Heavy Rain – What to do

Heavy rain can cause rivers to burst, river beds to overflow and flooding etc. In our district the season with the highest risk of heavy rainfall is autumn. If, when it begins to rain, it becomes constant and torrential, flooding can occur. In order to avoid unnecessary risks, the following precautions should be followed

Preventative Measures

Check your roof, drainpipes, gutters and drains from time to time, clearing away any earth or dirt, leaves etc that may block the flow of water. Listen to the radio and keep yourself informed of any likely risk of flooding. Pay attention to weather forecasts and to the motorway conditions. Use the telephone only in emergencies and leave the lines free for emergency services.   Note – the Emergency Services telephone number in Spain is 112. Follow instructions and advice from the authorities and work together with local council services.

In the Event of Floods

Should you be at home or in another building

  • Leave nothing outside. Put away any objects or items that could be carried away by the flood water. Check door and window frames and household or business ventilation units which might be affected by the water. Disconnect the electricity supply at the mains. Put all objects of value and importance, high up and out of the water level – this includes your drinking water, food and above all else any dangerous household cleaning products or medicines. Look after household pets. Do not enter cellars or basement areas or indeed any low lying areas.

Should you be outside or in the open air

  • In the event of heavy rainfall, travel by main roads or motorways, reducing your speed. If you run into problems, turn off into the hard shoulder and make other drivers aware of your plight.
  • Do not stop over or camp in dry riverbed areas or on the banks of the river as flood waters always arrive without warning.
  • Do not cross an area that is flooded neither on foot nor by car. The force of the rain waters could drag you along with it. Keep clear of bridges, streams, river currents or areas that are likely to flood and do not park your car there.
  • Keep away from high summit areas and mountains. You could end up trapped by the heavy rains on the slopes which often carry down mud, damaged trees and loose stones.
  • Find the highest point where you are and try to get there in the event of possible flood.

Should you need to abandon your house

  • Shut down all water and gas connections including the electricity supply at the mains. Close and secure all windows and doors to the house.

Returning home when the danger has passed

  • Check firstly to ascertain if there is any likelihood of landslide or collapse.
  • Should you have inadequate drinking water supplies – drink bottled water.
  • Should you come across any dead animals – get rid of them quickly. These, like any other remains or debris, can cause infection.