Recommendations to citizens to be especially careful when taking measures to protect themselves from the risks arising from the occurrence of severe weather events appeals to the General Secretariat of Civil Protection in connection with the severe instability of the weather, which is expected in the next three days.

In particular, the GPP recommends that citizens, especially in areas where heavy rainfall, storms or gale-force winds are forecast:

• For securing objects that, if blown away by harsh weather conditions, could cause damage or injury.
• Make sure the gutters and downspouts of the houses are clear and working properly.
• Avoid crossing rivers and streams on foot or by car during thunderstorms and rain, and for several hours after they end.
• Avoid working outdoors and operating in sea and coastal areas during adverse weather conditions (danger of lightning strikes).
• Take cover immediately during hail. Take cover 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 walking under large trees, under posted signs, and generally from places where light objects (eg pots, broken glass, etc.) can break off and fall to the ground (eg, under balconies).
• Conscientiously follow the instructions of local authorities such as the Road Traffic Authority, etc.

Also in areas with intense thunderstorm activity:

• Do not hold on to electrical appliances or the telephone, as lightning can pass through the wires. Disconnect TVs from antenna and power supply.
• Do not touch plumbing pipes (kitchen, bathroom) as they are good conductors of electricity.

• Park it on the side of the road and away from trees that might fall on it.
• Stay inside and turn on your brake lights (emergency lights) until the storm subsides.
• Close windows and do not touch metal objects.
• Avoid flooded roads.

• Take cover in a building or car, or immediately sit on the ground without lying down.
• If you are in a forest, take cover under the hard branches of low trees.
• Never take cover under a tall tree in an open area.
• Avoid lowlands due to the risk of flooding.
• Stay away from power poles, power lines, telephone lines and fences.
• Stay away from metal objects (eg cars, bicycles, camping equipment, etc.).
• Stay away from rivers, lakes and other bodies of water.
• If you are at sea, leave immediately.
• If you are isolated on a flat surface and feel like your hair is standing on end (signaling that lightning is about to strike), sit deeper with your head between your legs (to minimize body surface area and contact with the ground), dropping metal the items you have.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crises and Civil Protection has informed the relevant state institutions involved in official service, as well as the regions and municipalities of the country, to be on high readiness for civil defense in order to directly counter the consequences of the occurrence of intense weather events.

At the same time, an operational plan is being implemented to address the risks of floods and related events, and fire services in areas where events are expected to occur have been put on high alert. increased readiness and further escalation, if required, to address any issues immediately.

Citizens can visit the ELAS website www.astynomia.gr for information and announcements about the current situation and the patency of the road network due to the influx of flood waters.

For more information and guidance on self-protection from the weather, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr.

It is noted that according to the bulletin on extreme deterioration of the weather issued today by the National Meteorological Service (EMS), severe instability is predicted in central and northern Greece, mainly during the noon and afternoon hours, over the next three days, with heavy rains. and thunderstorms, which will be accompanied by frequent lightning and hail in places.

Citizens can keep up to date with the development of extreme weather events on a daily basis in regular EMY weather reports and on the EMY website at the online address www.emy.gr.