NCCE and NADMO Educate the Public on Flood Preparedness During ATL FM Discussion

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), has intensified public education on flood prevention and disaster preparedness through a live discussion on ATL FM aimed at equipping citizens with the knowledge and practical measures needed to reduce the impact of flooding.

The educational programme, hosted by Alhaji Ibrahim Adams, focused on the theme "Floods and Citizen Preparedness", highlighting the increasing risk of flooding during the rainy season and the crucial role every citizen plays in safeguarding lives and property.

Speaking during the programme, the PRO from NADMO, Mr. Justice Nana Kwesi Agyeman, explained that flooding remains one of the most common natural disasters in Ghana, often resulting from heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, indiscriminate dumping of refuse into gutters, and unplanned human settlements along waterways. They emphasized that while government agencies continue to improve disaster response mechanisms, community participation is essential in preventing avoidable flood-related disasters.

Mrs. Joyce Frimpong, Head of Programmes, and Gideon Jude Egha, Civic Education Officer from NCCE, urged Ghanaians to embrace responsible environmental practices and adhere to safety directives issued by disaster management authorities. Citizens were encouraged to remain vigilant throughout the rainy season and avoid activities that increase flood risks.

Among the key precautionary measures highlighted were:

Regularly desilting drains and gutters to allow the free flow of rainwater.

Refraining from dumping refuse into drainage channels and water bodies.

Avoiding the construction of buildings on waterways and flood-prone areas.

Monitoring weather forecasts and heeding official warnings from relevant authorities.

Preparing emergency kits containing essential items such as drinking water, food, medications, flashlights, important documents, and first-aid supplies.

Identifying safe evacuation routes and nearby shelters before emergencies occur.

Switching off electricity and gas supplies when flooding threatens homes to prevent electrocution and fire outbreaks.

Never attempting to walk or drive through fast-moving floodwaters, as even shallow water can be dangerous.

Promptly reporting emergencies and distressed persons to NADMO, the Ghana Police Service, or the Ghana National Fire Service.

The public was also advised to expect possible disruptions during periods of intense rainfall, including road closures, traffic congestion, power outages, damage to homes and infrastructure, displacement of affected families, and an increased risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, as well as mosquito-borne illnesses including malaria.

Officials stressed that children, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities require special attention during flood emergencies and should be assisted to move quickly to safer locations whenever evacuation becomes necessary.

The programme concluded with a strong appeal to all citizens to view disaster preparedness as a shared responsibility. The collaborative public education initiative by NADMO and the NCCE reaffirmed the importance of community vigilance, environmental sanitation, and timely response in reducing the devastating effects of floods.