Seal and Secure Against Water Entry
The first line of defence is to stop water before it enters your home. For renters, this begins with a thorough inspection. Check all doors and windows for gaps, especially at the bottom. Inform your landlord about any frames that don't shut tightly or have
damaged seals. Look for cracks along external walls where pipes enter or exit. While major structural changes aren't feasible, you can request that the landlord seals these gaps. Temporary measures can also be effective. Some residents use custom-fabricated flood barriers for their gates and main doors. For a simpler solution, keep sandbags or similar materials ready to place at your doorstep if water levels on the street begin to rise. Check that the drains in the compound and the gap under the main gate are clear of debris to allow water to flow away from your property.
Elevate and Protect Your Belongings
Waterlogging can happen quickly, leaving little time to save your possessions. The guiding principle for ground-floor living is to elevate everything important. Move expensive electronics, documents, and sentimental items to higher shelves or tables. Instead of placing items directly on the floor, use low plastic or wooden pallets inside cupboards. For larger furniture like sofas and beds, consider raising them on bricks or sturdy blocks if severe waterlogging is forecast. Some residents have found it practical to switch to lighter, movable furniture that can be quickly carried to a higher floor if needed. Pay special attention to your vehicle; if you have a car or two-wheeler parked in a low-lying spot, identify a safer, elevated parking area in your neighbourhood before the heavy rains start.
Manage Dampness, Pests, and Health
Even without direct flooding, the high humidity of the monsoon brings its own challenges. Increased moisture causes wood to swell, making doors and drawers jam. It also encourages the growth of mould and mildew, which can damage clothes, furniture, and affect your health. Ensure good ventilation by opening windows when it isn't raining and using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Placing silica gel packets or camphor in wardrobes can help absorb moisture. The monsoon is also a peak time for mosquito-borne diseases like dengue. Ensure any mosquito nets on windows and doors are intact and report stagnant water in your vicinity to the Greater Chennai Corporation's 1913 helpline to prevent breeding.
Prepare for Utility Disruptions
Heavy rains and strong winds often lead to power cuts that can last for hours or even days. Your first step in electrical safety is to know where your main switch is. If water enters your home, turn off the mains immediately to prevent short circuits and the risk of electrocution. Never touch switches or appliances while standing in water. Prepare an emergency kit containing a powerful torch, a fully charged power bank, candles, and a lighter. An inverter or UPS system is a valuable investment for keeping lights and fans running. It's also wise to prepare for water supply issues. Floodwaters can contaminate sumps, making tap water unsafe. Store several litres of clean drinking water as a backup before the monsoon intensifies.
Documentation and Communication
As a tenant, clear communication with your landlord is crucial. Before the season, walk through the property and take dated photos of potential problem areas like existing cracks, damp patches, or blocked drains. Send this to your landlord in a polite email or message. This creates a record and gives them time to act on necessary repairs, such as waterproofing or clearing common drains. Keep all your important documents—rental agreement, identification, insurance papers—in a waterproof bag or folder. Having digital copies stored online is also a smart backup. Save important emergency numbers on your phone, including the GCC helpline (1913) and the TANGEDCO power outage line (1912).
