Spring flood: what to do? (tips from the Ministry of Emergency Situations)

Spring is arriving at a rapid pace. The ice is slowly melting, the snow cover is "melting" under the sun's rays. However, with the end of winter, floods are possible in some areas, and it is necessary to prepare for them in advance.

How to act in such an emergency situation?

A flood is a seasonal phenomenon when the river level rises due to rapid snowmelt. Proper actions beforehand are a good guarantee that the flood will cause minimal damage to your home and property. Valuable items that may be flooded should be moved from the first floor of your home. Just in case, pack an "emergency bag" – it should contain only the most essential items – documents, money, food, and medicine.

What to do when the critical moment arrives?

In any emergency situation, it is very important to remain calm and not panic. Keep your "emergency bag" or essential items in a plastic bag nearby, and leave the flooded area as quickly as possible. If this is not possible, go up as high as you can, to the upper floors. If the house is single-story, try to get to the attic. Signal to rescuers so they can spot you. Before leaving the house, turn off the electricity and gas supply, and tightly close windows and doors. Gather yourselves and provide assistance first to children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.

In spring, besides floods, meltwater flooding of ordinary yards also causes a lot of trouble. What to do in such a situation?

The more snow there is and the hotter the sun shines, the faster the ice will turn into water. Therefore, the first thing to do is to clear the snow around your house and break the ice so that spring streams do not accumulate into huge puddles. Your best ally in case of meltwater overflow is drainage and storm ditches. You need to ensure that there are no obstacles for the murmuring stream in them: debris, branches, and ice. Help elderly neighbors. Do not forget about parents in villages.

In case of an emergency, call 101, 112.