- Don’t drive in or through flooded areas or standing water—cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters.
- They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
Image: Kenya Red Cross.
During this period of flooding, there have been tragic loss of lives and severe impacts on residents.
The ongoing floods across the country have claimed the lives of at least 228 people as of May 4.
Kenya Red Cross and UNICEF have been providing people with different tips and information on how to safeguard themselves during the season.
Tips
Don’t drive in or through flooded areas or standing water—cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters.
They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
Do not drink flood water, or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash or prepare food. Drink clean, safe water.
Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking and cooking. Throw away any food and bottled water that comes or may have come into contact with floodwater.
Find a safe evacuation route to take in the event of a flood and practice it with your family.
Talk together about having a meeting point in case you get separated.
Create an “emergency kit” that includes non-perishable foods, medicines, a first aid kit, flashlight and batteries and water for several days in case you need to leave your area or services are cut off.
Learn about the kind of flooding that can take place in your community and your local emergency contacts to reach out to for help if one occurs.
Keep an eye on the forecast to be informed of any potential flooding and learn about your local alert system by researching who provides alerts, how they are broadcast.
It is also important to know your home’s risk level.
Store any important papers like ID papers high up or in something that can protect against water damage (like a sealable plastic bag) to minimize the risk of damage.
If you evacuated, return to your home only after local authorities have said it is safe to do so.