FLOOD SEASON SPURS FIRE DEPARTMENT TO BE ON THEIR TOES

Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) team on rescue mission at night.

(Source: JBPM Kuala Terengganu)

KUALA TERENGGANU: Annually, the residents and authorities of the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia braces for heavy rainfall and flash floods as the North-East Monsoon season begins in the month of November.

Being faced with the challenge of being displaced and having their property destroyed by flood waters have become the norm for the residents residing in the East Coast.

Kuala Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department Chief, Rozizah Abni Hajar said the Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) are always prepared for the rescue mission when it comes to this season.

“We are always alert and prepared around the clock because usually the water level will rise and exceed the alert threshold at night when the residents least expect.

“Some of the people resist being evacuated from their houses early on due to their concerns on their personal properties and have become a headache to us,” said Rozizah.

Ahmad Salleh, 50, a flood victim said that the fire and rescue department always takes concern about people who are in flooded areas.

“Even though it is midnight and the water level did not exceed the alert threshold, they still come house by house to ask about our condition and remind us to evacuate early if we see the water level has exceeded the alert,” said Ahmad.

Skills training for the Fire and Rescue Department in handling a rescue boat.

(Source: JBPM Kuala Terengganu)

Last October, the Fire and Rescue Department underwent several training scenarios such as surface water rescue, throw bag rescue, handling rescue boats and many more in order to be prepared physically and mentally for the gruelling task of flood rescue missions.

According to Rozizah Abni Hajar, people should remain vigilant about floods in their areas even though they feel safe because living in the area that has low risk of flooding, does not mean that they are safe from being inundated by rising waters.

There are high chances their areas will be flooded if there is continuous rainfall.

Therefore, the Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department has made an instruction for the people to know what they must prepare for when their areas are at risk to be flooded.

Before a flood

• Put all the important documents in a waterproof folder and place it in a high place and easy for you to reach when you need to evacuate.

• Listen to the radio, television or from your smartphone to get the information about floods in your area.

• Make sure where the nearest relief centers are from your home.

• Prepare an emergency kit.

• Make sure all the family members know what to do when there are emergency cases in the house.

During a flood

When your area started to show that there is a high chance of being flood, you should:

• Move the furniture and other essential items to the safe place.

• Bring all the important documents that have been packed during the evacuation process.

• Turn off all the switches in your house and make sure not to touch any electrical equipment if your hands are wet or if it's in the water.

• Make sure to inform your neighbor about your evacuation.

Like the article? Share it now!