Windstorms

Before the storm

• Listen to storm warnings on the weather forecast.
• Make sure your emergency kit is always ready and easily accessible.
• Identify places where you and your family can shelter.
• Agree with your family on a safe meeting point after the storm.
• Prune dead branches from trees, and cut down dead trees.
• Tie down anything that might be torn or blown away by the wind, such as garden furniture, garbage cans, satellite dishes, etc.

During the storm

• Go down into the basement and take shelter under a solid piece of furniture. If your house does not have a basement, take shelter in a small central room (corridor, bathroom, wardrobe).
• Do not stay in a mobile home, because it could be blown away by the wind.
• Avoid large rooms, such as stadiums, amphitheatres and gymnasiums.
• Stay well away from openings and windows, and keep your back to them.
• If you are outside, lie face down on the ground in a ditch or depression, and protect your head with your hands.

After the wind dies down

• Watch out for any objects that may have fallen and broken, such as glass, tin roofing, crockery, etc.
• Always assume that electrical wires are live, even if they are on the ground.
• Never go into a building that has been damaged by the storm.
• Survey the quality of drinking water.