Filenews 17 December 2021
Cyclone, which will even be created and will peak in Cyprus, will hit the area from late Saturday night until Monday.
In view of the intense weather phenomena, the Civil Defence gives recommendations to avoid problems:
Prepare in a timely manner:
Make sure the drains outside your home or workplace are not clogged.
- Make sure that the gutters in your premises are working normally.
- If you have a basement in a vulnerable area with a risk of flooding, proceed to drill a special water accumulation pit and install an automatic water pump. Remove valuable items or expensive equipment from your basement.
- If you live in a plot with a yard, leave -where possible- free soil for the land to absorb water.
- Fix objects that may be swept away by water and moved (e.g. tanks, water heaters, etc.)
- Repair any openings in fence walls.
- Prepare sandbags that will prevent the ingress of water into your premises, if it is located in an area that is in danger of flooding.
- In case you are informed about the occurrence of heavy rainfall, limit your movements and avoid working and staying in underground areas.
During bad weather:
If you are inside a building:
- Leave underground spaces and move to a safe high spot.
If you are in an open space:
- Do not cross a flooded road on foot or by car/bike/motorcycle.
- Stop and change direction if you find yourself on a flooded road.
- Abandon your car if it is immobilized, as it may get swept away or flooded.
- Stay away from power lines.
- Do not approach areas where landslides have occurred.
After the bad weather:
If you are in an open space:
- Stay away from areas that have flooded or are dangerous to flood in the next few hours as:
- the flood may have altered the characteristics of the familiar areas,
- pose risks from broken pavements and areas with dangerous inclination,
- the water may be contaminated if it has carried away various kinds of objects or animals with them.
- Do not obstruct rescue crews.
- Do not use the phone for no good reason.
Before you start the restoration procedures:
- Remember that the dangers from the flood do not subside immediately after the withdrawal of water.
- Make sure from the relevant authorities that your area is safe and you can return for the recovery work.
- Turn off the power and water supply switches.
Wear closed shoes and appropriate attire to avoid any injuries.
