If you are stuck in Chennai floods, here are dos and don'ts

A torrential downpour, termed the heaviest in over 100 years, has crippled life in Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai, flooding numerous roads, train tracks and airport runways.

People stand on a street that was flooded following heavy rains in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Chennai: A torrential downpour, termed the heaviest in over 100 years, on Tuesday crippled life in Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai, flooding numerous roads, neighbourhoods, train tracks and airport runways, and crippling transport and power supply.

The weather department has warned of heavy rains in Chennai and northern Tamil Nadu over the next three days.

Here is a list of dos and don`ts one must follow if stuck in floods:

Chennai floods - What you should do

• Switch off electrical and gas appliances, and turn off services off at the mains.
• Carry your emergency kit and let your friends and family know where you are going.
• Avoid contact with flood water it may be contaminated with sewage,oil,chemicals or other substances.
• If you have to walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that you do not step into deep water, open manholes or ditches.
• Stay away from power lines electrical current can travel through water, Report power lines that are down to the power company.
• Look before you step after a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, which may include broken bottles, sharp objects, nails etc. Floors and stairs covered with mud and debris can be slippery.
• Listen to the radio or television for updates and information.
• If the ceiling is wet shut off electricity. Place a bucket underneath the spot and poke a small hole into the ceiling to relieve the pressure.
• Use buckets,clean towels and mops to remove as much of the water from the afflicted rooms as possible.
• Place sheets of aluminium foil between furniture wet carpet.

Chennai floods - What precautions you should take

• Don't walk through flowing water - currents can be deceptive, and shallow, fast moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Don't swim through fast flowing water - you may get swept away or stuck by an object in the water.
• Don't drive through a flooded area - You may not be able to see abrupt drop - offs and only half a meter of flood water can carry a car away. Driving through flood water can also cause additional damage to nearby property.
• Don't eat any food that has come into contact with flood water.
• Don't reconnect your power supply until a qualified engineer has checked it. Be alert for gas leaks - do not smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames.
• Don't scrub or brush mud and other deposits from materials, This may cause further damage.
• Never turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Stay away from ceilings those are sagging.
• Never use TVs, VCRS, CRT terminals or other electrical equipment while standing on wet floors, especially concrete.
• Don't attempt to remove standing water using your vacuum cleaner.
• Don't remove standing water in a basement too fast. If the pressure is relieved too quickly it may put undue stress on the walls.