#Chennai Floods - Tips for Families with Infants and Children

Chennai declared disaster zone. Thousands are homeless and stranded in their homes without food and electricity. As the news of Chennai deluge pours in, we at parentune are very concerned and praying for the safety of all in Chennai. It was this one picture we saw of an infant being carried by his parents in the middle of waist deep flood water that made us think why writing this was of utmost importance. Army, authorities and people around Chennai having been working relentlessly to help and rescue but there are still many who are stuck, especially families with infants, children and pregnant women. So till the help arrives here’s what you can do to prepare for rising water.  Read more hidden dangers of flood for child. 

How you can Help Flood Victims

Here are some tips, especially for families with infants and children..

• Do not panic. As a parent sometimes it’s important to particularly important to put up a brave face and let children know that all will be ok.
• Do not venture out and walk or swim through flowing water or floodwater- one can get swept away
• If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving.
• Make sure children are not around electrical equipment if they are wet or standing in water.
• Do not drive through flood water, especially with children; even 2 feet of water can float a car in such a situation.
• Never allow children to go near, touch or play in floodwater. It is hazardous and may be contaminated with chemicals.
• Prepare a flood kit in case your home floods and you need to venture out Flood Kit essentials
• Change of clothing
• Waterproof jackets, raincoats, umbrella
• Blankets
• Torch
• Charged mobile
• Essential medicines. First aid kid
• List of useful numbers
• Listen for news reports to learn whether community’s water is safe to drink.  
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded.
• Stay out of buildings that are surrounded by floodwater. 

Also Read: Tips to Keep child safe during floods

Parentune requests members of the community to connect with fellow parents and help out. Following are the helpline numbers

• Tree fall, water logging: 1913
• Sewage overflow: 044 45674567, 044 22200335
• State emergency: 1070
• District emergency: 1077
• Electricity: 1912
• Fire and rescue: 101
• Health helpline numbers:
• Medical: 104
• Ambulance: 108

Image courtesy: Getty Images