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 that the gutters in your premises are working properly.
- 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. If you live on a plot of land with a yard, leave - where possible - free soil for the earth to absorb water. Secure items 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 shed if it is located in an area at risk of flooding.
- If you are notified of heavy rainfall, limit your movements and avoid working and staying underground.
DURING FLOODING
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 immobilized, as it may be swept away or flooded.
- 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 at risk of flooding in the coming hours because: - the flooding may have altered the characteristics of familiar areas; - there are risks from broken roads and dangerously sloping areas; - the water may be contaminated if various types of objects and/or animals have been washed away with it.
- Do not obstruct rescue teams.
- Do not use the telephone without good reason.
Before starting recovery operations:
- Remember that flood risks do not disappear 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.
(MB/SX)
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