Experts evaluating the negative effects of excessive rainfall and floods pointed to the measures that should be taken against these situations.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Rüştü Uçan emphasized that protective measures must be taken against water accumulation in structures located at or below road level, stating, “Appropriate drainage systems should be installed in buildings to protect against rain and floods.”
Dr. Tuğçe Oral noted that areas with stream beds should be specifically indicated in zoning plans and construction should not be permitted in these areas, adding, “Safe construction methods should be considered in structures around these areas or in developments, taking into account potential floods.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi's Faculty of Health Sciences, and Res. Asst. Dr. Tuğçe Oral from the same department, evaluated the negative effects of excessive rainfall and floods, explaining the precautions that should be taken against these situations.
If walking through a puddle, proceed cautiously with a guide stick
Asst. Prof. Dr. Rüştü Uçan pointed out that protective measures must be taken against water accumulation in structures located at or below road level, stating, “Even during minimal rainy weather, observations can be made to easily identify areas where water collects. This allows for simple preparation for potential problems that may arise during heavy rainfall or flood situations. In water puddles that may form due to severe rainfall, it may not be possible to estimate the depth due to the water's turbidity. Therefore, even if the depth of the puddle does not exceed our shoes, one should not step into it carelessly. A guide stick must be acquired, and if walking through a puddle, one should proceed cautiously with the guide stick.”
What measures should be taken in buildings against sudden rain and floods?
“Appropriate drainage systems should be installed in buildings to protect against rain and floods,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Rüştü Uçan, adding:
“The accumulation of water that could damage the structure should be prevented and removed. Furthermore, these systems should be regularly and continuously checked to minimize the possibility of blockages and overflows due to water-borne materials. ‘Check valves’ should be installed in sewer traps in homes and workplaces to prevent the backflow of rainwater or floodwaters. In structures constantly facing rain and floods, control lines indicating the maximum water height can be drawn on walls to serve as a reminder. Thus, the placement of electrical appliances or electrical outlets to be used within the household or workplace can be made according to the control line. Household members should also be informed about not keeping valuable or financially important items in such residences, and keeping official documents, car keys, or jewelry in a relatively high place within the home. In existing structures, walls should be covered with waterproofing components through renovations to prevent the backflow of floodwater. In regions where rainfall and floods are frequent, new structures must have waterproofing materials and check valves installed in wastewater drains to ensure the discharge flow of incoming water.”
An emergency plan should also be created for floods…
Asst. Prof. Dr. Rüştü Uçan also emphasized that an 'Emergency Plan' should be created for flood disasters in every home, just as for earthquakes, stating, “Thus, common decision-making regarding safe meeting points and shelter areas, crisis management, and aid kits can be assigned to each family member. Prepare emergency kits and supplies containing basic materials such as food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Assign roles and responsibilities to each family member to ensure everyone knows what to do during a flood emergency. Gutters typically installed around building roofs to prevent flooding are likely to become clogged due to drought in hot weather. Therefore, dry materials should be cleared by ensuring water flow through the gutters at regular intervals, and potential blockages should be detected in advance to prevent floods.”
How important is reinforcement during the construction phase?
Asst. Prof. Dr. Rüştü Uçan stated that the greatest risk in construction, especially during the foundation phase, and that heavy rain and floods impact the extent of material and moral damage, saying, “Therefore, risks such as sliding and collapse should be considered in the foundation work of constructions, especially in rainy regions, and measures should be taken against soft soil landslides. In these areas, it is important that basements are not used for accommodation or business purposes due to the danger of flooding. If there is experience regarding existing water level heights, the elevation level of the construction should be kept high.”
Occupational health and safety measures against floods…
Res. Asst. Dr. Tuğçe Oral from the Occupational Health and Safety Department, in her evaluation, also pointed out that electrical wiring cables used should be adequately protected and maintained, and physical wear and tear should be checked before each shift, continuing:
“Since it is not possible to predict the duration and severity of rainy weather in advance, work with electrical tools in open areas must be interrupted. If there is sudden heavy rain or flooding, the power line should be cut, and authorized personnel should be trained to act consciously in such a situation. Work shoes recommended for construction sites are insulating, and therefore, it is important for everyone to wear them. If a rise in water level is noticed, one must move towards higher areas and stay away from all electrical devices. If visibility is limited, a flashlight should be used.”
Occupational health and safety measures…
Dr. Tuğçe Oral pointed out that when someone is noticed to be affected by electric current, the principle of 'ourselves first' should not be forgotten, and it is important to avoid direct contact for intervention, stating, “To rescue the person affected by the current, the current should be cut by striking the contact point with an insulating material, such as a wooden stick. In this regard, intervention in emergency situations should be specifically addressed in occupational safety training for construction workers. In short, it is important to create emergency plans for flood disasters, considering the geographical location and the impact of geological risks in the area where construction sites are located. This way, the impact of potential material and moral damages can be reduced.”
What should be considered against floods?
Res. Asst. Dr. Tuğçe Oral concluded by noting that areas with stream beds should be specifically indicated in zoning plans and construction should not be permitted in these areas, stating, “Safe construction methods should be considered in structures around these areas or in developments, taking into account potential floods. Especially, the physical structure of walls should be protected with high-elevation construction or by not using basement floors, or with materials containing special waterproofing. In crowded residences, emergency scenarios must be created, and preparedness should be maintained at all times.”