Flood Preparedness and Safety Recommendations
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Urges Caution Amidst Ongoing Water Situation
In the wake of the current water crisis, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued a report highlighting the need for vigilance and preparedness between 15-20 September 2023. With the persistent threat of heavy rainfall and subsequent flash floods, it is vital for residents to remain cautious and follow the government’s recommendations to ensure their safety.
- Be aware of the risks associated with heavy rain, including flash floods and water bank overflow.
- Stay informed about the latest updates and announcements from the government.
- Beware of dangerous animals and poisonous insects.
- Avoid contact with electric currents.
- Exercise caution near rapids and fast-flowing water.
Dr. Saman Futrakul, the Director of Disease Prevention and Control Office 7 in Khon Kaen Province, expressed his concerns for the well-being of individuals residing in flood-prone areas. He urged people to remain attentive and rely on official information from the government to stay informed and prepare adequately for potential flooding.
To effectively prepare for flood-related dangers, it is advised to:
- Stock up on essential supplies such as dry food, canned goods, and ready-to-eat meals.
- Ensure you have cooking materials, flashlights with batteries, medicine, and necessary communication equipment.
- Keep personal medication readily available for individuals with chronic illnesses.
- Assemble a first aid kit and include personal hygiene items.
- Store ample clean water in large containers to last for 3-5 days.
- Additionally, prepare powdered sugar and mineral salts in case of diarrhea.
- Dispose of waste responsibly using large rubbish bags and securely tie them.
- Carry mosquito repellent clothing and safeguard important documents and valuables.
- Elevate electrical outlets and equipment to prevent damage from potential water accumulation.
- Provide separate accommodation for pets and keep them away from potential animal diseases.
- Always carry necessary buoyancy equipment for emergencies, such as empty gallon buckets with lids and plastic water bottles tied securely.
During a flood situation, it is crucial to remember the following safety considerations:
- Avoid venturing outdoors during heavy currents to avoid being swept away or encountering dangerous conditions.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages and wearing heavy, waterproof clothing.
- Avoid fishing at night or venturing into the water on a full stomach to prevent accidents and health risks.
- Ensure individuals with chronic illnesses, such as epilepsy, high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases, are not left alone and receive necessary assistance during emergencies.
- Supervise children closely and provide a designated safe area away from water for them to play.
- Teach children about the potential dangers associated with floods and ensure flotation devices are easily accessible in case of emergencies.
Furthermore, it is essential to remain cautious of diseases and health hazards that may arise from flooding:
- Respiratory diseases, including flu and pneumonia.
- Food and waterborne diseases such as food poisoning and diarrhea.
- Diseases originating from standing water, including leptospirosis, conjunctivitis, and dengue fever.
To prevent the aforementioned diseases and health hazards caused by flooding, it is vital to:
- Refrain from disposing of any type of rubbish or waste in floodwaters. Secure them in plastic bags and store them in dry places.
- Ensure young children are not left unattended near the water to avoid drowning or exposure to contaminated water.
- If floodwater or dust enters your eyes, promptly wash your face and eyes with clean water to prevent conjunctivitis.
- Consume clean, thoroughly cooked food to prevent food poisoning and diarrhea.
- When wading through water for prolonged periods, wear high boots to prevent water-related diseases.
- After contact with floodwater, cleanse your body with clean water and ensure thorough drying to prevent potential health risks.
For additional information and assistance, please contact the Disease Control Department helpline at 1422.
Published by: Disease and Health Hazard Communication Group
Date: September 20, 2023
Complaints Reception Centre, Office of Disease Prevention and Control 7, Khon Kaen
Contact: No. 043-222818-9 ext. 237
Information from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Report on the water situation that must be monitored between 15-20 September 2023. Be careful of the dangers of heavy rain and accumulated rain that could cause flash floods and flash floods, flooding of water banks, and flooding in many areas, along with recommendations to follow. news from the government Be careful of the dangers of animals and poisonous insects. Be careful of the dangers of electric current. Be careful of the dangers of rapids flowing through.
