The final part is here! Wrap up your flood-prep journey with Part 3, and make sure you’re fully ready for whatever the storm may bring! We’re in this together!

When the Waters Recede: What’s Next? 

The worst may be over, but the precautions prevail! Listen to the authorities for information or instructions on whether you can return home. Do not, under any circumstances, return home unless it is absolutely certain that you’re out of danger’s way. When entering a building damaged by floodwater, be extra careful as there may be hidden hazards or debris below the surface. Not to mention, floodwater isn’t just water, it’s a cocktail of contaminants! Play it safe and stick to bottled water for drinking or other usage until the coast is clear. 

After a flood, many wild animals or critters lose their homes and go on the hunt for new digs, more often than not inside yours! Damaged buildings are like open invitations for snakes, rats, and insects looking to crash. If you find an unexpected guest on your property, don’t freak out. Just take a slow step back and give it some space to make its exit. After all, it’s just looking for shelter, not a permanent stay! 

Now it’s cleaning time and you better get all suited up! Slip on those thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves to keep your feet and hands safe. If you’re tackling stubborn debris like mould, grab a face mask to protect yourself. And as much as they may want to help, kids are better off staying out of the cleanup zone, so leave the heavy lifting to the grown-ups! Remember: no flipping the power switch or turning on the gas if it’s been exposed to water. Open windows and doors to let fresh air in and help dry out your home. If you’ve got a water pump in your store, use it to clear out any dirty water and silt lingering around your property. Time to get things back to normal, one step at a time! 

In a nutshell, being flood-ready is all about staying one step ahead! Whether it’s stashing away your important docs, having your evacuation plan mapped out, or stocking up on emergency supplies, preparation is core to dealing with whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Floodwaters are unpredictable and dangerous, so always err on the side of caution. It’s not just about surviving the storm, but it’s about coming out on top. Stay alert, stay ready, and together, we’ll weather any storm! 

Words to learn:

debris – the remains of something broken down or destroyed 

critters – a living creature; an animal. 

silt – fine sand, clay, or other material carried by running water and deposited as a sediment, especially in a channel or harbour. 

err on the side of caution – take a comparatively safe course of action when presented with a choice. 

At ILTI, we encourage our learners to polish their language skills via real-life situations. We do not practise the chalk and talk approach – we learn and have fun at the same time. Join us today by calling / WhatsApp 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my.

Ready to level up your flood preparedness? Part 2 is here with more essential tips for staying safe when the waters rise. Happy reading!

Tread Carefully: Surviving the Flood

Did you know that just 60 cm of water is enough to make a car float, sweeping it away with surprising ease? Even more alarming, only 15 cm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet, making it nearly impossible to regain balance. These figures reveal just how precarious floodwaters can be, when even shallow water has the power to uproot heavy vehicles or put anyone nearby at serious risk.  

We’re reminded of the harrowing incident in Italy last June, where three friends were seen to share a final embrace moments before they were swept away by a flash flood – a stark reminder of how unpredictable and devastating floodwaters can be. Hence, early evacuation is always the key to avoiding any incidents. 

If you find yourself stuck in rising water, try not to panic. Move to the highest possible point as quickly as you can. It is most recommended not to walk, swim or drive through floodwater. However, if you must step into floodwater, make sure it’s not moving as it is tough to gauge depth, and one wrong step can have you swept away!  

A trusty stick is your best friend here, helping you test the depth and ground ahead. If you’re driving to evacuate and get stalled, it is wise to abandon the vehicle and move on foot as quickly as possible. Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade and stay off the bridges. Remember, when in doubt, turn around and don’t drown!  

If you’re stuck inside a building and the water’s creeping up, your first move is to get to higher ground! Ready.gov suggests heading to the highest level of the building and only hitting the roof if you absolutely have to. Once you’re there, make sure to send that SOS signal!  

Steer clear of basements or any room where water’s high enough to submerge electrical outlets or cords. If you spot sparks or hear any buzzing, crackling, or popping noises, it’s high time to make a speedy exit! And whatever you do, remember that water and electricity don’t mix so don’t test the water, literally! 

Part 3 is coming tomorrow, don’t miss out!

Words to learn:

precarious – not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse. 

harrowing – acutely distressing 

gauge – estimate or determine the amount, level, or volume of 

recede – go or move back or further away from a previous position 

At ILTI, we encourage our learners to polish their language skills via real-life situations. We do not practise the chalk and talk approach – we learn and have fun at the same time. Join us today by calling / WhatsApp 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my.

Malaysia is no stranger to its yearly gully-washer of a visitor. We’re talking about the monsoon season and torrential downpour between October and March, usually posing the risk of flooding in both East and West Malaysia.  

Despite it being a common occurrence to some Malaysians, the same cannot be said for areas that were once considered safe from such natural disasters. This is due to the incapacitating climate change and rising urbanisation, which has led to flooding even at unlikely areas. This has been proven as more and more cities find themselves underwater in recent times. 

This three-part blog will put your flood preparedness to the test and serve as your guide to staying safe when sudden, unexpected flooding strikes! Take a read, and stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3, coming in the next two days!

Ready, Set, Prep! Get Flood-Ready 

Prevention is always better than rescue. That said, you should always know your risks! Keep one eye on the sky and the other on your phone. Check flood warnings from local authorities and stay updated with weather forecasts by the Malaysian Meteorological Department, especially when it feels like you’re getting drenched by the rain a little too often for your liking.

Want to take precautions up a notch? Download live weather apps like MyCuaca, Clime, or Windy for real-time alerts, because who doesn’t love a timely weather heads-up? 

An emergency, flood-ready kit can be a lifesaver in more ways than you can imagine! What should be on our checklist, you may ask? A physical copy of emergency contacts (just in case your phone battery goes MIA), power bank and charger to stay connected, and a battery-operated torchlight and radio. Psst, don’t forget to stock up on extra batteries for backup power!

Other than that, you don’t want to skip your essential meds, a first aid kit, and enough bottled water (4L per person, per day) along with canned goods to keep you fueled for three days minimum. Store important documents (think birth certificates, insurance, passports!) in a waterproof bag, and grab spare keys for your home and car. Got kids or pets? Pack their essentials too, and you’ll thank yourself later! 

To make your flood-preparedness game more solid, prepare for the unforeseen with a family evacuation plan! Start by picking a shelter spot and mapping out an escape route that everyone knows by heart. Don’t forget your furry friends (or scaly friends, if you’re into that…) they need a safety plan too!

Set up a way to stay connected if you’re split up from your family, stash important documents somewhere secure, and move valuables to higher ground to keep them safe and dry. With these steps in place, you’ll be ready to face any storm that comes your way! 

Part 2 is coming tomorrow so stay tuned!

Words to learn:

gully-washer –a short, heavy rainstorm, also known as a cloudburst

torrential – (of rain) falling rapidly and in copious quantities
                        (of water) flowing rapidly and with force

incapacitating – prevent from functioning in a normal way

At ILTI, we encourage our learners to polish their language skills via real-life situations. We do not practise the chalk and talk approach – we learn and have fun at the same time. Join us today by calling / WhatsApp 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my.