Vietnam has a a tropical, monsoon climate, and so you should be prepared for heavy rainfall and possible flooding when living here
19 October 2015
| Last updated on 29 June 2017![How to Deal with Floods and Heavy Rain How to Deal with Floods and Heavy Rain](https://cdn.expatwoman.com/s3fs-public/f9ac0899-b686-42c5-bb61-8db52fb602a8.jpg)
Without a doubt, Vietnam's weather is considerably wet. With thanks to the monsoon seasons that swallow the country throughout the year, expats living in Vietnam can expect heavy rainfall and flooding across the country.
Consequently, stuck vehicles and street fishermen are a common sight across Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where floods tend to turn life up-side-down!
Of course, this can cause havoc on the roads and for your home. So here's some quick tips on ensuring your always safe... And dry!
Keep safe while driving
These safety tips apply to all vehicle drivers, motorcycles and even cyclists!
Plan ahead
In an ideal world, when heavy rain and floods are a risk, you'd simply not travel. But if you have no choice but to get on the road, the best defence is preparation. Plan your journey in advance!
Prepare your vehicle
Check your lights, tyres, oil and water, and most importantly? Wiper blades! Both front and back blades should be working properly or your vision will be considerably undermined.
Prepare for an emergency
Carry with you an emergency kit in your vehicle, which includes a mobile phone, charger, blankets, food, water, first aid kit and visibility jacket. Also water proof clothing may come in handy for extreme rain! Wellies and rain coats are also a must.
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Take care with your lights
Dipped headlights are always best for driving in wet conditions. Refrain from using your fog lights.
Keep your speed down
It goes without saying, driving slower is much better in wet conditions. Your stopping times are increased in bad weather, and your driving needs to adjust to account for this.
Test your brakes
If you've been driving through flood water, you need to retest your brakes to make sure they haven't been damaged.
Don't restart your engine
If your engine cuts out when driving through water, you shouldn't try to immediately restart it... It could cause damage! Put your hazard lights on and call for immediate assistance.
Keeping your home safe
Depending on what time of accommodation you live in, your home may also be victim to damage from heavy rainfall or flooding. So best to keep your home protected by following these safety tips!
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Seal cracks or openings in walls, floors, windows and foundations
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Clear eaves troughs and downspouts of leaves, and other debris that may prevent proper drainage
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Increase the green space around your home with native plants and shrubs, and install porous pavements to help absorb rainwater
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Clear debris from roadside grates to help water enter the sewer
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Ensure your interior plumbing is in good working condition
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Dispose of small amounts of cooking oil and grease correctly, and don't pour it down the drain that may cause a drain blockage
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Avoid flushing unsuitable items down the toilet basin, such as dental floss, tampons, sanitary towels, razor blades and non-biodegradable products
You may also wish to check that your home insurance policy covers water damage, and if it doesn't, arrange the correct protection for future planning.