Filenews 12 February 2026
The Civil Defense has made recommendations to the public for protection from heavy rainfall, storms, strong winds and tornadoes in view of the Yellow Warning that will be in force for 24 hours.
The Civil Defense Force, following a relevant announcement issued by the Department of Meteorology regarding rains and isolated thunderstorms (hail is also expected), which 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 manholes outside your home or workplace are not clogged.
• Make sure the gutters in your premises are working normally.
• If you have a basement in a vulnerable area with a risk of flooding, proceed with the drilling of 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 with a yard, leave - where possible - free soil to absorb water from the earth.
• 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 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 areas.
During flooding
If you are inside a building:
• Leave underground spaces and move to a safe high point.
If you are in an open space:
• 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 drift or flood.
• Stay away from power lines.
• Do not approach areas where landslides have occurred.
After the flood
If you are in an open space:
• Stay away from areas that have been flooded or are at risk of flooding in the next few hours because:
Flooding may have altered the characteristics of familiar areas,
pose risks from broken roads and areas with dangerous slopes, and
The waters may be polluted, if various kinds of objects or animals have been carried away with them.
• Do not obstruct rescue crews.
• Do not use the phone for no good reason.
Before starting the rehabilitation procedures:
• Remember that flood risks do not subside immediately after water withdrawal.
• Make sure from the relevant authorities that your area is safe and you can return for the 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 that can be moved by the tornado from the yard of the house and secure those that are not fastened securely.
• Close doors and windows, leaving the interior glass shutters open, for quick equalization of internal and external atmospheric pressure.
• Move away from objects that can be moved and glasses that are likely to break.
If you are in the countryside:
• Monitor, if possible, the path of the tornado and move as quickly as possible away from where it will pass, staying away from objects that can move and hit you.
• If you are unable to move away from the path of the tornado in time, lie face down in a hollow, protecting your head with your hands, so as not to risk 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 movement, take refuge in closed spaces and close the doors and windows of your home or workplace.
• Remove objects from outdoor areas that cannot be fixed (e.g. pots, tables, chairs, decorative items, etc.) and avoid any kind of work/action that may cause a fire.
• Secure any billboards you have on your premises securely.
• Avoid activities in marine and coastal areas.
• Avoid passing under large trees, signs or balconies and secure 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.)
