Floods with young kids: a checklist for parents

It has been raining hard, and many areas are flooded. Homes with young children need to prepare more than usual. We put together this checklist from Thai government advice. The official sources are listed at the end.

1. Pack an emergency bag for at least 3–5 days

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) suggests:

• Dry food and drinking water
• Clothes, soap, toothbrush
• Medicine, a flashlight, a radio
• Important documents

For your child (our tip): milk or baby food, diapers, your child’s regular medicine, and a small favourite toy. It helps your child stay calm if you have to move.

Also: check that your home is safe, follow weather and warning news, and know your way out ahead of time.

2. Keep young children close, and keep them out of flood water

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) advises:

• Children under 5: watch them closely. Keep them where you can see them and reach them. Never leave them alone.
• Do not let young children play in the water. They can fall in or be swept away.
• Homes with children under 2: set up a safe play area. Cover water containers, or block your child from reaching water.
• Teach young children 3 rules: don’t go near water, don’t pick things up from water (call an adult), don’t lean over water.

3. If someone falls in: Shout, Throw, Reach — never jump in

Teach older children these 3 steps (DDC):

1. Shout for an adult, and call 1669
2. Throw something that floats, like an empty closed plastic gallon jug or an empty plastic bottle
3. Reach out with a stick, rope, shirt or cloth for them to hold, and pull them out

4. Be careful with electricity

• Before water comes in: switch off the main power. Move electrical items and plugs up high (DDC).
• Don’t walk through water near power sockets. Electricity can spread at least 3 metres (DDC).
• Don’t touch light switches with wet hands or body. Never use a plug or switch that water has reached. Teach your kids this too (MEA).
• After the water goes down: don’t switch on any appliance that was under water straight away. Have an electrician check it first (Metropolitan Electricity Authority, MEA).
• Power problems in Bangkok, Nonthaburi or Samut Prakan: call 1130 (MEA).

5. Stay healthy

Leptospirosis (DDC)

• Avoid walking through flood water or mud if you can. If you must, wear rubber boots and gloves, cover cuts with waterproof plasters, and shower right after.
• If anyone gets a high fever, headache, muscle pain (especially calves and back) or red eyes, see a doctor quickly and say you were in flood water or mud. Don’t self-medicate.

Food and water (DDC)

• Eat food that is cooked, hot and clean. Drink clean or boiled water.

Dangerous animals (DDC)

• If you see a venomous animal, stay calm and call someone trained to help.

6. Numbers to save in your phone

• 1784 DDPM safety hotline (free, 24 hours)
• 1669 medical emergency
• 191 police emergency
• 199 fire
• 1422 Department of Disease Control hotline
• 1130 MEA electricity (Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan)

Always follow warnings from your local authorities. This article is general information. In an emergency, call 1669 or 1784 right away.

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