How to Stay Safe During Urban Waterlogging? How to Identify Dislodged Manhole Covers?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Security Rescue · 更新 at 2026-10-17
See Through Underwater "Traps" and Master Pathfinding Skills
During urban waterlogging, murky floodwaters conceal the true condition of road surfaces, making missing or displaced manhole covers a deadly hazard. Identifying dangerous areas relies mainly on "looking" and "listening": if you see continuous vortices, abnormal bubbling, or rapidly converging currents on the water surface, it is highly likely that there is excessive suction at a drainage outlet or a missing manhole cover—be sure to detour. If you hear the echo of water rushing into a hollow space, remain highly alert.
If you must wade through water, follow the principles of "probe, stabilize, and move slowly." Use tools such as a long stick or an umbrella to probe the ground in front of you. Keep your front foot light and your back foot firm; only step forward once you have confirmed the ground beneath is solid. Do not run, jump, or walk side-by-side with others, as losing your balance could cause you to fall into an open manhole. Additionally, stay away from streetlight poles, transformer boxes, and billboards, as floodwaters may be electrified. Maintaining a safe distance is key to preventing electric shock. If you discover someone being electrocuted, do not attempt a direct rescue; first cut off the power supply or use an insulating object to push the wire away.
Key Points for Home Defense and Driving Safety
During heavy rainstorms, the primary principle is "do not go out unless absolutely necessary." If you are indoors, residents on lower floors should prepare sandbags and flood barriers in advance to prevent backflow, and move potted plants and clutter from balconies indoors to prevent objects from falling from heights. Once water enters your home, immediately cut off the main power supply to avoid fires or electric shocks caused by short circuits, then quickly move to higher ground.
For drivers, do not rashly attempt to drive through flooded sections. A general rule of thumb is: do not proceed if the water depth exceeds half the height of your tires. If your vehicle stalls in water, absolutely do not restart the engine. This can cause severe engine damage (which is typically not covered by insurance) and may lead to dangers such as electrical short circuits. In this situation, decisively abandon the vehicle, take essential items, and quickly evacuate to high ground to await rescue, keeping in mind that "life is more important than property." If you are trapped in a car and rising water prevents you from opening the door, you can use the metal prongs of a headrest to shatter the side window glass for escape.
Monitor Authoritative Warnings and Follow Emergency Guidelines
Scientific disaster prevention depends on accurate access to meteorological information. When meteorological departments issue a Red Warning for heavy rain or high-level typhoon warnings, it means extreme weather is occurring or imminent. Various regions may initiate emergency response measures such as suspending classes, work, production, and transportation based on these warnings; specific implementation standards are subject to announcements by local governments.
The public should obtain the latest instructions through formal channels such as television, radio, and official new media platforms. Do not believe or spread rumors. At the community level, comply with the unified arrangements of sub-district offices and property management, and evacuate in an orderly manner to designated shelters. It is recommended that households keep an emergency kit containing drinking water, compressed food, first-aid medicines, flashlights, and power banks to cope with potential water and power outages. Staying calm and making rational judgments is the best mindset for responding to sudden disasters.
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This article is original educational content from TyphoonSays. Please refer to the latest official announcements from local governments for policy standards.