Home flooded - emergency personnel to assist

GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services Unit has been dispatched to help a family who is trapped in their home in Merriman Street, George.

As incidents are being reported to the Emergency Call Centre, the GRDM will be able to respond within its current resource constraints.

Flooding in a home:

Follow these tips if a flood does hit your home:

Do not attempt to cross flowing water in your car.
As little as 20 centimetres of water depth may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
If advised by the authorities to evacuate, do so immediately.
Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.
Don't walk through flooded areas. As little as 20 centimetres depth of moving water can knock you off your feet. There may also be hidden objects in the water which can hurt you or your family.
Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths during floods as electric current passes easily through water.
Look out for animals – especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods too. They may seek shelter in yours.
If the floodwater starts to rise inside your house before you have evacuated, retreat to the second floor or the roof, if there is one. Take disaster supplies with you – see the list above – then wait for help.
Don't try to swim to safety – wait for rescuers to come to you.
If outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there.