Weather: The instructions of the Civil Protection for the deterioration of the weather – What to watch out for.

According to the updated Emergency Deterioration of Weather Bulletin (EDEK) issued today Saturday November 11, 2023 by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), heavy rains and storms and strong winds are expected today Saturday (11-11-23) until late Monday night (13-11-23).

At the same time, the General Secretariat of Civil Protection recommends that citizens be particularly careful, taking measures to protect themselves from risks arising from the occurrence of severe weather phenomena.

In particular, in areas where heavy rainfall, storms or gale-force winds are expected to occur:

To secure objects which, if carried away by severe weather conditions, may cause damage or injury.
Make sure that the gutters and downspouts of the houses are not blocked and are working properly.
Avoid crossing torrents and streams, on foot or by vehicle, during storms and rainfall, but also for several hours after the end of their event
Avoid outdoor work and activities in marine and coastal areas during severe weather events (risk of lightning strikes).
Take shelter immediately during a hailstorm. Take shelter in a building or car and do not leave the safe area until they are sure the storm has passed. Hail can be very dangerous for animals too.
Avoid passing under large trees, under posted signs and in general areas where light objects (e.g. pots, broken glass, etc.) can become detached and fall to the ground (e.g. under balconies) .
To faithfully follow the instructions of the local authorities, such as Traffic, etc.
In areas with intense lightning activity:

If you are at home

Do not hold electrical appliances or the telephone as lightning can pass through the wires. Disconnect the TV sets from the antenna and the power supply.
Avoid touching plumbing pipes (kitchen, bathroom) as they are good conductors of electricity.

If you are in the car

Park it on the side of the road and away from trees that might fall on it.
Stay inside and turn on your stop warning lights (emergency lights) until the storm clears.
Close windows and do not touch metal objects.
Avoid flooded roads.
If you are outdoors

Take refuge in a building or car or sit on the ground immediately without lying down.
Take cover under solid branches of low trees if you are in the woods.
Never take shelter under a tall tree in an open area.
Avoid low-lying lands for the risk of flooding.
Do not stand next to utility poles, power lines, telephone lines and fences.
Do not approach metal objects (eg cars, bicycles, camping equipment, etc.).
Stay away from rivers, lakes or other bodies of water.
If you are in the sea, get out immediately.
If you’re isolated on a flat surface and feel your hair stand on end (signaling that lightning is about to strike), sit deep with your head between your legs (to minimize your body surface area and contact with the ground ) by throwing the metal objects you have on you.

For information and announcements regarding the prevailing situation and the passability of the road network due to the influx of flood waters into it, citizens can visit the EL.AS website. www.astynomia.gr.

For more information and self-protection instructions from severe weather, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat of Civil Protection at civilprotection.gov.gr