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Storm

Cyclone/Storm/Strong Winds

Before the Gusty Winds Occurs:

  • Check the house carefully before the gusty wind season. Repair doors and windows as needed and secure loose tiles.
    Don’t leave sharp objects loose.
  • With permission from the local authority, remove dead branches or dying trees close to the house. Anchor removable
    objects such as lumber piles, loose tin sheets, loose bricks, garbage cans, signboards, etc. can fly in strong winds.
  • Keep some wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed
  • Keep alternative tools such as battery-operated torches and enough dry cells ready in case of power cuts due to
    gusty winds.
  • Demolish condemned buildings and avoid staying in such buildings and houses.
  • Keep your documents and valuables in waterproof containers.
  • Prepare an emergency kit with essential items for safety and survival.
  • Keep some dry, non-perishable food always ready for use in emergencies. Store extra drinking water in suitably covered
    vessels.
  • Ensure that your lantern, torches or other emergency lights are in working condition and keep them handy.
  • Small and loose things near the house, which can fly in strong winds, should be stored safely to avoid any damage.
  • Make provisions for children and adults requiring a special diet and arrange for their medicines.
  • Switch off the electrical mains in your house immediately before the strong gusty winds.
  • Keep your mobile phones charged for emergency communication; use SMS.
  • Listen to the radio, watch TV, and read newspapers for weather updates.

During the Gusty Winds

  • Keep monitoring the warnings. This will help you prepare in advance.
  • Listen to the radio (All India Radio stations give weather warnings).
  • Remain calm, believe in official information, pass authentic information to others, ignore rumours, and do not spread
    them. This will help avoid panic situations.
  • When an alert is on for your area, continue working usually, but stay alert to the warnings the concerned officials
    give.
  • If your house is securely built to withstand gusty winds, take shelter in a safe part of the house. However, do not
    hesitate to leave the house if asked to evacuate.
  • Switch off electrical mains, unplug all electrical appliances and gas connection.
  • Do not venture out even when the winds appear to calm down. The winds might intensify and gush again, causing damage.
    Stay safe inside until it is officially announced that the situation is normal.
  • Board up glass windows or put storm shutters in place. Provide strong, suitable support for outside doors.
  • If you must evacuate the house move your valuable articles to safer places and carry your essential documents.
  • When officials give instructions to evacuate the house, pack essentials for yourself and your family to last a few
    days. These should include medicines and special food for babies, children, and elderly people.
  • Do not worry about your property. Move to the safe shelter or evacuation points indicated by the officials for your
    area.
  • At the shelter, follow the instructions of the person in charge. Remain there until you are informed to leave.
  • Keep cattle/animals untied to ensure their safety.
  • Do not enter damaged buildings or any such shelter if you are outdoors. Seek safe shelter as soon as possible. Never
    stand under a tree/ electric pole.

Post Gusty Wind Measures

  • Clear debris from your house premises immediately and dispose of it appropriately.
  • Watch out for broken electric poles and loose wires, and other sharp objects. Strictly avoid contact with any loose and dangling wires in the surroundings.
  • If you have to drive after the gusty wind, drive slowly and carefully.
  • Do not use damaged electrical equipment. Get them checked by an electrician first before use.
  • Report the correct losses to the appropriate authorities without giving any false information.

For Fishermen

  • Fishermen should listen to the radio, watch TV, and read newspapers for weather updates and alerts regarding gusty winds.
  • Fishermen should not fish in the lake or river if government officials in their area issue a strong, gusty wind warning.
    They should keep boats/rafts tied up in a safe place.
  • If fishermen are caught in the gusty wind while inside the lake or river, they should stay calm without panicking and
    immediately try to move towards riverbanks or a safer place.
  • Fishermen should always carry life jackets while venturing out to fish in any water body.