In the “eye” of bad weather Central and Northern Greece – Recommendations from Civil Protection

Recommendations to citizens to be especially careful, taking measures to protect themselves from risks arising from occurrence of severe weather phenomena addresses the General Secretariat of Civil Protection, in view of the temporary deterioration that the weather will present from this evening until the afternoon hours of Monday (05-09-2022).

In particular, in areas where heavy rains, storms or gale-force winds are predicted, the Public Health Service recommends to citizens:

• To secure objects, which if carried away by severe weather 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.
• Also, 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.

Therefore, according to an announcement by the Fire Department, the operational plan is being implemented to deal with the risks of flooding, as well as the accompanying phenomena, while the Fire Services of the areas where the phenomena are expected to occur, have been placed in a state of heightened readiness and further escalation if required, in order to deal with any problems immediately.

At the same time, the General Secretariat of Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection, has informed the competent government agencies involved, as well as the regions and municipalities of the country, so that they are on increased civil protection readiness, in order to immediately deal with the effects of the occurrence of severe weather phenomena.

For information and announcements regarding the prevailing situation and the passability of the road network, due to the inflow of flood waters, 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 www.civilprotection.gr.

It is noted that according to Emergency Weather Deterioration Bulletin issued today by the National Meteorological Service (NMS), the weather will deteriorate temporarily from this evening (04-09-2022) until the evening hours of Monday (05-09-2022) with heavy rains in places and storms in northern and central Greecewhich will be accompanied by a high frequency of lightning, hail and strong gusty winds during the phenomena.

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