHOULD I DRIVE THROUGH A FLOOD?SHOULD I DRIVE THROUGH A FLOOD?--HOW TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODS?HOW TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODS?

--WHAT TO DO IF I AM FLOODED?WHAT TO DO IF I AM FLOODED?

--WHAT TO DO IF MY VEHICLE STARTS TOWHAT TO DO IF MY VEHICLE STARTS TO

SINK IN A FLOOD?SINK IN A FLOOD?


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Types of floodsTypes of floods River FloodsRiver Floods: surface water flow rises: surface water flow risesand river channels overflowand river channels overflow

Coastal FloodsCoastal Floods: coastal areas of land: coastal areas of landbecome inundated with sea water (feltbecome inundated with sea water (feltmore due to tidal effects)more due to tidal effects)

Urban FloodsUrban Floods: Built: Built--up areas canup areas can

experience 6X greater run off thanexperience 6X greater run off thanrural areas as there are more pavedrural areas as there are more pavedsurfaces. Heavy rainfall can turnsurfaces. Heavy rainfall can turnstreets into swiftly moving rivers ofstreets into swiftly moving rivers ofrainfall runoffrainfall runoff

Flash FloodsFlash Floods: When precipitation in a: When precipitation in a

particular watershed is channeledparticular watershed is channeledquickly to the outflow point of thequickly to the outflow point of thebasin, a sudden increase in dischargebasin, a sudden increase in dischargecan be caused. These floods usuallycan be caused. These floods usuallyoccur within 6 hours of a large rainfalloccur within 6 hours of a large rainfallevent (the events of the last week).event (the events of the last week).


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Staying alertStaying alert--esp. if you live in aesp. if you live in a

flood prone areaflood prone area Keep up to date with weather and emergency bulletinsKeep up to date with weather and emergency bulletinsfor updated emergency information (battery poweredfor updated emergency information (battery poweredradios can be used as there is higher probability of powerradios can be used as there is higher probability of poweroutages).outages).

Everyone in the family should be ready to respond andEveryone in the family should be ready to respond andact quickly.act quickly.

Be alert to signs of flooding, and be ready to evacuate atBe alert to signs of flooding, and be ready to evacuate ata moment's notice.a moment's notice.

Follow the instructions and advice of local authoritiesFollow the instructions and advice of local authorities(esp. ODPM, MET Office)(esp. ODPM, MET Office)

If there is rapid flooding in your home (>4 ft and rising)If there is rapid flooding in your home (>4 ft and rising)move your family quickly to higher ground or to a shelter.move your family quickly to higher ground or to a shelter.Save yourself, not your belongings. Life first!Save yourself, not your belongings. Life first!


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What to Do if You Approach a Flooded areaWhat to Do if You Approach a Flooded area

when Driving?when Driving? Dont panic.Dont panic.

Look at the road curb, road divider, lamp post or any otherLook at the road curb, road divider, lamp post or any otherobjects which would be able to give you a rough idea ofobjects which would be able to give you a rough idea ofhow high the water is. If you dont feel confident, do nothow high the water is. If you dont feel confident, do notproceed.proceed.

Say a short prayer.Say a short prayer.

If there's a vehicle in front of you, let it clear the flood. YouIf there's a vehicle in front of you, let it clear the flood. Youwouldn't want to end up behind him if his car stalls.wouldn't want to end up behind him if his car stalls.

Using your first or second gear (L or 1 in an automatic)Using your first or second gear (L or 1 in an automatic)drive slowly to avoid creating a large 'bow wave' (a smalldrive slowly to avoid creating a large 'bow wave' (a smallwave can be helpful but too much and the water can washwave can be helpful but too much and the water can washback into the engine). Slipping the clutch and revving theback into the engine). Slipping the clutch and revving theengine will also help to keep the exhaust clear and keepengine will also help to keep the exhaust clear and keepthe engine running if water splashes onto the electrics. Inthe engine running if water splashes onto the electrics. Inan automatic keep your foot on the gas in the lowest heldan automatic keep your foot on the gas in the lowest held

gear and use the brake to control your speed.gear and use the brake to control your speed.


