Recommendations to citizens to be especially careful, taking measures to protect themselves from the risks arising from the occurrence of hazardous weather events, addressed to General Secretariat for Civil Protection in front of her bad weather from tonight.

In particular, in areas where heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, or gale-force winds are forecast, the Public Health Service recommends that citizens:

• Secure items that, if carried away in adverse weather conditions, could cause damage or injury.

• Make sure the gutters and downspouts of the houses are not clogged and are working properly.

• Avoid crossing streams and streams on foot or by car during storms and rains and for several hours after they have ended.

• Avoid working outdoors and operating in sea and coastal areas during adverse weather conditions (danger of lightning strikes).

• Take cover immediately in hail. Take shelter 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 in common areas 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 service, etc.

Also in areas with intense thunderstorm activity:

• Do not hold electrical appliances or telephones 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, away from trees that might fall on it.

• Stay inside and turn on your brake lights (hazard 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.).

• Move away from rivers, lakes or 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 (indicating that lightning is about to strike), sit deeply with your head between your legs (to minimize body surface and contact with the ground), dropping metal the items you have.

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 necessary to resolve any issues immediately.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crises and Civil Protection has informed the relevant competent state authorities, as well as the regions and municipalities of the country, to be in an enhanced civil protection regime. readiness to face directly the consequences of the occurrence of intense weather events.

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

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 National Weather Service (EMS) Weather Worsening Weather Bulletin released today, the weather will worsen from Thursday night (October 13, 2022) until Sunday morning (October 16, 2022). ) 2022) in western and southern Greece with heavy rains and storms, which will be accompanied by frequent lightning, hail and temporarily, during phenomena, strong winds.

Every day, citizens can be aware of the development of extreme weather events in regular EMR weather reports and on the EMR website at the online address www.emy.gr.