Dr. Saman Futrakul, Director of Disease Prevention and Control Office 7, Khon Kaen Province Expressing concern for the safety of people in flood-prone areas. Therefore, I ask the people Always observe and listen to news from the government andPrepare for the dangers of flooding, including: Prepare essential items for life such as dry food, canned food, ready-to-eat food. and materials and equipment for cooking Flashlight with batteries, medicine, black bag, whistle, home medicine communication equipment Personal medicine for people with chronic diseases A first aid kit includes personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, baby food and milk, sanitary napkins, diapers and baby products. Several large, clean containers for holding water. Provide enough water to use within 3-5 days. Powdered sugar and mineral salts are included in case of diarrhoea. A large rubbish bag to collect all the rubbish in the bag. and a rope for tying the mouth of the bag Plastic bags for putting rubbish in And for heavy or light shooting, mosquito repellent clothes, long sleeves and long legs to prevent mosquito bites. Keep important documents and valuables safe. Move outlets and electrical equipment to higher ground. If in doubt, cut off the electricity to prevent shock/electric shock. Separate accommodation for pets Pets should not be kept close as they can be infected with animal diseases. Always carry readily available buoyancy equipment, such as an empty gallon bucket with a lid. Empty plastic water bottle with cap
When in a flood situation The water flows, the current is strong. Consider the following safety considerations: 1. You should not go out to collect vegetables. Find fish and swim while the current flows and rages. Because there is a risk of being swept away by the current or drowning in deep water 2. Do not drink any type of alcoholic beverages. Do not wear thick, heavy waterproof clothing. Do not go fishing at night. Avoid going into the water after eating a new food. Because of the risk of stomach cramps 3. Chronically ill people who are unable to help themselves should not be left alone, such as Patients with epilepsy, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease 4. Parents look after children closely and do not let children play in the water. There should be an area that is a safe area for children. Teach the children about the dangers that can occur during floods. And prepare flotation equipment with you or in a convenient place for use in an emergency, such as a life jacket, a coconut, an empty gallon bucket, an empty plastic water bottle tied to a lanyard, stick or rope.
Be careful of 3 groups of diseases and 3 health hazards arising from flooding, including diseases of the respiratory system, namely flu and pneumonia. Groups of diseases transmitted through food and water include food poisoning and diarrhoea. Groups of diseases that come from standing water are leptospirosis, conjunctivitis, and dengue fever, including 3 health threats: bites/stings of poisonous insects such as snakes, scorpions, centipedes etc. Parasites often found in floodwater are threadworms. (Strongyloid parasites) and drowning
For ways to prevent diseases and health hazards that come with floods or flash floods. This can be done by 1) Don’t throw any kind of rubbish. or excreting waste into floodwaters Put garbage or waste in a plastic bag and tie the bag tightly and store it in a dry place 2) Do not let young children play in the water alone. Because the child may drown and help may not be available in time. And it can be infected from water that has dirt. Makes you sick with conjunctivitis Strongyloid parasitic disease Or you can be bitten or stung by a poisonous animal that escapes from the water 3) If floodwater splashes into your eyes or if dust gets into d eyes Use clean water to wash your face and eyes thoroughly. To prevent conjunctivitis 4) Eat clean, hot cooked food to prevent food poisoning and diarrhea 5) If it is necessary to wade through water for a long time. High boots should always be worn. To prevent diseases that come with flooding Clean your body immediately with clean water and dry it thoroughly. If in doubt You can ask for more information at the Disease Control Department helpline, call 1422
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Information from: Non-Communicable Diseases Section/Office of Risk Communication, Department of Disease Control
Published: Disease and Health Hazard Communication Group
September 20, 2023
Complaints Reception Centre, Office of Disease Prevention and Control 7, Khon Kaen
No. 043-222818-9 ext. 237
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