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when Driving contd?when Driving contd?

Go into the flood slowly, to create a bow waveGo into the flood slowly, to create a bow waveapprox.15km/h to 20km/h.approx.15km/h to 20km/h.

Sit up right and you should be able to see the bow waveSit up right and you should be able to see the bow waveinin--front of the car.front of the car.

Adjust your vehicle speed accordingly so that you do notAdjust your vehicle speed accordingly so that you do notovertake the bow wave. Dont let the bow wave get awayovertake the bow wave. Dont let the bow wave get awayfrom you either.from you either.

Once youve cleared the flood, dont forget to thank GodOnce youve cleared the flood, dont forget to thank Godand smile.and smile.

Test your brakes as soon as you can after leaving theTest your brakes as soon as you can after leaving thewaterwater-- After you come out, dry brakes gently before youAfter you come out, dry brakes gently before youneed themneed them -- the best way is to lightly apply the brake asthe best way is to lightly apply the brake asyou drive along for a few seconds.you drive along for a few seconds.


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when Driving contd?when Driving contd?

TThese 2 pictures are examples of a bow wave.hese 2 pictures are examples of a bow wave.

The water level infront of the vehicle/ the water level of the bowThe water level infront of the vehicle/ the water level of the bowwave is much higher compared with the water level behind the bowwave is much higher compared with the water level behind the bowwave.wave.

Imagine youre in a bathtub. Then pushImagine youre in a bathtub. Then push your palm across theyour palm across the

water. Youll notice that the water level inwater. Youll notice that the water level in--front of your palm isfront of your palm ishigher than the water level at the back of your palm.higher than the water level at the back of your palm.

The same concept applies here. When you drive into the floodThe same concept applies here. When you drive into the floodslowly, youre using the cars front bumper to create the bow wave.slowly, youre using the cars front bumper to create the bow wave.It pushes the water away, thus lowering the water level from theIt pushes the water away, thus lowering the water level from theengine bay onwards.engine bay onwards.


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Other Points to NoteOther Points to Note

Avoid already flooded areas, and areas subject to suddenAvoid already flooded areas, and areas subject to suddenflooding if possible.flooding if possible.

If you have to drive through water try to drive in theIf you have to drive through water try to drive in thehighest section of the road and dont set off if a vehicle ishighest section of the road and dont set off if a vehicle istravelling in the opposite direction. Leave time and spacetravelling in the opposite direction. Leave time and space

for each other, so you dont swamp someone else.for each other, so you dont swamp someone else. Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and lowLook out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low

areas.areas.

Don't drive through fastDon't drive through fast--moving water, such as at amoving water, such as at aflooded bridge approachflooded bridge approach your car could easily be sweptyour car could easily be sweptaway. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.away. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.


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Other Points to Note contdOther Points to Note contd

If the vehicle has stood in the flooded area for anyIf the vehicle has stood in the flooded area for anyprolonged period contact your local dealer or mechanicprolonged period contact your local dealer or mechanicfor further advice before attempting to start.for further advice before attempting to start.

Driving fast through standing water can cause expensiveDriving fast through standing water can cause expensive

damagedamage the air intake on some cars is low at the frontthe air intake on some cars is low at the frontof the engine bay and it only takes a small quantity ofof the engine bay and it only takes a small quantity ofwater sucked into the engine to cause serious damage.water sucked into the engine to cause serious damage.All engines are affected, but turbocharged petrol andAll engines are affected, but turbocharged petrol anddiesel engines are most vulnerable.diesel engines are most vulnerable.

If you break down in heavy rain don't prop the bonnetIf you break down in heavy rain don't prop the bonnetopen while you wait for the patrol to arriveopen while you wait for the patrol to arrive the enginethe enginewill be more difficult to start again if the electrics are rainwill be more difficult to start again if the electrics are rain--soaked.soaked.


