Water Leaks or Flooding

Floods caused by domestic systems usually do not endanger people but can cause extensive damage to buildings and equipment. Floods caused by the overflow of rivers and streams are extremely dangerous and may require the evacuation of buildings.

Safety Issues

• What is in the water? Has it mixed with dangerous chemicals, sewerage, etc.?
• What is floating in the water which you cannot see?
• How deep is the water? You might not be able to see the large hole or basement stairs covered in water. Access pit lids usually float off in flooded water.
• Is the water live with electricity? For floods inside buildings, this is especially dangerous with most power points and power boards close to the floor.

Emergency Action

1. Turn off water at source if possible.
2. If possible, isolate electrical sources at the switch board or call maintenace.
3. If available and considered useful, local spill kits should be used to restrict the flow of water.
4. Isolate area by closing doors.
5. Call Security on 8344 6666 and maintenance on 8344 6000.
6. Consider evacuation:
   • Partial evacuation of floor by word of mouth
   • Building evacuation - initiated by pressing an evacuation break glass alarm. (This alerts the Wardens, and in most building also alerts Maintenance and Security)
7. Don't move people from safety to danger! Flood waters are unsafe and evacuees should not walk through water.