Flood protection
Behaviour in the event of flooding
Every year, the inevitable happens again; the river level rises, heavy rain overtakes the country and a flood is imminent. According to the Association of German Insurers, almost 100,000 German households were at high risk of flooding in 2021. Such natural disasters are usually triggered by storms near the coast, persistent heavy rain and meltwater flowing down from the mountains. The rapid rise in water levels affects the level of rivers, streams and other bodies of water and causes widespread flooding. Addresses in river catchment areas, in mountain valleys and near bodies of water are particularly at risk. Flooding often occurs at the source of the flood.
During a flood, good advice is expensive; limited mobility, lack of electricity and the possible evacuation of your own home are massive problems. We cannot stop nature, but we do have the opportunity to prepare for all potential scenarios. Just as local authorities and cities erect flood walls and install early warning systems, you as private individuals can also take precautions. This guide summarises precautionary measures and what to do in an emergency to help you through the next flood.
1. Preparation: warnings
The past shows that floods should never be taken lightly. If the floods hit us unprepared, "a little water" can quickly turn into a serious threat to life, limb and property. For this reason, we must not underestimate warnings. Early warning systems are becoming increasingly precise and provide more reliable information. Check the weather forecast and find out the water levels in your region on the Internet. If there is cause for concern, listen to the news and follow the instructions of the authorities. Remember: worse than a flood is a flood that catches you unprepared.
2. Preparation: measures
If you live in or near a threatened area, you should be prepared for an impending flood. Once the warning has been issued, it is high time to prepare. Please be aware that many people will be affected by this situation and that the procurement of relief supplies will be delayed due to the rush. Save yourself the stress and make all preparations as proactively as possible before disaster strikes! During the floods, supplies can become a problem; sufficient supplies of food and drinking water are essential. A flashlight, a radio and a camping toilet are also part of the basic equipment.
Obtain sandbags, shuttering boards and waterproof plywood boards in good time to protect the house from water ingress in the event of an emergency. Properly placed, the bags and boards serve as useful barricades that channel the water around the house instead of through it. Installing non-return valves on all drains helps to direct the flow of water away from the living areas. Flooded basements are a nuisance, but usually unavoidable during floods - a sewage pump can help. You can use one to dry out your cellar once the immediate danger has subsided. No pump works without electricity; remember to also plan for an independent power generator. If the stationary power supply is cut off due to flooding, a DENQBAR inverter generator will work wonders. The efficient petrol-powered generators supply the dirty water pump and other electrical appliances and batteries with energy to assist you and ensure your safety.
Please note: Generators are non-swimmers - our generators have a closed casing and are therefore splash-proof, but should never be exposed to water! They are particularly useful after the flood has passed and pumping work is pending. If you are in a neighbouring area that is not affected by the flood itself but is affected by a power cut, a mobile generator will also work wonders!
3. In an emergency: protection
Secure your valuables on the upper floors or outside the flooded area. Cash, valuables, papers, electronics and machines must be protected from the water to prevent them from being damaged or lost. Cleaning agents and chemicals also do not belong in the water, otherwise harmful contamination may occur. Prepare for possible supply shortages with sufficient food and drinking water or seek refuge with relatives and friends outside the flood. Don't forget your medication if you need it. Insect repellent is often forgotten when packing, but it is more useful than ever during floods. All that swampy moisture attracts swarms of mosquitoes and other insects - don't let them sting you!
In an emergency, solidarity is very important: show consideration for children, the sick, the elderly and pets. Help if help is needed and don't put yourself in danger!
4. In an emergency: preservation
If flooding is approaching while you are in your home, the first step is to keep calm. Check once again whether you have taken sufficient precautionary measures. Seal windows and drainage openings and do not stay in the basement during the flood! Switch off electrical appliances or deactivate the power supply at the fuse box - remember the risk of electric shock! Do not leave your home unnecessarily and avoid riverbanks and flooded streets. Please observe closures and the instructions of the emergency services!
Due to the risk of electric shock, it is not uncommon for the power grid to be temporarily deactivated or fail. Even if you are not in the directly affected area, the power cut can affect your four walls. Keep things running in your home with a self-sufficient power generator. For example, our powerful, petrol-powered DENQBAR DQ-4200 and DQ-4500 inverter generators are ideal for keeping the fridge cool and enabling you to cook during a power cut. A flood is not nice, but even this time passes - make your everyday life as pleasant as possible despite all the restrictions and bridge the power cut with a self-sufficient emergency power generator.
5. The return to normality
Once the water has receded and there is no longer any acute danger, the clean-up work can begin. Easier said than done - a flood leaves streets and houses dirty and chaotic. Pumping work in the house should only take place once the groundwater level has dropped sufficiently. Don't worry about the power connection, with your DENQBAR inverter generator you can also operate the water pump away from the socket! The next thing to do is to remove any residual dirt from the house and take an inventory for the insurance company. Never eat fruit or vegetables from flooded areas, as the contaminated water is contaminated with bacteria and can make you ill.
Clearance work takes time, but the worst is now over. Dispose of destroyed furniture properly and inform the fire brigade if any harmful substances have escaped. Store your trusty DENQBAR inverter generator safely and dryly in a dust-protected place so that it can continue to serve you faithfully during the next power cut!
The DENQBAR inverter generators
Electricity powers the modern world, without it we are limited in the use of our technology. During a flood or power cut, your nerves are on edge anyway - don't let empty batteries and warm fridges get on your nerves too. Instead, unpack your mobile inverter generator and produce electricity in your own garden. Our quiet, petrol-saving generators use state-of-the-art technology and reliably bridge outages in the stationary power grid!
Don't yet have an energy backup for power outages and floods? Then go for the inverter generators:
