Civil Defense recommendations to the public to minimize the negative consequences of heavy rainfall, storms and tornadoes and strong winds
The Civil Defense Force, following a relevant announcement by the Department of Meteorology regarding isolated strong storms and winds that are expected to affect 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 wells outside your home or workplace are not clogged.
Make sure the gutters on your property are working properly.
If you have a basement in a vulnerable area with a risk of flooding, proceed with the excavation of a special water accumulation pit and install an automatic water pump. Remove valuables 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 objects that are likely to be swept away by the water and moved (eg tanks, water heaters, etc.).
Repair any openings in fencing walls.
Prepare sandbags to prevent water from entering your property if it is located in an area at risk of flooding.
In case you are informed about 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 the basement and move to a safe high point.
If you are outdoors:
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 outdoors:
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 features of familiar areas,
pose hazards from broken pavements and dangerously sloped areas, and
the water may be contaminated if it has been carried by various objects or animals.
Do not obstruct rescue teams.
Do not use the phone unnecessarily.
Before you begin the recovery process:
Remember that flood hazards do not go away immediately after the waters recede.
Make sure your area is safe and you can return for restoration work.
Turn off the power and water switches.
Wear closed shoes and appropriate clothing to avoid injuries.
Tornado self-protection measures
If you are at home:
Remove items from the yard that can be moved by the tornado and secure those that are not.
Close the doors and windows, but leave the internal glass shutters open, to quickly equalize the internal and external atmospheric pressure.
Move away from movable objects and breakable glasses.
If you are outdoors:
If possible, follow 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 particularly 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.).
