Onset of Monsoons -- Safety Precautions are Necessity of the Day

Onset of Monsoons -- Safety Precautions are Necessity of the Day

South West Monsoons have already started its incessant rain in the Western Ghats region, in India. There have been scattered showers in the other regions too.  About the sametime, I guess, areas in United States of America too experience hurricanes and floods. There has been a widespread message in Indian newspapers and dailies about the various precautions that are to be taken up towards cyclones and floods.

I would like to give a short writeup here, as a service to the society. Feel free to circulate this URL among your friends so that everyone is informed and protected against natural calamities like Cyclones and/or Floods. The following are based from National Disaster Management Division, Government of India Press Release.

Cyclones

1. Stay attentive to the latest weather warnings on TV/Radio. Pass this information to others.
2. Pay careful heed to all the warnings from the official sources.
3. Do not spread rumors. Trust only information from official sources.
4. Do not venture out near streams or rivers. These may be dangerous.
5. Keep an emergency kit handy. A good kit should comprise of a portable transistor/radio set, battery torch, surplus batteries, hurricane lamp, first aid box, dry food, drinking water and other minimum essential items.
6. Store your grains and other agricultural products in plastic bags safely.
7. Check your house. Repair doors and windows wherever necessary.
8. Bolt glass windows and put shutters in place.
9. Locate cyclone shelters and safe houses for taking shelters.
10. In the case of warning for a cyclone with an acute intensity --
1. Don't stay indoors of a house, if it is in a low-lying area.
2. Move to the declared cyclone shelter along with your family, when advised by the authorities. Carry your cash, valuables, documents and the emergency kit with you.
3. Stay in the cyclone shelter, as long as you are informed to do so.
11. During and after the cyclone --
1. Check for gas leaks.
2. Do not use electric appliances, if wet.
3. Beware of fallen lines, loose wires hanging from poles to avoid electrocution, damaged bridges, buildings and trees.
4. It is not safe to enter the flood waters.

Floods

1. Stay attentive to the latest weather warnings on TV/Radio. Pass this information to others.
2. Pay careful heed to all the warnings from the official sources.
3. Keep an emergency kit handy. A good kit should comprise of a portable transistor/radio set, battery torch, surplus batteries, hurricane lamp, first aid box, dry food, drinking water and other minimum essential items.
4. Keep hurricane lamp, ropes, rubber tubes, umbrella and bamboo stick in your house. These could be useful.
5. Keep your cash, jewellery, valuables and important documents in safe place.
6. If there is a flood, move along with your family and cattle to safe areas like relief camps, evacuation centers, elevated grounds where you can take shelter.
7. Turn off power and gas connections before leaving your house.
8. During floods
1. Don't enter the flood waters. It could be dangerous.
2. Don't allow the children to play in or near flood waters.
3. Stay away from the sewerage line, gutters, drains, culverts etc.
4. Be careful of snakes; snake bites are common during floods.
5. Stay away from electric poles and fallen power lines to avoid electrocution.
6. Do not use electric appliances, if wet.
7. Eat freshly cooked and/or dry food. Always keep your food covered.
8. Use boiled and filtered drinking water.
9. Keep all drains, gutters near your house clean.
10. Stagnation of water can breed vector/water-borne diseases. In case of sickness,  seek medical assistance.
11. Use bleaching powder and lime to disinfect the surroundings.