by Updated 16 hours ago
The Region warns of dangerous weather phenomena in Crete, which are expected on the island this evening, Friday until tomorrow, Saturday May 27, 2023
The Civil Protection for the region of Crete informs that a rapid deterioration of the weather is forecast, the main features being sporadic thunderstorms and heavy rains which will affect Crete from tonight, Friday, until tomorrow, Saturday, May 27, 2023.
All the Services and Technical Means of the Region of Crete that make up the civil protection mechanism have been placed in a state of increased readiness, in accordance with the provisions of the operational plan.
Citizens are reminded to be particularly careful in areas where bad weather is rife and to faithfully apply the following self-protection instructions:
More details in regular daily weather reports and EMY website (www.emy.gr) and EMY Twitter account (@EMY_HNMS).
In particular, in areas where heavy rainfall or storms are forecast:
STORMS
How to estimate the distance to a storm
- Measure the time between lightning and thunder in seconds. Divide the time you measured by 3 to calculate the distance of the storm in kilometers.
Take the necessary measures quickly, before the storm approaches you. The distance is indicative because the storm can appear very quickly on it
DURING A STORM
If you are at home
Secure objects that could be blown away by the wind or heavy rain and could cause damage or injury.
Check how to mount any billboards you may have displayed.
Secure doors and windows.
Do not hold electrical devices or the telephone as lightning can travel through wires. Unplug the TVs from the antenna and power supply.
Avoid touching plumbing pipes (kitchen, bathroom) as they are good conductors of electricity.
If you are driving
· Park it on the side of the road and away from trees that could fall on it.
· Stay indoors and turn on your brake lights (emergency lights) until the storm clears.
· Close windows and do not touch metal objects.
· Avoid flooded roads.
Avoid outdoor activities
If you are outside
Take refuge in a building or car or sit on the ground immediately without lying down.
Take shelter under the strong branches of low trees if you are in the woods.
Never take shelter under a large tree in an open area.
Avoid lowlands for risk of flooding.
Do not stand near utility poles, power lines, telephone lines and fences.
Do not approach metallic objects (eg cars, bicycles, camping equipment, etc.).
Stay away from rivers, lakes or other bodies of water.
If you are at sea, get out immediately.
If you’re isolated on a flat surface and you feel your hair stand on end (a signal that lightning is about to strike), sit deep with your head between your legs (to minimize body surface and contact with the ground) by throwing the metal objects you have on you.
FLOODS
If you live in an area that has had flooding issues in the past
If you are notified of heavy precipitation in your area:
Make sure the wells outside your home are unobstructed and the gutters are working properly.
Limit your movements and avoid working and staying in underground spaces.
PREPARE
If you are inside a building
Leave underground areas and move to safe heights.
If you are in an open space
Do not cross torrents on foot or by car.
Stay away from power lines.
Abandon your car if it is immobilized because it could be swept away or flooded.
Do not approach areas where landslides have occurred.
AFTER THE FLOOD
If you are in an open space
Stay away from areas that have flooded or are at risk of flooding again in the next few hours.
the flood may have changed the characteristics of familiar areas and the waters may have washed away parts of the road, sidewalks, etc.
present risks related to broken pavements, areas with dangerous slopes, mudslides, etc.
· the waters can be polluted if they have washed away rubbish, objects and dead animals.
· Take care not to obstruct the rescue teams.
· Do not approach areas where landslides and rockfalls have occurred.
· Check whether your home or workplace is at risk of rockfall.
If you have to walk or drive through flooded areas
Try to find firm ground.
Avoid running water.
If you come across a flooded road, stop and change direction.
Avoid standing water. They can be good electrical conductors because they hide underground cables or leaks from installations.
Follow the instructions of the competent authorities.
WHAT TO DO WHEN RECOVERING DAMAGES
Before starting recovery procedures
Remember that the risk of flooding does not disappear immediately after the water recedes.
Confirm with authorities that the area where your home or workplace is now safe and then return, especially if there has been an evacuation.
Turn off the power supply, even if there is a power outage in your area.
Turn off the water supply, in case of damage to the water supply network.
Examine a flooded building
Wear closed shoes to avoid injuries caused by objects or irregularities in the ground that hide water.
Examine the walls, doors, stairs and windows.
Examine the electrical, water and sewage networks.
WARNING IRISH READINGS!
There are places on the road network where the road crosses streams and there is no bridge. In order to facilitate the local circulation of vehicles, a rough construction solution with cement coating is applied. This construction is called an Irish crossing. Accidents and loss of life when crossing Irish crossing points are commonplace.
When you encounter an Irish crossing
Pay attention.
Do not cross an Irish level crossing on foot or by vehicle when it is flooded. Your life is in danger!
Don’t overestimate the capabilities of your vehicle.
It is better to drive a few extra kilometers by choosing another route so that you can reach your destination safely.
Emergency phone numbers:
199 FIRE DEPARTMENT
112 EUROPEAN EMERGENCY NUMBER
100 COME
108 PORT BODY