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If the vehicle starts to sinkIf the vehicle starts to sink Release your seatbelts and open the windowsRelease your seatbelts and open the windows --

be aware that the seatbelts might not retract;be aware that the seatbelts might not retract;take care not to get tangled.take care not to get tangled.

If your head restraints are removable, pull themIf your head restraints are removable, pull themout when you release your seatbelt to enableout when you release your seatbelt to enableeasy passage for rear passengers.easy passage for rear passengers.

If your windows jam, try to break them. AnIf your windows jam, try to break them. An'emergency hammer' is ideal; a steering wheel'emergency hammer' is ideal; a steering wheelsecurity lock will do; or kick hard. You may besecurity lock will do; or kick hard. You may beable to open a door, but if you can, it's probablyable to open a door, but if you can, it's probablybetter to exit through a window.better to exit through a window.

The car will sink 'heavy end' first (the heavyThe car will sink 'heavy end' first (the heavyend is where the engine is). In deeper water itend is where the engine is). In deeper water itmay flip onto its roof. In a car that sinks frontmay flip onto its roof. In a car that sinks front

first, there will be a bubble of air in the back,first, there will be a bubble of air in the back,but you should stay in the front ... the frontbut you should stay in the front ... the frontwindows are often bigger and easier to get outwindows are often bigger and easier to get outofof for all passengers.for all passengers.


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If the vehicle starts to sink contdIf the vehicle starts to sink contd

The car won't sink immediately, even with the windows open,The car won't sink immediately, even with the windows open,however you must use every moment to free yourself andhowever you must use every moment to free yourself andpassengers and get out. Push children out first.passengers and get out. Push children out first.

It may seem obviousIt may seem obvious -- but don't try to save anything except lives.but don't try to save anything except lives.Computers, phones, purses, jewellery, etc. can be replacedComputers, phones, purses, jewellery, etc. can be replaced -- youyou

can't!can't! If you are unable to open a window, there is the equalization optionIf you are unable to open a window, there is the equalization option

as a last resort. Keep your head. There should be enough air for theas a last resort. Keep your head. There should be enough air for theminute or two that it will take to prepare to escape.minute or two that it will take to prepare to escape. When the car isWhen the car isnearly full of water, take a deep breath and push a door open, younearly full of water, take a deep breath and push a door open, youmay need to do this with your feet (for extra strength).may need to do this with your feet (for extra strength). Note theNote thewait:wait: If you try to open the doors too soon the water pressure willIf you try to open the doors too soon the water pressure will

defeat you.defeat you.


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Dont allow children to play in floodDont allow children to play in flood

waters...waters... There is a good chance of increasedThere is a good chance of increasedfecal material in the water fromfecal material in the water fromfarms and pit latrines andfarms and pit latrines andoverflowing sewers.overflowing sewers.

With fecal matter in the water comesWith fecal matter in the water comesthe increased risk of exposure tothe increased risk of exposure to

disease, including hepatitis.disease, including hepatitis. If your child has toys left out in theIf your child has toys left out in the

yard, and your yard has standingyard, and your yard has standingwater, make sure you disinfect thewater, make sure you disinfect thetoys.toys.

Hidden sharp objects and openHidden sharp objects and open

storm drains are safety hazards.storm drains are safety hazards. If the kids did play in standing water,If the kids did play in standing water,

bathe them as soon as possible andbathe them as soon as possible andwatch for signs of infection orwatch for signs of infection ordisease.disease.


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After the floodAfter the flood If your home has sustained waterIf your home has sustained water

damage to carpets or walls, mold maydamage to carpets or walls, mold maygrow. That can pose longgrow. That can pose long--term healthterm healtheffects.effects.

Electrical wiring could've beenElectrical wiring could've beendamaged. You should get an expert todamaged. You should get an expert tocheck it if you have any concerns.check it if you have any concerns.

