Extreme weather and flooding

Attention! The Czech hydrometeorological Institute has issued a warning about extreme weather that could cause flooding. 

Please stay safe and keep up with the latest updates. Find important information on how to act during floods here: nolog.link/s/CSWLwY

Ten tips for dealing with emergencies

How to prepare for an upcoming flood (in case of an early forecast)

• Check with your local authority if your home, cottage, garden, or land is located in a flood zone or an area at risk of special floods.
• Find out about evacuation procedures, potential humanitarian aid, and how the population will be warned and informed during a flood.
• Identify a safe place that will not be flooded.
• Prepare materials to seal low-lying doors, windows, sewage pipes, etc. (sandbags, plastic sheeting, boards, sewer plugs).
• Inspect your home, cottage, and property to ensure that loose materials, fences, sheds, and other obstacles won’t block water flow and create secondary dams and blockages.
• Stay alert and constantly monitor weather forecasts, water level conditions, and any nearby ponds or dams that could pose a threat.
• Follow public and local media (local radio, etc.) and monitor updates.
• Follow the instructions of flood authorities, police, and rescue teams, and actively participate in flood protection as directed.

Evacuation Bag

An evacuation bag is prepared in case you need to leave your home for an extended period. A suitcase, backpack, or travel bag will serve this purpose. The bag must be labeled with your name and address.

Recommended contents of an evacuation bag:

• Basic non-perishable food (preferably canned goods), well-packed bread, and drinking water – enough for two to three days.
• Essential daily items (dining utensils, opener, sharp knife, mugs).
• Necessary medications, toiletries, and hygiene products.
• Personal documents, money, insurance policies, and valuables.
• Spare clothing, footwear, raincoat, sleeping bag, or blanket.
• Portable radio with spare batteries.
• Mobile phone, flashlight, matches, knife.
• Books, board games, toys, etc.

How to act during a flood

• Stay calm and think things through before acting.
• Follow the instructions of flood authorities, police, and rescue teams.
• Help neighbors, children, the elderly, and sick individuals.
• Avoid unnecessary risks. Do not enter flooded areas or approach swollen streams. Do not risk navigating swollen rivers by boat.
• Remember that the municipal flood authority organizes, manages, coordinates, and enforces flood protection measures within its jurisdiction. It may also request your help if necessary.
• If your home is being flooded and you can no longer manage on your own, request assistance from the municipal flood authority.
• Don’t remain in an area where your life and the lives of your loved ones could be endangered. Move to a safe location ahead of time.
• Be prepared for evacuation – you may need to leave your home.

Specific information on what to do during an emergency and evacuation can be obtained from local government authorities, which usually set up emergency hotlines during crises.

How to act during an evacuation

• During evacuation (or when your home is being flooded), turn off the electricity supply, shut off the gas, and close the main water supply.
• Move your vehicle out of the garage, fill up on fuel, and park it outside the flood zone if you won’t be using it during the evacuation.
• Prepare evacuation bags for your family.
• Move food, clothing, furniture, machines, equipment, and other materials to higher floors in your home.
• Remove or safely dispose of hazardous materials.
• Secure loose materials that could be washed away by water.
• Free pets and livestock.
• Inform your neighbors about the evacuation.
• Dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear.
• Close and lock all doors and windows.
• Leave a note on the door stating who, when, and where you have evacuated, and where your livestock is located, if applicable.
• Place a name and address card in the pockets of small children.
• Take your evacuation bag with you.
• Avoid unnecessary risks. Stay calm and act thoughtfully.

If there is no time, immediately move to a designated safe place and leave the affected area.

How to act after the flood, when returning home

• Have your home inspected, especially for structural integrity, energy systems, and sewage systems.
• Dispose of water-contaminated food, crops, and deceased animals, and follow basic hygiene rules.
• Have every open wound properly treated.
• Follow expert advice when restoring wells and drinking water sources, and do not drink local water until it has been tested for safety.
• Contact insurance companies to report damage (report the claim, make a damage inventory, and document it with photographs, expert opinions, receipts, and witness statements).
• If possible, actively participate in the cleanup after the flood.
• Act thoughtfully and help neighbors, children, the elderly, and sick individuals.
• Follow the instructions of the local administrative authorities.
• Contact your local government for information on humanitarian aid and, if necessary, request financial, material, psychological, or social assistance.

source of information: SIMI webpage