FLOOD
Flood usually occurs during typhoons, heavy rains or continuous rain. It may be caused by great volume of water, clogged drainage pipes and canals, low ground elevation or simultaneous rain and high tide in areas near the sea or river.

Some floods rise slowly over a period of days or after several hours. But there are floods that can rise quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes.

Flood is a destructive calamity that can cause inconvenience or harm to everybody at PLM. Flood can cause damage to properties, possible contamination of water supply, disruption of work and classes and disruption of basic utilities, essential necessities and sanitary regime.

If flood occurs, there may be a suspension of classes or work. If flood occurs during classes or office hours, some scholars, faculty and employees may not be able to go home.

1. Before the Flood
a. Listen to transistor radio or television for latest weather information or reports of flooded areas.
b. Prepare a flashlight with spare batteries, candles, matches, rain boots and rain coat.
c. If there is clogging in the drainage, inform the Physical Facilities Management Office or PFMO at 527-80-45.
d. Monitor the rising floodwater and inform OPRES, OVPA, OVPAA, PFMO and USO.
e. Be prepared to move to higher floors.
f. Protect records and electronic equipment from flood.
g. Bring indoor or bring to higher floors all PLM movable properties that may be damaged by flood.
h. If there is an official declaration of suspension of classes or work, go home immediately.
i. Keep a stock of drinking water and food that does not require cooking or refrigeration. It may be impossible to wade through deep water and go out of PLM. Also, electric power may be interrupted.

2. During the Flood
a. Switch off main switches, disconnect electrical equipment and shut off water valves or faucets.
b. Scholars, faculty and employees may go home if the flood is not dangerous. However, if it is dangerous to go home, it is better to remain at PLM until the flood subsides.
c. PFMO to start the operation of the drainage pump to reduce the depth of flood water in low areas.
d. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in flood water.
e. Do not walk through more than six (6) inches running flood water and give the same advice to others.
f. Avoid deep moving water.
g. Do not try to wade or swim through high flood water.
h. Move to higher floors and advise others to do the same.
i. If flood water rises more than one (1) foot around the cars, the drivers must abandon the cars and move to higher floors. Two (2) feet of rushing flood water can quickly swept away most vehicles.
j. For first aid treatment, call the University Clinic at 527-5739.

3. After the Flood
a. Listen to transistor radio or television for latest information or reports of flooded areas.
b. Check if water from the faucet is safe and clean.
c. Beware of electrical fire hazards.
d. Beware of electrically charged flood water.
e. Use rain boots when walking thru floodwater.
f. Be extra careful in slippery areas.
g. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to PFMO at 527-80-45 and/or MERALCO at 162-1011 or 631-1111.
h. Exercise extreme caution when entering flooded buildings.
i. Do not switch on the main switch. Let the PFMO personnel check first if it is safe.
j. Report to PFMO any observed damages in the buildings and campus ground.
k. Employees, faculty and scholars are prohibited to go "sight-seeing" or taking selfie pictures in disaster areas. Your presence may hamper repairs, rescue or other emergency operations. Likewise, it may be dangerous.

Memo from the Office of the Vice President for Administration

MEMORANDUM No. 2016-06-02
TO: All Heads of Administrative Offices and Deans of Colleges
SUBJECT: Protocol During Flood
DATE: 10 June 2016

PAGASA declared the start of rainy season on 24 May 2016 and it is expected to last until October or November 2016. In fact, La Niña is set to bring in excessive rainfall starting August. We expect more rains in the coming months and possible flood at PLM.

Flood is a destructive calamity that can cause inconvenience or harm to everybody at PLM. Flood can cause damage to PLM facilities, possible contamination of water supply, disruption of work and classes and disruption of basic utilities, essential necessities and sanitary regime.

In order to safeguard our scholars, faculty and employees from any harm and the PLM facilities from damage caused by flood, it is necessary for everybody to be prepared on what to do in case of flood.

Attached herewith is the "Protocol During Flood" as guidelines to undertake before, during and after the flood.

For widest dissemination.