The Civil Defence Force 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:
- Make sure that the manholes outside your home or workplace are not blocked.
- Make sure the gutters in your premises are working properly.
- If you have a basement in an area where there is a risk of flooding, dig a special water accumulation pit and install an automatic water pump. Remove valuable items or expensive equipment from your basement.
- If you live on a plot of land with a yard, leave soil free - where possible - for the earth to absorb water.
- Secure objects that are likely to be carried away by water and moved (e.g. tanks, water heaters, etc.)
- Repair any openings in fence walls.
- Prepare sandbags to prevent water from entering your premises if it is in an area at risk of flooding.
- If you are notified of heavy rainfall, limit your movements and avoid working and staying underground.
DURING THE STORM
If you are inside a building:
- Leave underground areas and move to a safe high place.
If you are in an open area:
- Do not cross a flooded road on foot or by car/bicycle/motorcycle.
- Stop and change direction if you find yourself on a flooded road.
- Abandon your car if it is stationary, as it may drift or flood.
- Stay away from power lines.
- Do not approach areas where landslides have occurred.
AFTER THE FLOOD
If you are in an open area:
- Stay away from areas that have flooded or are likely to flood in the next few hours because:
- the flood may have altered the characteristics of familiar areas,
- there are risks from broken roads and areas with dangerous slopes,
- the waters may be contaminated if they have carried away various types of objects and/or animals.
- Do not obstruct rescue teams.
- Do not use the telephone without good reason.
Before starting recovery operations:
- Remember that flood hazards do not recede immediately after the water has receded.
- Confirm with the relevant authorities that your area is safe and you can return for restoration work.
- Turn off the power and water supply switches.
- Wear closed shoes and suitable clothing to avoid injury.
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