floods in Poland 2024

Floods are unfortunately becoming an increasingly frequent phenomenon. People in flood-prone areas should be prepared for such an eventuality. Below are some pieces of information found online that may help in securing against floods. Some may seem obvious and simple, but I will list them all because sometimes acting under the influence of stress or emotions can make you forget such simple and obvious matters:

• Get insured: Purchase appropriate property insurance that covers flood damage.
• Gather essential documents: Prepare a set of the most important documents (ID card, birth certificate, insurance, property documents) and store them in a waterproof container in a safe place, e.g., with friends outside the danger zone.
• Organize your property: Remove any items that could be swept away by water (e.g., garden furniture, pots).
• Familiarize yourself with the evacuation plan: Check what the evacuation routes are from your home and where the nearest assembly point is located.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Gather essential items that will be useful in case of evacuation, e.g., first aid kit, flashlight, radio, drinking water, non-perishable food, warm clothing, documents.
• Mark the water level: Mark on the wall the level to which the water reached during previous floods to have a reference point.
• Secure windows and doors: Close all windows and doors to prevent water from entering the building.
• Install shut-off valves: Install water and gas shut-off valves so you can quickly close them if necessary.
• Elevate valuable items: Store valuable items on higher shelves or floors.
• Install water sensors: Water sensors can alert you to flooding, giving you time to react.

What to do in case of flood threat:

• Follow information: Regularly listen to announcements on the radio and television and check information on the websites of local authorities and rescue services.
• Evacuate: If you receive an evacuation order, do not hesitate. Take your emergency kit and go to a safe place.
• Do not enter flooded buildings: Flooded buildings can be dangerous due to the risk of electric shock or structural collapse.
• Do not attempt to swim through flooded areas: Even a small body of water can be very deep and dangerous.

After the flood:

• Do not enter the house until it has been declared safe by rescue services.
• Be cautious of contaminants: Floodwater may be contaminated with harmful substances.
• Document the damage: Take photos of the destruction to facilitate filing an insurance claim.

You can also find more useful information at this link:

• Government Security Center: https://www.gov.pl/web/rcb/jak-postepowac-podczas-powodzi

If you have any additional comments or advice, please add them in the comments. They may be useful to someone.