Yesterday, Beijing issued a red rain weather alert, making it an ideal time to review various safety measures in case the city encounters heavy rainfall throughout the summer.
When you're outside:
Avoid walking or biking through moving water, as even 6 inches of flowing water can cause you to lose your balance.
Refrain from driving through flooded areas. More individuals drown in vehicles than in any other scenario. Don't drive around barricades, as the road or bridge might be washed away (a reminder to inform the driver about this when they think it’s a clever idea).
Keep your distance from power lines and electrical wires, as there is a risk of electrocution.
Staying safe at home or in the workplace:
If the electricity goes out, check your freezer's capacity and fill plastic containers with water up to 90 percent full. This will serve as a coolant to keep your food cold.
Maintain communication: Regularly back up your computer and consider purchasing extra batteries for laptops or a DC converter, which enables most laptops to use a car's cigarette lighter. Keep all mobile devices charged, and have an additional phone that remains fully charged and stored in a safe, easily reachable place.
Protect your devices: Utilize surge protectors for all appliances to prevent them from short-circuiting.
Be prepared: Keep flashlights, spare batteries, bottled water, a fully charged power bank, non-cook food supplies, and a first aid kit on hand.
Familiarize yourself with your surroundings: Know where your electric service panel is located; in most apartment buildings, it can be found in the hallways. Make sure there is no leak nearby; if there is, contact the management office immediately to have it checked.
After the floodwaters have receded:
Clean and disinfect all items that got wet. Floodwaters can carry sewage and chemicals from streets, farms, factories, and storage facilities. Spoiled food, flooded cosmetics, and medications pose health risks. When in doubt, dispose of them.
Remove and discard soaked carpeting and padding.
Watch your step. Following a flood, floors and ground surfaces can be littered with debris, including broken glass and nails. Floors and stairs covered in mud may be very slippery.
Using large fans can accelerate the drying process and help prevent mold growth.
Stay vigilant for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to check for any damage. Avoid smoking or using candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you are certain that the gas has been turned off and the area is well-ventilated.
READ: Beijing News: CDC Chikungunya Advisory, Scams & Helmet Safety
These safety suggestions were derived from maglioelectricllc.com, denvergov.org, and oci.ga.gov.
Images: Unsplash
This is an ideal opportunity to review different safety tips for heavy rain.
