The Civil Defense Force, following a relevant announcement by the Department of Meteorology regarding isolated strong storms and strong winds that are expected to affect mainly the western half and southern areas of the island from time to time, makes the following recommendations to the public, with the aim of prevention and proper preparation to minimize risks and negative consequences:
Self-protection measures against floods
- Make sure the drains outside your home or workplace are not blocked.
- Make sure the gutters on your property 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 – loose soil so that the land can absorb water.
- Secure objects that may be swept away by the water and moved (e.g. tanks, water heaters, etc.).
- Repair any openings in fence walls.
- Prepare sandbags that will prevent water from entering your property if it is located in an area at risk of flooding.
- In case you are informed of the occurrence of heavy rainfall, limit your movements and avoid working and staying in underground spaces.
During the flood
If you are inside a building:
- Leave underground areas and move to a safe high point.
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 live wires.
- 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 next few hours because:
- the flood may have changed the characteristics of familiar areas,
- there are risks posed by broken road surfaces and areas with dangerous slopes, and
- The waters may be polluted if they have carried various types of objects or even animals with them.
- Do not obstruct rescue teams.
- Don’t use the phone unnecessarily.
Before you begin the recovery procedures:
- Remember that flood risks do not subside immediately after the waters recede.
- Make sure from the relevant authorities that your area is safe and you can return for restoration work.
- Turn off the electricity and water supply switches.
- Wear closed shoes and appropriate clothing to avoid any injuries.
Self-protection measures against tornadoes
If you are at home:
- Remove objects from the yard that could be moved by the tornado and secure those that are not secured.
- Close the doors and windows, but leave the interior glass shutters open, to quickly equalize the internal and external atmospheric pressure.
- Stay away from objects that can be moved and from glasses that may break.
If you are outdoors:
- If possible, monitor the path of the tornado and move away as quickly as possible from the points it will pass, staying away from objects that can move and hit you.
- If you are unable to move out of the path of the tornado in time, lie face down in a hollow, protecting your head with your hands, to avoid being hit by objects that can be moved or trees that may be uprooted.
Self-protection measures against strong winds
Before and during strong winds
- Be especially careful in areas where strong winds occur, avoid unnecessary travel, seek shelter indoors and close the doors and windows of your home or workplace.
- Remove objects from outdoor spaces that cannot be secured (e.g. flower pots, tables, chairs, decorative items, etc.) and avoid any type of work/action that could cause a fire.
- Secure any billboards you may have posted.
- Avoid activities in marine and coastal areas.
- Avoid passing under large trees, signs or balconies and securely fasten all objects that may be blown away by the wind and cause damage or injury (e.g. signs, tanks, water heaters, etc.).
- It is recommended that employers take all appropriate measures to protect employees who perform work outdoors (e.g. temporary suspension of work on construction sites, etc.).
