Flooding is the most common and often the most destructive type of natural disaster in Malaysia.

Find out if you live in a flood prone area. If YES, then follow the below tips on flood preparation.

BEFORE A FLOOD

1.  Check your insurance coverage

• Make sure it includes cover for flood damage, especially for your home content & car.

2.  Prepare an emergency kit

• Torches with extra batteries
• Handphone with standby charges.
• Essential medicines & first aid supplies.
• Identification documents (i/c, passports, etc.)
• Warm clothes, Blanket(s) or sleeping bag(s)
• Dry Food & Clean drinking water (IMPORTANT)

3.  Develop an evacuation plan

• All family members should know the evacuation plan. It helps to reduce fear and anxiety.

4.  Move valuable items to a higher position in your home

DURING A FLOOD

1.  Be ready to evacuate

• Follow all instructions by local authorities and be ready to leave if the order is given.

2.  Stay inside and move to the most elevated position in your home, if you decide not to or cannot evacuate.

 3.  Do not drive

• A car or 4WD vehicles are not designed to withstand flooding or moving waters.

4.  Turn off utilities, such as gas, electricity, and water.

AFTER A FLOOD

1.  Avoid floodwater

• Floodwater can be full of bacteria and contaminated by oil, gasoline, or sewerage.
• Do not allow children to play in or near floodwaters.
• Avoid going near drains or other places where the water is moving much faster.
• Do not drive into floodwaters of any depth.

2.  Avoid electrical currents

• Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

3.  Contact your insurance provider

       To ensure you receive as much support as possible based on your policy coverage with:

• The costs of temporary accommodation if you need it.
• Approving any home and contents or car insurance claims as soon as possible (it may even be possible to receive an advance on the claim amount so you can get started on emergency repairs).
• Take as many photos as you can of all damage to your home and contents, to provide proof when you file the claim.

4.  Watch what you eat and drink

• Boil all water before drinking to stay safe.

5.  Keep lines of communication open

• Tell friends and relatives you are safe and where you can be located.

6.  House Cleaning

• Wear gloves when cleaning and disinfecting everything that got wet as floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

7.  Seek Help

Seeking help from all relevant bodies and local authorities especially for debris collections.