When the Rains Come Again
Anyone who has lived in Accra for more than a season knows the familiar sound of thunder rolling over the city, followed by that quiet dread: will the gutters overflow again? Will the road to church be passable? Will our homes stay dry? As we recently reported when heavy rains triggered flooding across Accra, disrupting traffic and daily activities, it is clear that preparedness is no longer optional for families in low-lying communities like Odawna, Alajo, Kaneshie, and parts of Tema.
As believers, we are called to be wise stewards of what God has given us, including our safety and our homes. Proverbs 22:3 reminds us, "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." Preparedness is not a lack of faith; it is faith working itself out through wisdom and action. This article offers a practical, step-by-step checklist to help you and your household stay safe this rainy season, rooted in both common sense and Scripture.
1. Know Your Flood Risk Before the Storm Arrives
Every Accra neighbourhood has its own flood history. If you live near a drain, a river, or in a valley area, you are at higher risk than someone on higher ground. Take time now, not during a downpour, to:
- Identify the nearest high ground or safe shelter in your area
- Ask long-time neighbours which streets flood first
- Note whether your compound has adequate drainage or needs urgent clearing
Understanding your risk is the first act of wisdom. Nehemiah inspected the walls of Jerusalem before rebuilding he assessed the situation honestly before acting (Nehemiah 2:13-15). We are called to do the same with our homes.
2. Prepare an Emergency Go-Bag
Every household, especially those with children or elderly relatives, should have a simple go-bag ready near the door. It should include:
- Copies of important documents (ID cards, land documents, insurance papers) in a waterproof sleeve
- A torchlight and spare batteries
- A first-aid kit with basic medication
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
- A charged power bank
- Cash in small denominations, since ATMs and mobile money networks can go down during flooding
If you have comprehensive home or vehicle insurance, keep your policy documents in this bag too. As one insurance expert recently advised, flood victims with comprehensive insurance can file claims, but only if you can act quickly and provide the right documentation.
3. Secure Your Home Before the Rains Peak
A little effort now can save a great deal of loss later. Consider these steps:
- Clear gutters, drains, and compound entrances of rubbish and debris regularly
- Raise electrical appliances and valuables off the floor, especially in ground-floor rooms
- Store important items in waterproof containers, elevated where possible
- Check your roof for leaks and reinforce weak points before the heavy rains set in
- Keep sandbags or improvised barriers ready if you live in a flood-prone compound
Proverbs 27:12 tells us the prudent see danger coming and take cover, while the simple walk on and suffer for it. Taking these small steps is simply obedience to that wisdom.
4. Protect Your Family's Health
Floodwater is rarely just water ,it often carries contamination that puts families at serious health risk. As Dr. Joyce Emefa warned, floods could trigger cholera and typhoid outbreaks in affected communities. To protect your household:
- Boil or treat all drinking water during and after flooding
- Avoid walking through floodwater barefoot or with open wounds
- Store food in sealed, elevated containers
- Wash hands frequently, especially before meals
- Seek medical attention quickly if anyone shows signs of fever, diarrhoea, or stomach illness
Our bodies are described in Scripture as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and guarding our health during risky seasons is one way we honour that truth.
5. Plan for Communication and Community Support
During flooding, phone networks and roads can become unreliable. Agree with your family in advance on:
- A meeting point if you get separated
- A trusted family member or friend outside the flood zone to serve as a point of contact
- How you will check on elderly relatives, neighbours, or church members who may need help
This is also a season to lean on your church community. Many congregations organise support networks during flooding emergencies, and being connected to yours in advance means help can reach you faster. It also gives you the chance to be a blessing to others, carrying one another's burdens, as Galatians 6:2 instructs us.
6. Know What to Do If Your Home Floods Anyway
Despite our best preparations, some homes will still be affected. If floodwater does enter your home, safety must come first. Turn off electricity at the mains if it is safe to do so, avoid contact with electrical appliances, and do not attempt to wade through fast-moving water. Once the waters recede, a careful and organised return matters greatly for both safety and hygiene, as outlined in our detailed guide on returning to a flooded home in Ghana, which walks through cleaning, disinfecting, and restoring your space safely.
It is also worth remembering that the impact of flooding often lingers well beyond the physical mess. Fear, anxiety, and grief can follow families for weeks or months afterward. As explored in our piece on flood trauma in Ghana, the emotional toll is real, and it is not a sign of weak faith to seek support, whether through prayer, counselling, or community care.
7. Anchor Your Heart in God's Peace
Beyond sandbags and go-bags, our deepest security comes from trusting the One who calms storms. Jesus rebuked the wind and waves in Mark 4:39 and asked His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Preparedness and faith are not opposites; they work hand in hand. We plan wisely, and we rest in the knowledge that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
As this rainy season unfolds across Accra, let us be families and communities who prepare with diligence, love our neighbours generously, and pray without ceasing for the safety of our city. Small steps taken today, from clearing a gutter to packing a go-bag, could make all the difference tomorrow.
A Final Word
Sunny 88.7 FM will continue to bring you timely updates and practical guidance throughout this rainy season. Stay tuned, stay prepared, and above all, stay rooted in faith. As Isaiah 43:2 promises, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." May that promise anchor every Ghanaian home this season.