In light of the severe weather conditions expected following the orange alert issued by the Meteorological Service, citizens are urged to be especially cautious. The Civil Defense has issued recommendations on what citizens should do during and after the severe weather to protect themselves.
SEE ALSO: 14 Hours of Severe Weather: Severe weather will strike earlier than expected; when does the orange alert take effect? | AlphaNews
See the Civil Defense recommendations
In case of flooding
- Check that the drains outside your home or workplace are clear and not clogged.
- Make sure the gutters on your property are working properly.
- If you have a basement at risk of flooding, make sure to create a designated area for water to pool and remove valuable items from that area.
- If your home has a yard, leave bare soil wherever possible so the ground can absorb water.
- Secure any items that could be swept away or moved by the flow of water.
- Be sure to seal any gaps or openings in the fence walls.
SEE ALSO: VIDEO & PHOTOS: Severe weather began in Paphos; road closed due to river overflow | AlphaNews
During a flood
Immediately evacuate underground areas and move to a safe, elevated location.
If you are in an open area:
- Do not walk, drive, ride a bicycle, or ride a motorcycle on a flooded road.
- If your car has stalled, get out immediately.
- Stay away from power lines.
- Do not approach areas where landslides have occurred.
SEE ALSO: CY-Alert for the Orange Warning: Severe storms and strong winds are coming; authorities on alert | AlphaNews
After the flood
If you are outdoors:
- Make sure to stay away from areas that have flooded or are at risk of flooding.
- Do not obstruct rescue crews.
Before beginning the recovery process:
- Check with the relevant authorities to confirm that the area where you are located is safe and that you can return to carry out restoration work.
- Be sure to turn off the power and water supply valves.
- To avoid injury, be sure to wear appropriate clothing.
In the event of a tornado
If you are at home:
- Close the doors and windows, leaving the interior window shutters open.
- Stay away from objects that can be blown away and from glass that might break.
- Remove any objects from your yard that could be blown away by the tornado, and securely fasten any that aren’t already secured.
If you are outdoors:
- Stay away from areas that are flooded or at risk of flooding in the coming hours
- Do not obstruct rescue crews.
- Do not use your phone unless absolutely necessary.
Measures to protect yourself from strong winds:
- Be especially careful in areas where strong winds are occurring; avoid unnecessary travel, seek shelter indoors, and close the doors and windows of your home or workplace.
- Remove any outdoor items that cannot be secured (e.g., flowerpots, small tables, chairs, decorative items, etc.) and avoid any kind of work or activity that could cause a fire.
- Avoid activities in marine and coastal areas.
- Avoid walking under large trees, signs, or balconies, and securely fasten all objects that could be blown away by the wind and cause damage or injury (e.g., signs, water tanks, water heaters, etc.).
