[PIO] Recommendations of the Fire Service for severe weather phenomena

The Fire Service makes the following recommendations to the public to address the risks and negative consequences of severe weather phenomena, specifically in case of flooding:

When indoors:

1. Turn on the radio or television or, if there is a power failure, a battery-powered radio to obtain information on the situation. Watch the breaking news for possible storms, flooding and safety measures. If you live in a basement or semi-basement where, due to continued rainfall, the water level continues to rise with the risk of flooding, and only if you have the ability to prevent water from entering the house, then you can stay there by reacting immediately. Seek the help of your neighbours in good time, create mounds with bags of soil or sand where conditions allow, and use water drainage machinery. Close windows and any other openings in the house with plastic sheeting or bags to prevent water from entering the house as much as possible. If due to flooding you become trapped in the house, you should quickly climb to the highest point of the house (e.g. roof) taking with you for safety reasons brightly coloured clothing and waterproofs, as well as your backpack with emergency equipment. Stay in this area by signalling, using emergency equipment (torches, mirrors, flares, etc.) so that rescue teams can locate you.

When you leave the house:

1. If you live in a house that is far from other houses and the surrounding area is expected, according to the breaking news, to flood, you should evacuate quickly and take refuge in a safe place. If you have taken refuge on a high ground and are isolated, use emergency equipment to get the attention of rescue crews. If instructions have been given to evacuate the area, evacuate the home in a timely manner after:

i) take your backpack with your emergency equipment; ii) place as many items as you can in high places in the house (furniture, electrical appliances); iii) take a backpack with supplies (dry food, water, canned food); iv) turn off the electricity, water and gas supplies. Seal all points through which water can pass (doors, windows) to prevent water from entering the house as much as possible.

1. Do not move away from residential areas so that if you need help they can find you.
2. If you find yourself in rushing water, do not try to move. There is a risk of being swept away by the water and being in serious danger.

If you are in a car:

1. Stop in good time off the road and in a safe place on the left-hand side to avoid being swept away by the water. Do not continue driving as you may become trapped and endanger your life.
2. Turn on the lights at the emergency stop and remain in the car.
3. Avoid parking under trees that may fall or under electric cables or poles, as there is a risk of electric shock.
4. If there is a lightning strike, do not get out of your vehicle.
5. Close windows and do not touch metal parts inside the vehicle.
6. Do not attempt to drive over a bridge as it may be damaged by water pressure.
7. Avoid driving in areas that are covered by water and where the boundaries of the road cannot be seen. You run the immediate risk of being run off the road and sinking into a ditch.
8. Do not approach areas where landslides have occurred.
9. Find out about accessible roads and alternative routes (from the police and announcements in the media and social media) and follow the instructions of the police and fire brigade to reach your destination safely.

When your fellow citizens are in danger:

1. If you see that your fellow citizens are in danger, try to help them in any way you can (as long as you do not endanger your own safety) and alert the rescue services at the same time. Do not leave your fellow human beings helpless.
2. Assist the rescue teams by following their instructions.
3. Calm and preparedness saves lives.

Preparation - precautionary measures:

1. Make sure the manholes outside your home are not blocked.
2. Make sure that the gutters of the houses are working properly.
3. If you have water pumps in underground or semi-basement areas, make sure they are working properly and are capable of removing a sufficient amount of rainwater.
4. Temporary shelters with tin roofs and sheds should be securely fastened.
5. Securely fasten LPG cylinders and domestic or other oil tanks.
6. Water tanks and solar water heaters should be well secured.
7. Remove makeshift structures and materials from ceilings.
8. Scaffolding on buildings to be securely fastened.
9. Secure and fasten advertising signs well.

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