Pengumuman

Assalamu'alaikum Wrt Wbt.  

Dear IIUM Community,

Floodwater Safety - After a Disaster or Emergency

The tropical nation in southeast Asia often experiences stormy monsoon seasons towards the end of the year, with flooding regularly prompting mass evacuations.

Downpours since Friday have caused rivers to overflow, submerging many urban areas and cutting off main roads, leaving thousands of motorists stranded.

More than 30,000 displaced people across eight states and territories were recorded on an official government website, with nearly 10,000 people fled their homes in Selangor and more than 14,000 of them in the central state of Pahang.

Pertaining to that matter, Occupational Safety, Health and Built Environment Department (OSHBE) would like to advise the IIUM Community to take necessary safety precautionary measures. Below are the tips for floodwater safety 

Floodwater and standing waters can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries. Protect yourself and your loved ones from the risks brought by floodwater:

1. Don’t drive in flooded areas — turn around, don’t drown!
- Always follow warnings about flooded roads.
- Don’t drive in flooded areas—cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.

2. Stay out of floodwater.
- Floodwaters contain many things that may harm health. We don’t know exactly what is in floodwater at any given point in time.
- It is important to protect yourself from exposure to floodwater regardless of the source of contamination. The best way to protect yourself is to stay out of the water.
- If you must enter floodwater, wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles.

3. Prevent injuries.
- Floodwater may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection. Prompt first aid can help heal small wounds and prevent infection.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible if needed.

4. Protect yourself and your loved ones from diarrheal diseases.
Be aware that floodwater may contain sewage, and eating or drinking anything contaminated by floodwater can cause diarrheal disease (such as E. coli or Salmonella infection).

5. Protect yourself from animal and insect bites.
Floodwater can displace animals, insects, and reptiles. To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact.

6. Be aware of possible chemicals in floodwater.
- Floods can cause containers of chemicals to move from their normal storage spots.
- Don’t attempt to move propane tanks you might find— they’re dangerous and can cause a fire or explosion. If you find any, contact the police, fire department, or your State Fire Marshal’s office immediately.
- Be extremely careful when removing car batteries. Even if they are in floodwater, car batteries may still have an electrical charge. Use insulated gloves and avoid coming in contact with any acid that may have spilled from the damaged car battery.

7. Avoid electrical hazards inside or outside your home.
- After a flood or other natural disaster you need to be careful to avoid electrical hazards both in your home and elsewhere.
- Shut off the electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks in your home to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions.
- NEVER touch a fallen power line. Call the power company to report fallen power lines. Avoid contact with overhead power lines during cleanup and other activities.
- Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the water.
- If you believe someone has been electrocuted, call or have someone else call 999 for help.

IIUM Hotline

You can contact this line for any further inquiries:
03-6421 5555 (Gombak/KL Campus)
09-571 5555 (Kuantan/Gambang Campus)
06-974 5555 (Pagoh Campus)
03-6421 3239 (IIUMSU - Gombak)

012-975 7582 (ASP PB Shahrul Ariffin Bin Maskuri, IIUM Chief Incident Commander)
019-442 2836 (INSP. PB Mohd Shakirin Bin Abdullah @ Ab Aziz, Incident Commander Kuantan/Gambang Campus)
013-386 5185 (CPL PB Rosnita Binti Abdul Hamid, Incident Commander Pagoh Campus)

We are pleased to attach herewith the infographic of floodwater safety for your reference.

Thank you and Wassalam.

Occupational Safety, Health and Built Environment Department (OSHBE)
Level 3, Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology
International Islamic University Malaysia
Tel: 03-6196 5952/5959 Fax: 03-6196 4857 E-mail:oshbe@iium.edu.my