Due to today's yellow warning, the Fire Service is making recommendations to the public
In case of flooding:
• Turn on the radio or TV, or if there is a power outage, a battery radio to find out what is going on. Watch emergency news bulletins for potential storms, flooding and safety precautions.
• If you live in a basement or semi-basement where, due to the ongoing rainfall, the water level continues to rise, with the risk of flooding, and only if you are able to prevent the water from entering the house, then you can stay there by reacting immediately.
Ask your neighbors for help early, create mounds with dirt or sandbags where conditions permit, and use water drainage machinery. Cover windows and any other openings in the house with plastic tape or bags to prevent as much water from entering the house as possible.
• If you are trapped at home due to the flood, you should quickly climb to the highest point of the house (e.g. roof) taking with you for safety reasons brightly colored clothes and waterproofs, as well as the rucksack with the emergency equipment.
Stay in this area by making signals, using emergency equipment (flashlights, mirrors, flares, etc.) so that rescue crews can locate you.
When you leave home:
• If you live in a house that is far from other houses and the surrounding area is expected, according to emergency news bulletins, to flood, you should move away quickly and take refuge in a safe place. If you've taken refuge on high ground and become isolated, use emergency equipment to get the attention of rescue crews. If instructions have been given to evacuate the area, leave the house promptly after:
i) Take with you the rucksack with the emergency equipment,
ii) Place as many objects as you can (furniture, electrical appliances) in high places of the house,
iii) Take a backpack with supplies (dry food, water, canned goods),
iv) Turn off electricity, water and gas supplies. Seal all points through which water can pass (doors, windows) so that
prevent as much as possible the inflow of water into the house.
• Stay away from populated areas so that if you need help they can find you.
• If you find yourself in rapids, do not attempt to move forward. There is a risk of being swept away by the water and in serious danger.
If you are in the car:
• Stop in time off the road and in a safe place on the left side, to avoid being swept away by the water. Do not continue driving, as you may become trapped and put your life at risk.
• Turn on the emergency stop lights and stay in the car.
• Avoid parking under trees that may fall, under power lines or poles, as there is a risk of electric shock.
• If there is lightning, do not get out of your vehicle.
• Close the windows and do not touch metal parts inside the vehicle.
• Do not attempt to cross a bridge, as it may be damaged by water pressure.
• Avoid moving in areas that are covered by water and the boundaries of the road are not visible. You are in immediate danger of going off the road and sinking into a ditch.
• Do not approach areas where landslides have occurred.
• Be informed about accessible roads and alternative solutions for your route (from the Police and relevant announcements from the Mass Media and Social Networking) and follow the instructions of the Police and the Fire Brigade to reach your destination safely.
When your fellow humans are in danger:
• If you find that your fellow human beings are in danger, try to help them in every way (provided that you do not endanger your own safety) and at the same time notify the rescue crews. Do not leave your fellow human beings helpless.
• Assist rescue crews by following their instructions.
• Calmness and preparedness save lives.
Preparation – preventive measures:
• Make sure the wells outside your house are not blocked.
• Make sure house gutters are working properly.
• If you have water pumps in underground or semi-underground areas, make sure they are working properly and are capable of removing a sufficient amount of rainwater.
• Makeshift housing shelters with shingles and eaves to be well secured.
• Secure gas cylinders and domestic or other oil tanks securely.
• Water tanks and solar water heaters must be well secured.
• Remove rough structures and materials from ceilings.
• Scaffolding in buildings to be fixed well.
• Secure and secure advertising signs.
