[PIO] Civil Defence recommendations to the public to minimise negative consequences of heavy rainfall expected to affect mainly mountainous areas

The Civil Defence Force, following an announcement by the Department of Meteorology, makes the following recommendations to the public in order to prevent and properly prepare to minimise the risks and negative consequences of any heavy rainfall:

1. Ensure that the manholes outside your home or workplace are not blocked.

1. Make sure that the gutters in your premises are working properly.

1. 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.

1. If you live on a plot with a yard, leave - where possible - free soil for the earth to absorb water.

1. Secure items that are likely to be carried away by water and moved (e.g. tanks, water heaters, etc.)

1. Repair any openings in fence walls.

1. Prepare sandbags to prevent water from entering your premises if it is in an area at risk of flooding.

1. 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.

1. Stop and change direction if you are on a flooded road.

1. Abandon your car if it is stationary, as it may drift or flood.

1. Stay away from power lines.

1. 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:

- flooding may have altered the characteristics of familiar areas,

- there are risks from broken roads and areas with dangerous slopes,

- water may be contaminated if it has carried away various types of objects and/or animals.

1. Do not obstruct rescue teams.

1. Do not use the telephone without good reason.

Before starting restoration operations:

1. Remember that flood hazards do not recede immediately after the water has receded.

1. Confirm with the relevant authorities that your area is safe and you can return for restoration work.

1. Turn off the power and water supply switches.

1. Wear closed shoes and suitable clothing to avoid injury.

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