Prevention and Civil Protection advice
What to do when faced with natural hazards
Snow, ice and cold spell
- Try not to stay outside too long. Seek refuge in a building: at home, at work, etc.
- Take care walking along the street if it has been snowing or if there is frost in order to avoid slipping and falling over.
- If you spend a long period of time outside, wear several layers of light, warm clothing, rather than one thick layer. Avoid wearing tight clothes.
- Strong gusts of wind can be particularly hazardous as they can bring about a mix of cold air, snow and strong winds, which seriously hinders visibility; therefore, try to avoid going out or making journeys in such conditions.
- Avoid inhaling extremely cold air. Shield your face and head.
- The elderly should avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary.
- If possible, keep roofs clear and free of snow.
- Listen to the radio (see frequencies).
- In vehicles
- Do not make your journey unless absolutely necessary.
- If you have to travel, try not to travel alone. Use public transport where possible.
- Find out about any harsh weather conditions in the areas you want to travel.
- Avoid driving at night as hazards are less easy to spot.
- Check all susceptible areas on the car, including brakes, tyres, lights, antifreeze, etc.
- If you are caught out far from a town or village by adverse weather, remain inside your car. Your car will protect you during storms as the tyres act as insulators in the event of lightening. If you leave the engine running with the heating switched on, keep a window slightly ajar to allow the air to circulate and to avoid poisoning. Make sure you do not fall asleep while the engine is running.
- Ensure that exhaust fumes do not enter the car.
- Use the tyre chains in icy conditions and on hard snow.
- Avoid making sharp changes of direction. Drive cautiously, turning the steering wheel gently and using a low gear.
- Do not drive in traces left by other vehicles as it is better to travel on fresh snow.
- If you are travelling in an icy area, do not apply the brakes. Allow the vehicle to travel through the area of its own accord.
Heavy rainfall, Storms or floods
- Ensure that ducts on the roof and drains in terraces and courtyards are kept clear in order to allow rainwater to drain away.
- Check the roof and drainpipes regularly, removing any build-up of dirt that may stop water from reaching the sewers.
- Check the state of your lightning conductor regularly, if you have one.
- If you are at home, bring in all furniture and objects that may be swept away by water.
- If you live in an isolated dwelling or a home with a garden, bring any pets that are normally left outside indoors.
- All toxic products must be kept well out of the reach of water to prevent contamination.
- Protection measures should be taken for basements and establishments below street level which are prone to flooding.
- Store important documents in a safe place.
- Keep useful items, such as radios, lamps, mobile telephones, essential medication, warm clothing and personal documents, close at hand.
- Disconnect all electrical appliances and aerials.
- Listen to the radio for information.
Earthquakes
- Keep as far away from buildings as possible.
- If you are driving, stay inside your vehicle and keep well away from anything that may collapse.
- If you are inside a building, take cover under a firm table or against the corner of a wall.
- Do not try to escape during the earthquake as objects are liable to fall.
- Do not use lifts.
- Listen to the radio (see frequency section).
- Close all gas and water supply valves as soon as you can.
- Once the earthquake has ended, leave the building if it has been damaged.
- Take documents, clothing, medication and, if possible, a portable radio with you.
- Head for an isolated area where no objects are likely to fall. Proceed to the middle of the street watching out for anything that may fall.
- Do not use the phones. Keep the lines free for emergency teams.
- Avoid smoking and lighting any kind of fire as there may be gas leaks.
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