Common-sense flood preparation tips

The Thai translation “Triam Prom Sameu” is supplemented with “Better to die than to lie.”

Common-sense flood preparation tips include:

_ organising an emergency survival first-aid kit, medicines, flashlight, mobile phone and waterproof items (gloves, boots);

_ stocking up on toilet paper, drinking water, canned foodstuffs and noodles;

_ playing it safe; top priority is ‘Safety First’;

_ providing special evacuation assistance to the aged and disabled;

_ staying healthy, resting often and sleeping well;

_ keeping a manageable routine schedule;

_ listing things to do, and accomplishing jobs one at a time;

_ securing vital records, important documents, contact numbers;

_ documenting the damage for reimbursement or insurance claims;

_ helping children, pets and livestock cope by adapting to ever-changing demands.

Disasters can leave vulnerable children feeling confused, frightened, fearful and insecure, needing reassurance from informed parents, teachers and guidance counsellors. Anxious youngsters should be encouraged to ask questions, get answers, share their inner thoughts and emotional concerns openly and honestly. Free expression possibilities range from drawing pictures to creating diaries to telling personal stories. Secure a safer, saner and bright future for the next generation of civic-minded leaders.

Floods often cause emotional, psychological and physical stress. It is important to strengthen spiritual ties and to maintain a positive outlook as well as an optimistic attitude. Look after yourself and your family, as you learn know-how to focus on the clean-up and repairs. Recovery requires getting your home and your life back to almost normal as quickly as possible. As a community, cooperatively develop a master plan to construct preventative barriers (levees, floodwalls) and help create a district level Disaster Management System featuring watchful vigilance along with a strong Thais-helping-Thais volunteer community support network.

Dr Charles Frederickson

Bangkok