Limerick on Alert
So far this week only one story has dominated local media, The Floods. With the ESB scheduled to release more water from Parteen weir the situation is only going to get worse. For anyone living in an area at risk from flooding the advice being issued is
Advance Preparations:
. Be prepared to evacuate your home or business. Protect yourself, your family and others that need your help.
. Have warm clothing and wellingtons ready . Have medications to hand (if needed). Make a list of children’s essentials that you will have to bring with you if you are evacuated.
. Put sandbags at any openings where the water could gain access.
. Move your car to high ground if possible.
. Have your mobile phone charged. Keep a list of emergency numbers close to your phone.
. Listen to all public alerts issued by the Local Authority or emergency services
Actions to take if being evacuated:
. Turn off gas and electricity.
. Disconnect cookers, washing machines, dishwashers, etc., connected by rigid pipes to prevent damaging the machine and the pipes.
. Store any electrical items upstairs or above flood level.
. Co-operate with emergency services and local authorities.
Close off the flow valves on propane tanks, oil drums, or other fuel containers that supply your home through pipes and fittings.
. Move valuables and other items to safety. Place them above the flood level or upstairs. (It may be preferable to routinely store such items safely upstairs or on high shelves).
. Roll up carpets and rugs and place them out of harms way.
. Empty furniture that cannot be moved and put the contents upstairs.
. Raise furniture that cannot be moved elsewhere on bricks or blocks.
Move these pieces away from walls to assist the drying later. If pieces are too difficult to lift weigh them down with a heavy object to prevent them floating and causing damage to windows, etc.
. Remove curtains if there is time, if not tie them over the curtain rail.
. Remove cabinet doors and internal doors if time allows, if not leave them open.
. Unplug any exterior electrical connections such as outdoor lighting, pond pumps and filters
Over 100 homes were evacuated in the region and with flood waters expected to rise this number is sure to increase. Added to the risk of infection and disease are new reports of rats and other “vermin” making an already bad situation much worse.