[PIO] Civil Defence recommendations to the public to minimise the negative consequences of heavy rainfall, storms and tornadoes

The Civil Defence Force, following an announcement issued by the Department of Meteorology regarding isolated severe thunderstorms expected to affect the region, initially the west and gradually the remaining areas, makes the following recommendations to the public, in order to prevent and properly prepare to minimise risks and negative consequences:

1. Ensure that manholes outside your home or workplace are not blocked.
2. Make sure that the gutters in your premises are working properly.
3. If you have a basement in a vulnerable area at risk of flooding, dig a special water accumulation pit and install an automatic water pump. Remove valuable items or expensive equipment from your basement.
4. If you live on a plot of land with a yard, leave - where possible - free soil for the earth to absorb water.
5. Secure objects that are likely to be carried away by water and moved (e.g. tanks, water heaters, etc.).
6. Repair any openings in enclosure walls.
7. Prepare sandbags to prevent water from entering your shed if it is located in an area at risk of flooding.
8. If you are notified of heavy rainfall, limit your movements and avoid working and staying underground.

During flooding

If you are inside a building:

1. Leave underground areas and move to a safe high place.

If you are in an open area:

1. Do not cross a flooded road on foot or by car/bicycle/motorcycle.
2. Stop and change direction if you find yourself on a flooded road.
3. Abandon your car if it is immobilized, as it may be swept away or flooded.
4. Stay away from power lines.
5. Do not approach areas where landslides have occurred.

After the flood

If you are in an open area:

1. Stay away from areas that have flooded or are at risk of flooding in the coming hours because:
   1. flooding may have altered the characteristics of familiar areas,
   2. there are risks from broken roads and areas with dangerous gradients, and
   3. water may be contaminated if it has carried away various types of objects and/or animals.
2. Do not obstruct rescue teams.
3. Do not use the telephone without good reason.

Before starting recovery operations:

1. Remember that flood risks do not disappear immediately after the water has receded.
2. Confirm with the relevant authorities that your area is safe and you can return for restoration work.
3. Turn off the power and water supply switches.
4. Wear closed shoes and suitable clothing to avoid injury.

Tornado self-protection measures

If you are at home:

1. Remove from the yard of the house objects that can be moved by the tornado and fasten securely those that are not fastened.
2. Close doors and windows, but leave interior glass shutters open, for quick equalization of internal and external atmospheric pressure.
3. Move away from objects that can be moved and from glass that is likely to break.

If you are outdoors:

1. If possible, follow the path of the tornado and move away as quickly as possible from where it passes, staying away from objects that can move and hit you.
2. If you cannot get out of the path of the tornado in time, lie face down in a hollow, protecting your head with your hands to avoid the risk of being hit by objects that can move or trees that may be uprooted.

(NKY)
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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