The Netherlands is a water-rich country and is located below sea level. Much of the country is located by the sea. Of course, the Netherlands is guarded by dikes, but people should always take possible flooding into account. That is a very realistic scenario in a country like the Netherlands. It is therefore important to take this into account and be well prepared in case that ever happens! Relatively few natural disasters happen in the Netherlands, but it can certainly happen. There was a major water disaster in 1953. Large parts of Zeeland, West Brabant and South Holland flooded. 1,800 people died in this disaster and hundreds of thousands more lost their homes. When the water reaches a height of 15 centimeters, people can already be pushed over. It is difficult to drive a car through 15 centimeters of water. It is difficult to maintain control over the steering wheel. At a height of thirty centimeters, water quickly runs into the car. At sixty centimeters high water, even large jeeps are carried away by the strong current.
Precautionary measures
Don’t be surprised by a flood. Be well prepared. Fortunately, you can already take some precautions in case a flood ever occurs. Remember that you are on your own for the first few hours before the emergency services reach you. It can take a long time before a major evacuation really gets underway!
- Make sure you have a battery-powered radio.
- Know that in the event of a disaster, you turn the TV or radio to the provincial broadcaster, which functions as a disaster channel. The frequency can be checked via the websites of broadcasters.
- Make sure you have an emergency food supply kit at home.
- Look at overstroomik? whether you live in an area at risk of flooding.
- Make an emergency plan in advance. Think about the fastest way to get away with the whole family and pets.
- Consider in advance who can provide you with temporary shelter in the event of a flood.
- Think of a good route to get away, so that you don’t all get stuck in traffic jams in the event of an evacuation.
- Store valuables in a high and dry place.
What do I put in an emergency kit?
It is advisable to have at least a radio with batteries in an emergency kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, matches, a small supply of prescription medication, cash, copies of IDs/insurance papers, spare keys from home and car, tool kit, three liters of water per day per person for at least three days, route maps of the area, list of telephone numbers and important addresses, stock of non-perishable food (food bars, tins) for people and possibly pets, stock of care items such as detergent, sanitary towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste and shampoo. A portable radio seems like nonsense in these digital times. However, if the power stops working during a disaster, you will be happy about it. Moreover, there is a good chance that in the event of a disaster the telephone network will be down due to overload. Also put down a few piles of clothes and blankets to take with you quickly. A camping stove with extra gas or petrol, pans, cutlery and extra fuel for the car are also useful.
What should I do in the event of a flood?
Protect the house
Make sure your home is protected. Close doors and windows and close ventilation holes. Place the plugs in the bath, sink and sinks and anchor them with extra weight. Turn off the gas, electricity and water supplies before the water flows into the house. Move as much stuff as possible to the top floor. Start with the most valuable and worry about things like curtains and carpets later. Furniture that you cannot get upstairs is best placed on bricks to protect it from water. Make sure you fill as many pans and bottles with drinking water as possible before the house floods. After the flood, the drinking water may be heavily contaminated and it may be dangerous to drink it. Get ahead of that! Sandbags can stop water.
Getting away
Grab your emergency kit and leave with family members and pets. When it’s too late to get away, it’s best to rush to the highest point in the house. Try to take your emergency kit with you. Turn on the radio to the provincial broadcaster. When you leave the car, it is important to move forward as slowly as possible. Keep the car in a low gear, but keep the revs high. Stop your car immediately if water floats in. Then continue on foot. Then you have a greater chance of reaching safety than in a car that is pulled along with the current. When the current takes you, it is best to lie on your back with your feet forward. Be alert for obstacles in the water. Try to hold onto an object such as a piece of wood.
Stay home
If you are unable to get out of your home, call the emergency services as soon as possible. In the Netherlands, that number is 112. Please note that telephone traffic may be disrupted due to an overloaded network. Stay at the highest point of the house. When necessary, you have to go on the roof if necessary. Wave something conspicuous like a white T-shirt or a brightly colored flag to be visible to any emergency responders.