Vehicle and property insurance
Your vehicle and property insurance does not cover flooding by default. Consider getting additional flooding coverage for your vehicle (costing ~0.5% of the sum insured) and home which may help prevent unnecessary losses.
The General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) has assured that all flood claims will be paid out if flood coverage is part of your insurance policy.
Flood-proofing and barriers
The best time to start flood-proofing your home is when the weather is sunny. Some options include:-
Raising the floor of all/parts of your home.Building a barrier around or at the front/back of your home.Sealing the exterior of your home so it is water tight and applying waterproof paint.Ensuring your electrical system is not in danger of being submerged and consider moving low-lying electric sockets higher up your walls.Sealing up your toilet/washroom water entry points to avoid water entering your home.Buying a water pump to drain out excess water.
Emergency supplies
It is good to have a supply of food and water to last at least three days if you are not able to get food or food supplies are cut off. Store your food on higher ground and drier areas.
Ensure you have enough drinking water for everyone. You can also install a backup water system as well on the roof which provides water in case of cuts.
Other emergency supplies to prepare include basic first aid equipment, flashlights with extra batteries, a small fire extinguisher, a radio, plastic plates/utensils, and a non-electrical can opener.
You will also want to make sure you have emergency savings ready for any expenses caused by the flooding.
Hold everyone (especially the authorities) to higher standards
The best solution is always prevention where possible. You, your community and leaders must make sure that drains aren’t clogged, and development is not causing long-term environmental damage.
There is a need to plant more trees, avoid inappropriate soil management, and ensure flood warning management systems are working.
Handling an emergency like flooding
Move important things to higher ground
As rain gets heavy and prolonged, or you receive a flooding warning consider moving your valuables to higher ground. For example:-
– Park your vehicle on higher around or in a multi-storey car park.
– Move valuable items to the upper floor or higher places at home (be wary of over-stacking and stability).
– Make sure emergency supplies are easily accessible and secure.
Don’t play in flood waters
Flood waters contain waste materials, chemicals, and diseases. Avoid going into water-logged areas unless absolutely necessary.
Put on water-resistant boots if you must go out. Disinfect yourself if you come into contact with flood waters. Under no circumstances should you drink flood waters.
Flood waters also may cover debris, holes or fast-flowing currents that may cause harm or even loss of life. Be especially careful of those who are very young or old as they are at higher risk of endangerment.
Stay updated
Keep up to date of the latest alerts and warnings of the flood. Do check for credible sources and avoid believing/forwarding every single viral message you receive.
Prepare in case of emergency evacuation
Although flooding has rarely reached a state requiring evacuation, be ready if there is a need for emergency evacuation.
Carry a backpack (leaving you arms free) with your most important documents and essentials that can last you three days.
Pack your belongings in water-proof bags/plastic to avoid the possibility of water entering and destroying your belongings. Wear brightly coloured clothing if possible to increase visibility.
Recovering after a flood
Safety first
Practice caution when going anywhere after flooding even if the storm has let up. Areas may contain broken power lines, chemicals or unstable structures.
The same goes for driving, as flood damage may cause structural instability on buildings, trees, roads and bridges.
Restore, dry and ventilate
Mold can quickly grow on all areas that were exposed to water. Items that are movable should be washed thoroughly and ensured completely dry and fungus-free before being brought back in.
If something is too extensively damaged, consider throwing it away at a proper disposal area. Allow airflow and ventilation in your home by opening windows and doors.
Consider using a dry and wet vacuum to help clean up excess water.
Deal with flooded vehicles
Look for the waterline to see how far your car was only partially submerged. If you suspect the water level to have touched your engine, do not try to start your vehicle as it may damage your engine beyond repair.
Check if water has seeped into your air filter, engine oil, power steering, brake, clutch and coolant reservoirs. Get a tow truck to move your car to be checked by a trusted mechanic/workshop.
Make insurance claims
Hopefully you have been adequately insured for home or vehicles damaged from the flood.
Do contact your insurance provider within seven days to report the damages faced.
Do not proceed to make repairs yet on your own unless instructed by your insurance provider.
Follow the instructions of your insurance provider to guide you through the process of filing the claim, assessing the damage, and making the repairs/replacement/compensation.
Don’t instigate
Avoid making statements and comments that are inflammatory, that instigate others, and/or are plain outright rude and insensitive. This is especially true if you are prominent public person or politician. And please don’t wayang. Gently direct focus towards helping your family and your community recover from the often devastating effects of flooding.
Accept help gracefully
Accept and be thankful for assistance from various parties including government-related, private companies, and volunteers. Don’t be impatient if there are queues or long waits. Thank the folks who are helping out.
Sumber: MYPF