Spring Flood: What to Do? (Advice from the Ministry of Emergency Situations)

How to act in such an emergency situation?

A flood is a seasonal phenomenon when the water level in the river rises due to rapid snowmelt. Taking the right actions in advance is a good guarantee that the flood will cause minimal damage to your home and property. Valuable items that may be flooded should be removed from the first floor of your house. As a precaution, gather a "go bag" – it should contain only the most necessary items – documents, money, food, and medications.

What to do if the critical moment has arrived?

In any emergency situation, it is very important to remain calm and not panic. Keep your "go bag" or the most necessary items in a plastic bag nearby, and leave the flood zone as quickly as possible. If that is not possible, try to get as high as possible, to the upper floors. If the house is one-story, try to get to the attic. Signal to rescuers so they can see you. Before leaving the house, you should turn off the electricity and gas supply, and tightly close the windows and doors. Gather yourself and provide assistance first to children, the disabled, and the elderly.

In spring, in addition to floods, the melting snow also causes many problems with the flooding of ordinary yards. What to do in such a situation?

The more snow there is and the hotter the sun shines, the faster the ice will turn into water. Therefore, first of all, clear the snow around your house and break the ice so that the spring streams do not accumulate into huge puddles. Your best ally in case of melting water overflow is drainage and runoff ditches. Make sure there are no obstacles for the flowing stream: debris, branches, and ice. Help elderly neighbors. Don't forget about parents in the villages.

In case of an emergency, call 101, 112.