Learning how to handle floods

Learning how to handle floods

Climate change is significantly impacting flood risks in many communities worldwide. To adapt to these increased flood risks, preventive measures are necessary.

Floods are already the most common natural disaster globally. In Thailand, due to its tropical climate and rainy weather, flood-prone areas around the country are frequent.

It’s important to prepare for flooding before it happens. The following infographic highlights the risks and the steps to take after a flood to prepare ahead you’ll be glad you did.


Learning how to handle floods...
Flood Safety Tips

Before Flood
Flash flood

Monitor

Flash flood
🏠 Property
  • Always follow flood news from the government or related organizations through various channels such as radio, television or online channels.
  • Monitor the weather forecast as well as observe water levels and abnormalities.
🚙 Motor
  • Monitor weather alerts, flood warnings, and updates from relevant authorities.
  • Check travel routes and parking areas that may be prone to flooding.
  • Keep track of water levels in your area, especially during periods of continuous heavy rainfall.
  • Follow road condition updates and safe driving guidance during heavy rain or reduced visibility.
Flash flood

Stay Alert

Flash flood
🏠 Property
  • Inspect gutters and drainage pipes and clean out any branches or leaves that are clogging them to prevent from clogging.
  • During heavy rain, observe for leaks around the house. If any are found, they should be repaired.
  • If broken electrical wires or equipment are found, repairs should be repaired.
  • Take care and encourage family members to know how to protect themselves in case of flooding.
🚙 Motor
  • Move your vehicle to higher ground or a safe parking area as soon as a flood warning is issued.
  • Avoid driving through flooded roads or areas where the water depth cannot be accurately assessed.
  • If water levels rise rapidly, stop using the vehicle and closely monitor the situation.
  • Reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, and use headlights when driving in heavy rain.
Flash flood

Be Prepared

Flash flood
🏠 Property
  • Record contact channels of relevant organizations, such as hotline.
  • Prepare a flood response plan and learn about flood evacuation routes.
  • Prepare emergency supplies such as drinking water, dry food and basic medicines.
  • Store important documents such as house registration, land title deeds and passbooks, and make copies by storing them in waterproof envelopes.
  • Make labels on each fuse and breaker indicating electrical usage.
  • Turn off the electricity and circuit breakers as well as unplug the cords and put tape over electrical sockets to prevent electrical leakage.
  • Turn off gas appliances and cooking stoves.
  • Raise the living area above the flood level.
🚙 Motor
  • Review your motor insurance coverage and keep emergency contact information readily available.
  • Store important vehicle documents in a safe place or maintain digital copies as a backup.
  • Prepare essential emergency items in your vehicle, such as a flashlight, phone charger, and power bank.
  • If your vehicle has been affected by flooding, avoid starting the engine and contact your insurer immediately for guidance.
  • Regularly inspect tire condition and replace worn tires when necessary. Well-maintained or new tires improve road grip and help reduce the risk of accidents during heavy rainfall.
During Flood
🏠 Property
  • Stay calm and follow the flood response plan you have prepared.
  • In the case of having to evacuate from home, bring only essential items with you.
  • Watch out for dangerous reptiles or animals that may come with the flood.
  • Turn off the electrical system and gas, as well as try not to get close to electrical appliances and electrical wires.
  • Always follow the news of the government’s agencies.
  • Wear light-colored and active clothing.
  • Apply mosquito and insects’ repellent.
  • Always wear shoes when walking through floodwater.
  • Avoid walking along the path of flowing water.
🚙 Motor
  • Avoid driving through flooded roads if the water depth cannot be safely assessed.
  • If water begins to rise around the vehicle, move it to higher ground or a safe location as soon as possible.
  • If the vehicle cannot be moved, switch off the engine and ensure the vehicle is securely locked.
  • Do not attempt to restart the engine if it stalls while driving through floodwater, as this may cause severe engine damage.
  • Take photos of the vehicle and the surrounding area as evidence for insurance claims.
In the event of a flash flood that occurs without warning or announcement, where preparation cannot be made in time.
  • Always consider life safety before property.
  • Always consider life safety before property.If driving or being a passenger, stop and get out of the car. Do not attempt to drive towards flooded areas.
  • Always consider life safety before property.If being outside, try to look for a high place, such as mountain, overpass, tall building. If there is no high place nearby, recommend for clinging to large objects.
  • Always consider life safety before property.Do not walk along flowing floodwater path, even if the water level is not high, because it may cause you to lose control and drown.
After Flood
Flash flood

Physical and Mental Recovery

Flash flood
🏠 Property
  • Spend more time with family to heal their minds.
  • Get adequate and eat a well-balanced diet.
  • If having depression, recommended to consult a psychiatrist for treatment.
  • Be aware of diseases that come with flood, such as Athlete’s Foot, Conjunctivitis, Leptospirosis and Thrush. If having any unusual symptoms, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
🚙 Motor
  • Take time to rest and manage stress following the flood event, while planning for the safe use of your vehicle.
  • Assess your physical readiness before driving, especially after experiencing an emergency or evacuation.
  • Contact your insurer or service center for guidance and any necessary assistance.
  • Review the extent of the damage and prepare claim documents to facilitate a smooth claims process.
Flash flood

Recovery

Flash flood
🏠 Property
  • Inspect the house carefully to check for any damage.
  • If there was ever a flood covering the residential flood, the ceiling needs to be inspected.
  • Inspect electrical systems as they may be damaged or wet.
  • Take photos of damage as evidence in case of claim from insurance.
  • If there is still flooding, drain the floodwater slowly because the water pressure may cause cracks in the walls or floors.
  • Clean the house both inside and outside as well as open the doors and windows to ventilate moisture and dust.
  • Discard items that are wet and cannot be cleaned.
  • Move furniture and contents outside of the house by placing them out in the sun to reduce germs.
🚙 Motor
  • Do not start the vehicle if you are unsure whether water has entered the engine or electrical system.
  • Conduct an initial inspection of the engine, passenger compartment, and electrical components for signs of damage.
  • Have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by an authorized service center or qualified repair workshop.
  • Clean and disinfect the interior to reduce moisture, mold, and unpleasant odors.
  • Notify your insurer and prepare all required photographs and supporting documents for the claim process.
  • Check that the brakes, lights, and other safety systems are functioning properly before returning the vehicle to service.

Even if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere there is rain, there can be flooding. Just because you haven’t experienced flooding before doesn’t mean you won’t experience it in the future.

Flood risk isn’t solely based on historical data; it also depends on a variety of factors, including rainfall, topography, river flow, and changes due to new construction and development. Moreover, flooding factors are also linked to climate change. Knowing how to prevent and cope with flooding is important for everyone.

For more details about our insurance packages that offer you comprehensive protection, including flood coverage, below:

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If you already have home insurance with us or would like to learn more about claim, you can learn more about our claim terms and conditions for property insurance 

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