Test drinking water for potability. YouTest drinking water for potability. Youcan use bleach to disinfect in thecan use bleach to disinfect in therecommended proportion.recommended proportion.

Do not use fruits or vegetables that hasDo not use fruits or vegetables that hascome in contact with flood waters.come in contact with flood waters.

Do not handle live electrical equipmentDo not handle live electrical equipment

in wet areas, electrical equipmentin wet areas, electrical equipmentshould be checked and dried beforeshould be checked and dried beforereturning to service.returning to service.

Unclog storm drains, culverts, andUnclog storm drains, culverts, andditches. Standing water breedsditches. Standing water breedsmosquitoes and can encourage verminmosquitoes and can encourage verminwhich carry diseases.which carry diseases.


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If your house has been flooded..If your house has been flooded..

Use flashlights not open flames (flambeau, candles etc.)Use flashlights not open flames (flambeau, candles etc.)to examine buildings as flammables may be inside.to examine buildings as flammables may be inside.

Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.

Open windows and doors to let the air circulate. This willOpen windows and doors to let the air circulate. This willhelp remove foul odors and protect you from escapinghelp remove foul odors and protect you from escapinggas. It will also help dry out the house. Take pictures ofgas. It will also help dry out the house. Take pictures ofthe damage.the damage.

Begin cleanup as soon as possible. Throw out anyBegin cleanup as soon as possible. Throw out any

perishable foods; they may be contaminated. Hose downperishable foods; they may be contaminated. Hose downhard goods such as major appliances and furniture.hard goods such as major appliances and furniture.

Make any temporary repairs necessary to stop furtherMake any temporary repairs necessary to stop furtherlosses from the elements or from lootinglosses from the elements or from looting..


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If your house has been flooded..If your house has been flooded..

Remove all soft furnishings and fittings that are damaged beyondRemove all soft furnishings and fittings that are damaged beyondrepair.repair.

Remove all dirty water and silt from the property as much asRemove all dirty water and silt from the property as much aspossible, including out of the space under downstairs floorboards ifpossible, including out of the space under downstairs floorboards ifyou have these. This may require pumping out.you have these. This may require pumping out.

Wash down all hard surfaces with hot soapy water until visuallyWash down all hard surfaces with hot soapy water until visuallyclean. Use domestic disinfectant, following manufacturers directionsclean. Use domestic disinfectant, following manufacturers directionsas to concentrations, to wash over all hard surfaces after cleaning.as to concentrations, to wash over all hard surfaces after cleaning.

Food preparation surfaces and storage cupboards, refrigerators etcFood preparation surfaces and storage cupboards, refrigerators etcshould be washed down with food safe disinfectants such as Milton,should be washed down with food safe disinfectants such as Milton,Dettox or similar.Dettox or similar.

Allow to thoroughly dryAllow to thoroughly dry this will also help to destroy any germs leftthis will also help to destroy any germs leftbehind. Heating and ventilation will assist the drying process.behind. Heating and ventilation will assist the drying process.


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OverviewOverview

Types of floodsTypes of floods

If you live in flood prone areasIf you live in flood prone areas

Driving through floodsDriving through floods If your vehicle starts to sinkIf your vehicle starts to sink


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ReferencesReferences

http://puggy206.blogspot.com/http://puggy206.blogspot.com/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/caradvice/3794040/Howhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/caradvice/3794040/How--toto--drivedrive--throughthrough--

floods.htmlfloods.html

http://www.smartdriving.co.uk/Driving/Driving_emergencies/Floods.htmhttp://www.smartdriving.co.uk/Driving/Driving_emergencies/Floods.htm

http://www.trinituner.comhttp://www.trinituner.com

You can check the following for more information:You can check the following for more information:

http://www.odpm.gov.tt/http://www.odpm.gov.tt/

http://www.metoffice.gov.tt/http://www.metoffice.gov.tt/

hsse pres #8-flooding in trinidad

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