In river and flood areas, children under 5 years old have a very high drowning rate compared to older ages, mostly because children fall into the water when they are in floating houses, houses next to rivers, or with their parents. My mother went to work by boat or floating raft.
When there is no flood
- Equip parents, caregivers, and children and students with knowledge and skills to prevent drowning.
- Have a plan to set up centralized child care points, especially for young children; mobilize coordination and support from the community in organizing child care.
- Schools, families and local authorities coordinate and develop plans to organize guidance and equip children and students with knowledge and skills to prevent and avoid drowning. Teach children safety skills in the water environment, self-floating skills, and survival swimming skills to cope with unexpected drowning situations. Encourage parents to teach their children swimming and teach escape skills to children (over 4 years old).
Right before the flood
- The locality has established a system and implemented early warning information about floods to the entire population of the flood zone. Propagate people to follow the government’s instructions through radio, television and direct instructions to ensure people’s safety. Therefore, families need to promptly share official information with those around them.
- Maintain contact with the nearest medical facility, rescue station, and relatives (phone number, location, how to get there when there is a flood) to share information and support when needed.
- Reinforce houses, schools, install and fabricate fences and handrails to limit children falling into the water. Prepare lifebuoys, plastic cans, floating objects, etc. to reinforce the safety of canoes, boats, and vehicles on the water.
- Secure your most essential assets to prevent them from being swept away. Keep books, school supplies and important documents in plastic bags or waterproof bags, hung high in the safest place.
In flood
- Determine how to get to a safe location for children and students when they need to move.
- Do not move much on water, especially fast-flowing waters, large rivers, and large flooded fields. You should follow a route with many large trees, near where people live to facilitate information gathering and rescue.
- Pay more attention to the supervision and care of children to prevent drowning at home or in evacuation areas to avoid floods. Evacuate children to a safe place if necessary.
Some key notes about risks during floods
- When strong, fast-flowing flood waters can sweep away trees, cars and other large objects, absolutely do not enter fast-flowing water, even when the water is shallow.
- Flood water is often turbid, making it easy to enter deep or dangerous waters.
- Walking in flood water is extremely dangerous. Feet can be trapped by underwater objects such as manhole covers, or step on other dangerous sharp objects that we cannot see.
- Electricity can travel through water and cause death. Be sure to turn off all power sources if your house is flooded.
- Do not enter flood waters. Even if the water does not flow, it is harmful to your health and can cause electric shock or being trapped by objects under your feet. Avoid flood water wherever possible.
- Whenever in or near flood water, always wear a life jacket in case you accidentally fall into flood water.
- Always follow local government instructions.
- Always be ready with plans such as: evacuation, preparing food, fuel, and raising valuable furniture/items above flood water to avoid being flooded.
