Early warning signs of basement or garage flooding
50cm or more counts as flooded — sandbag entrances early
This guide is for Taiwan.
01 What to do now
- 01
Watch for heavy rain warnings, and stack sandbags or install flood barriers early at basement and garage entrances and basement window wells
- 02
Lay a waterproof sheet before stacking sandbags, then stack in a "herringbone" cross pattern or a "brick wall" pattern with 1/3 overlap
- 03
If water has already started coming in, evacuate people first — don't stay in the basement trying to save belongings
- 04
Water 50cm deep or more is defined as "flooded" — at this point the electrical system may already be submerged, so don't go in to check on your own
02 Common myths
Driving in and out of a flooded basement: your engine can take on water and stall, trapping you inside — extremely dangerous
Rushing down to save belongings after flooding: a submerged electrical panel carries an electrocution risk — wait for professionals to confirm it's safe