Dangers, accidents and catastrophes

Floods

Floods can occasionally be predicted and forecasted, but very often occur suddenly

What to do before a flood in your house and around it:

  • Separate the electricity circuits for the top and lower floor
  • Place household appliances, sockets and the boiler in elevated positions
  • Install flood-resistant windows and outer doors
  • Raise the porch/threshold of your house
  • Use flooring resistant to moisture which is easy to clean and upkeep on your ground floor
  • Have a lawn in your yard and avoid using waterproof mats which cover most of your yard
  • Build rain gardens which collect, absorb and filter rainwater
  • Do not leave grass, leaves and other debris at manholes of the public wastewater drainage system
  • Install check valves into the sewage drain
  • Learn about the possibility of floods in your area.

If you are in your house/apartment during a flood:

  • Listen to the news on the radio and TV, prepare for the oncoming water wave, move all valuables to elevated positions to preserve them
  • Disconnect the electricity
  • Climb to higher floors or leave your house and go to an area outside the flood zone; that is, an elevated area
  • Use the supplies you previously prepared for emergencies rationally
  • Do not drink tap water and water from other sources if there is a chance of it being contaminated—the media will publish information about whether the water is potable
  • Keep in mind that wild animals might try to seek refuge in your house
  • Free domestic animals so that they can flee to safety
  • If the competent services call for urgent evacuation, immediately follow their instructions to be able to use the recommended evacuation routes before they are flooded.

If you are outdoors during a flood:

  • Leave the area at risk from flooding
  • Climb to an elevated spot and remain there until help reaches you
  • Avoid walking through the floodwater
  • If you are in your car, turn on the lights and all blinkers, unlock the doors, unfasten your seatbelt, open your windows, leave the car immediately and climb to an elevated spot.
After the flood, depending on your abilities and capabilities, cooperate with the competent services on clearing spaces, removing carcasses of dead animals, carry out disinfection of and insect and pest removal in buildings, water wells and outdoor areas in order to avoid health risks.

Brochure of the Croatian Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.