Emergency sanitary napkins, life vests, rafts made from empty water bottles and bags to store drinking water are just some of the ideas people have come up with as Thailand struggles with severe flooding.
Comprehensive graphics and video clips are being shared via the social media to educate people about the disaster, remind them of what they should keep handy and how everyday items can be used in emergency situations.For example, a car tyre's inner tube can work as a buoy, two onegallon containers attached to a piece of wood can make a "floating seat", a paper box and plastic bag can become a toilet and an old Tshirt's sleeves can be stuffed with tissue or cloth to make a sanitary napkin.
These ideas and many more can be found on the Design for Disasters Facebook page, which goes by the motto "Survive for Sure".
Apart from the idea for an emergency sanitary napkin, Facebook user Surasekk Yuthiwat can also be seen on a video clip showing how one can carry basic necessities as well as stay afloat. This survival kit needs two washtubs, one filled with empty water bottles, and the other with basic necessities packed tightly in a black garbage bag. These tubs can then be tied together with nylon string and worn on either side of the body. He also suggests that fluorescent tape be attached to the tubs so they are visible in the dark.
Life vests made from empty water bottles seems to be a very popular idea, and businessman Tan Passakornnatee can be seen demonstrating how these can be created on YouTube.
Socialmedia sites like Facebook and Twitter also include video clips on how sandbags should be piled up to create flood barriers, though some innovators also show how bags of water can be used to block bathroom and toilet drains.
Apart from this, there are several bright ideas on protecting cars, including one in which a car cover can be turned upside down to "put the car in a bag".
Surely some, if not all of these ideas will be tried out if Bangkok does get inundated this weekend as predicted.
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Ref: The Nation
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