THINGS TO DO IN CASE OF A CYCLONE

 

Just came across this news that a cyclone over the Bay of Bengal has ferociously beefed up and is swaggering towards the eastern coast of India, revealing an enormous and ruinous damage to our country. The storm is steadily heading northwest, and landfall is expected on 12^th October (Saturday), on the northeast of Visakhapatnam.

‘Phailin’ is not only intense but also as large as half the size of India. It is category 5 hurricane. It’s named by Thailand, and means Sapphire in Thai.

SOME QUICK GUIDELINES TO DO BEFORE:

• Have a list of emergency phone numbers in an easily accessible position.
• Check the walls and roof conditions of your home beforehand, and ensure that all the loose tiles, iron sheeting, etc is secured and repaired.
• Also, find out which is the strongest and the most secure room in your house.
• In case of a storm surge/tide warning, or other flooding, know your nearest safe high ground and the safest access route to it.
• Have an evacuation plan ready, including evacuation routes, spare fuel, and keep listening to Community Service Announcements so that you are familiar with what is happening.
• Prepare an emergency kit containing:
• A portable battery radio, torch and spare batteries;
• Water containers, dried or canned food and a can opener;
•  Matches, fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking gear, eating utensils; and
•  A first aid kit and manual, masking tape for windows and waterproof bags.
• Ensure that all the garden furniture and loose items outside are secured so they cannot become flying torpedoes.
• If you have pets and you cannot take them along with you during evacuation, plan ahead for them.
• Check and trim overhanging branches to keep them well away from the house.
• Keep your buckets filled, in case the drinking water supply is compromised.
• Have sufficient cash on hand for emergencies.
• Check with your local council or your building control authority to see if your home has been built to cyclone standards.
• Preferably fit shutters, or at least metal screens, to all glass areas.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers on display.
• Check neighbors, especially if recent arrivals, to make sure they are prepared.
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ONCE THE CYCLONE HITS:

• Turn off electricity, gas and water, and unplug all appliances.
• Ensure everyone, including pets are inside.
• Move your family to the strongest room.
• Keep your emergency kit with you at all times.
• Keep listening to the radio for updates.
• If your house begins to break apart, shelter under a really strong table or a mattress.
• If driving, stop (handbrake on and in gear) - but well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines and streams. Stay in the vehicle.

 

AFTER THE CYCLONE:

• Don't go outside until advised it is safe.
• Check for gas leaks.
• Don't use electric appliances if wet .
• Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
•  If you had to evacuate, don't return until advised. Use a recommended route and don't rush!
• Beware of damaged power lines, bridges, buildings, trees, and don't enter floodwaters.
• Heed all warnings and don't go sightseeing. Check/help neighbors instead.
• Don't make unnecessary telephone calls.·    
• Never assume that broken power lines are dead; they will be live until emergency services arrive.

Beware of the "Eye of the Storm"

If the wind drops, don't assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from another direction as the storm moves through. Cyclones move in a clock-wise direction and the eye can be 10-100km wide. Always listen to the radio to be sure when the storm is finished.

STAY SAFE UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED!! 

(Source: Internet)