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Disasters can be a test of reflexes and rational decision-making; water disasters like flooding are no exceptions. If you live in a flood-prone area, or have been advised that a flood may be coming, it is best to adequately prepare yourself. You have your safety and your family's welfare to think about. Also, property damage from flooding can be massive and significant, and you would want to minimize the impact on your home and furnishings as best as you can.

The following are some simple tips to remember in the event of flooding.

Before a flood:

Make certain that you have a home well-protected from flooding. There should be a drainage system in rooms that would most likely to accumulate water, such as a basement or any room that is lower than the others. Check if all your drains work.

If you know that a place in your house is low, do not store materials in that room that is prone to water damage such as electrical appliances, upholstery and documents. Keep those things in a higher place. Protect the legs of tables and chairs that you cannot move with plastic or rubber.

Flooding makes vulnerable wood and porous wall panels so keep them insulated. Paint and varnish don't necessarily protect a surface from absorbing water; to be certain it is best to check with your paint and varnish dealer. Test also the strength of walls and pipes that the flood will likely hit. If you have advice beforehand how massive the flood would likely be, then you can have a better estimate of how much water pressure you would be dealing with. Reinforce your walls and pipes accordingly.

More importantly, prepare your family. When flooding occurs, each of your family members should know where to go and what to do. Someone should be assigned to oversee where everyone is in the event of such an emergency. Have practice drills if time allows it. Check regularly for updates from the government to ascertain if evacuation is necessary.

During a flood:

The most important thing to do during a flooding is keep calm and avoid panic. Stay in a high place where you have most of your basic necessities like food and drinking water. Turn off power and phone lines but have a flash light and cell phone handy. Have a first aid kit nearby.

After a flood:

After the water has gone down it's now time for clean-up. Do not venture into the flood water as much as you can, wait for it to go down to a least knee height. If you really must, wear protective gear like boots, gloves and a helmet as you check for damages.

Open all windows to let fresh air in. This will also help facilitate the drying process. Start with water removal. Afterwards, check building structure for significant damage. When in doubt with how to proceed with clean-up and restoration after a flooding, consult a professional.