Wednesday, July 21, 2010

5 ways to prevent flooding in sunny Singapore

Its been all over the news lately, and following a somewhat predictable pattern.

Rain -> Flood -> Damages -> Complaints -> Reassurances -> More complaints -> Repeat

Its amusing that for something as simple as a flood, the number of things you can point fingers at are aplenty - the PUB, the Barrage, inadequate drainage, debris, over-urbanisation, even the freakish weather.

I'm in no way trivialising the matter, I do know that many people have been affected by this whole flooding fiasco, businesses and homes alike.

But instead of complaining to the gah-men, why not do something about it, to protect your property, your money and your livelihood?

*Do note that the following are tongue-in-cheek and are meant to be a light-hearted joke, so please don't take them seriously*

5 DIY ways to prevent flooding and its effects

1) Learn from the Japanese! Hang Teru teru bozu dolls outside your windows.

Quote Wikipedia - "Teru teru bozu is a little traditional hand-made doll made of white paper or cloth that Japanese farmers began hanging outside of their window by a string. This amulet is supposed to have magical powers to bring good weather and to stop or prevent a rainy day."

Make sure to hang them upwards, as hanging them upside down prays for rain instead.



2) Sandbag your entrance. In many countries, when their rivers are in danger of flooding, sandbags are stacked along the banks to prevent water from spilling over. Cheap, proven and effective solution! Even Liat Towers have dumped sandbags outside the building.

Downside is, your house/shop will probably look like a military entrenchment. Should sandbags be unavailable, trash bags filled with trash will do the job as well, if you don't mind the rubbish-dump image.

3) Dig a trench around your home. Not only will it slow down the water flow, giving you time to save your precious belongings, it also acts as a trap for potential burglars at night. And in the event of an all out war, a trench provides excellent cover from gunfire :D

4) Seal up your home i.e waterproof every single crevice and hole. The most obvious solution! Plus when the floodwaters subside, you can gloat over your neighbours by showing them your dry interiors. Only problem is, you'll probably be stuck inside your home forever, if the seals were to stay.

5) Get a land rover. Throw away that lousy Ferrali/Lambogini/Linguini - when the floods come their oh-so-powerful-engines become a hunk of scrap metal. The land rover on the other hand, can be partially submerged in water

Better still, get a monster truck. No matter how high the flood is, it will never ever reach the engine/cockpit. Or hark back to the olden days and keep a sampan at home, just in case.



I'd love to see that rolling down on our expressways.

Ok this was a totally random post. :P

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QUIS and Natsukashii will be playing at the Blujaz cafe this Friday, 23rd July, 7.30pm onwards.

Do join us for a night of Japanese pop, rock, and some Mando/Kpop thrown into the mix!

The place is at 11 Bali Lane, within walking distance from Bugis MRT, opposite Golden Landmark Hotel.

For more information please visit this website: http://www.blujaz.net/

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