Instructions from the General Secretariat of Civil Protection for extreme weather events

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection recommends that citizens be particularly careful, taking self-protection measures against the risks arising from the occurrence of severe weather phenomena, following the updated Emergency Bulletin of Worsening Weather issued by the National Meteorological Service.

Specifically, in a statement, G.G. of Civil Protection states:

“According to the updated Emergency Worsening Weather Bulletin issued today, Sunday, January 22, 2023 by the National Meteorological Service (NMS), and with the latest forecast data, the bad weather will continue until Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

More detail:

Today Sunday (22-01-2023),

1. Heavy rains and storms are forecast:

a. From the afternoon to the Ionian Islands, Epirus, western Sterea and western Peloponnese.

b. In Thrace until the evening.

c. In eastern Macedonia in the evening hours mainly in the sea – coastal areas.

2. Snowfall will occur in the continental highlands.

On Monday (23-01-2023),

1. Heavy rains and storms are forecast:

a. In the Ionian Islands, Epirus, western Sterea and northwestern Peloponnese until the evening.

b. In central and eastern Macedonia.

2. Snowfall will occur in the continental highlands where in the northwest it will be dense in places.

On Tuesday (24-01-23)

1. Heavy rains and storms are predicted in central Macedonia and from the midday hours in Thessaly – mainly in the maritime – coastal areas – and in the Sporades.

2. Snowfall will occur in the central and northern continental highlands.

Citizens can be updated daily on the development of extraordinary weather phenomena in the regular weather reports of EMY and on the website of EMY at the online address www.emy.gr.

THE General Secretariat of Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection, has informed the competent government agencies involved in the service, 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.

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.

Also, in areas where snowfall and frost are predicted:

If they are going to travel by car:

To be informed about the weather and the condition of the road network
Have skid chains on their vehicle and a full tank of fuel
To travel, if necessary, preferably during the day preferring the main roads
To inform their relatives about the route they are going to follow
Change their travel schedule to avoid peak weather conditions
To faithfully follow the instructions of the local authorities, such as Traffic, etc.
If moving on foot:

Dress in several layers of light clothing rather than a heavy garment and wear appropriate footwear to avoid slippery injuries
To avoid unnecessary movements during the peak of the phenomena (heavy snowfall, freezing conditions)

For information and announcements regarding the prevailing situation and the passability of the road network due to the inflow of flood waters into it or due to snowfall and frost, 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”.

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