What to Do Before, During, and After Floods: The Ministry of Emergency Situations Advises

The Ministry of Emergency Situations is informing the public about what to do before, during, and after floods.

Before Floods:
- Monitor meteorological warnings.
- Stock up on drinking water and food supplies for a few days.
- Raise furniture above expected water levels if necessary.
- Relocate toxic and hazardous materials to safer locations.
- Disconnect gas and electricity in case of flood risk.
- Follow evacuation information and instructions from the authorities.
- Know the topography of your area and safe escape routes in case of flooding.
- If you can't evacuate, move to higher ground nearby (hills, mountains, etc.).
- Have visible signal devices ready.
- Secure anything that could float in the water (furniture, etc.).

During Floods:
If people notice that the river is overflowing and they are at home, they should move to higher floors, avoiding basement and ground levels. To prevent secondary hazards, disconnect gas, water, and electricity, and use services only after proper instructions. Try to contact the Ministry of Emergency Situations by calling 911. Once rescuers arrive, citizens must follow their instructions unconditionally to ensure their safety.

If a person is outside, they should move to any elevated surface—like a car roof or the roof of a low building—and signal their location by shouting, creating smoke, or lighting a fire, as well as calling 911 to inform them of their whereabouts. It is important to know that they will definitely be searched for.

Do not enter floodwaters under any circumstances, as it’s impossible to resist the force of flowing water.

After Floods:
Never use food that has come into contact with floodwaters; it is no longer safe. Food cannot be consumed because floodwaters carry various harmful substances. Household items, dishes, and clothing that contacted the water must be disinfected before use. Use drinking water only after following instructions from appropriate services; it is recommended to boil it for a while before consumption. If people are returning to their homes after floods, they should inspect their houses because water may bring dangerous animals like scorpions and snakes.