Follow these tips to be safe during floods

Unprecedented rain that battered Kerala has triggered several landslides and floods, claiming nearly 68 lives and displacing over 60,000. As the state has pressed all its mechanisms into rescue and relief operations, here are a few precautionary measures to keep yourself, your family and friends safe:

1. While facing a flood situation, avoid wading through the flowing water, unless it is really necessary.

2. If you are forced to cross a flooded place, find a long stick to check the ground surface as you walk. This would help you to avoid falling in potholes.

3. Unclog the drains, sewers, drainpipes with the help of a plunger or drain-cleaner to keep them clean.

4. Minimise home water usage and avoid pouring oils, fats, greasy food remnants down the drain at all times in order to prevent the blockage of gutters.

5. Construct barricades to stop the rain water from entering your house.

6. Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don't forget to include needed medications. It must include a torch, radio, drinking water, Oral Rehydration Solution, emergency medicines, 100 grams peanuts, 100 g dried grapes or dates, a small knife, 10 chlorine tablets, a battery bank or batteries for torch , mobile phone with full charge and cash.

7. Turn off utilities, main switches or valves and don't touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water or wet surface.

8. Keep the valuable items and important documents at safe heights.

9. Never drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and try moving to higher grounds.

10. Do not allow children to play in floodwaters.

Helpline numbers in case of distress:

Toll free control room number: 1077 ( prefix STD code of the district you intend to reach)

Disaster Management Authority contacts - Pathanamthitta

+918078808915 (Whatsapp) / 0468-2322515/2222515

Control Room

04682322515, 2222515, 8078808915

Disaster Management Authority contacts - Idukki

+919383463036 (Whatsapp) / 0486-233111/2233130

Helpline

0486 2233111, 9061566111, 9383463036

Disaster Management Authority contacts - Kollam

+919447677800 (Whatsapp) / 0474-2794002

Control Room – 0474 2794002

Disaster Management Authority contacts - Alappuzha

+919495003640 (Whatsapp) / 0477-2238630

Control Room – 0477-2238630

Disaster Management Authority contacts - Kottayam

+919446562236 (Whatsapp) / 0481 - 2304800

Control Room – 0481-2304800

Disaster Management Authority contacts - Ernakulam

+917902200400 (Whatsapp) / 0484-2423513/2433481

Helpline - 0484 2423513, 7902200300, 7902200400