With rain lashing several parts of the UAE on Sunday it is important to know which are the precautions one should take before heavy rains, floods, and thunderbolts.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA ) has called on the public to take precaution because of the expected weather fluctuations. NCMEA also issued a series of cautionary tips to brave the stormy conditions.
What you should do before heavy rains, floods and thunderbolts
Please carry out the following procedures:
* Watch weather changes, listen to weather forecasts and official media if there is any warning
* Carry out regular maintenance necessary for electrical wirings and ensure fixing of the same
* Check water sewerage channels and springs and carry out the necessary maintenance
* Ensure the first aid and emergency kits are ready to use in addition to the auxiliary lighting means such as (hand torch or lantern or candles) for use when necessary.
* Do not allow children to play in outdoor open areas
* Secure external stuff and put valuable things in waterproof containers and close windows.
If you were inside the house, please carry out the following procedures:
* Watch weather changes, listen to weather forecasts, official media and social media websites
* Check water sewerage channels and springs to avoid water accumulation as much as possible.
* Disconnect power from home devices to protect them from the electrical current passage in case of lightning broke through the house network.
* Avoid touching metals, electrical devices, and phones, do not use water taps or any water connected to the plumbing system, as thunder could hit the wires and pipes
* Do not leave the house except in utmost emergency cases
* Stay away from glass windows and doors
* Do not allow children to play outside the house
* Abide by instructions and directions immediately in case you received an evacuation order through media or competent security authorities in the state, and ensure your safety and your family’s safety.
* Disconnect electrical current and close water network in the event of hurricanes
* Avoid showering as much as possible because the plumbing connections in the toilet might lead electrical charges from the lightning.
* You may use mobile or landline phones if you wish, it’s safe to use them indoors.
If you were outside, please carry out the following procedures:
* Avoid standing under high standing alone trees, electricity posts and telecommunication posts
* Do not try to walk beside shores or flowing water, valley ducts and dams or pools
* Try to find a safe place and stay away from electrical power during heavy rains, the disconnection of the same doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Stay away from flowing water and valley ducts, especially if you were swimming in the sea
* Prepare adequate firefighting tools and equipment because lightning could cause fires to erupt
* Avoid using mobile phones except in utmost urgent cases especially during thunderstorms
* Use landline phone for emergencies if you were in an open place and beware that mobile or landline phones are safe to use only indoors and should not be used outdoors.
* Do not attempt to reconnect the electricity in case of disconnection and seek support from competent authorities instead
* Do not leave the house before ensuring the situation is back to normal and watch weather forecasts through local media
* Abide by instructions and directions immediately in case you received an evacuation order through competent authorities in the state, and ensure your safety and your family’s safety.
If you were driving the car, please carry out the following procedures:
* Watch weather changes, and listen to weather forecasts through the radio
* Please take caution and care during weather changes occurring suddenly on the road
* Reduce speed and do not overtake other vehicles, and turn on the lights
* Do not use the car for transportation in flooded areas, flowing water could make you lose control over the car
* Maintain safe distance between vehicles
* Use the flashing indicators only for warning and use front and rear wipers to maintain a clear vision
* Park the car off the road in case you had to stop it completely and call your family to inform them you are safe
* Be careful while driving in flooded areas, which can cause slipping and be losing control over the vehicle
* Do not cross flowing water that is above the knee level in case of electrical current disconnection during heavy rains.
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