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SELF-PROTECTION MEASURES FOR CITIZENS AGAINST SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS

SELF-PROTECTION MEASURES

A. GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • Ensure that you stay continuously informed via radio and television about the development of the weather phenomena.
    The official sources of information are the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS/EMY) and the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
  • In case of emergency, call alternatively:
    Police: 100
    Fire Service: 199
    Ambulance (EKAV): 166
    European Emergency Number: 112
  • Place the above emergency numbers in a visible spot in your home, provided your children are able to use them, and ensure they know them.
  • Help your children memorise family information such as their surname, home address, and telephone number.
  • Explain to all family members how and when to turn off electricity, gas, and water supplies, how to use the fire extinguisher, and how to call for help.
  • Equip yourself with essential items such as a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, torch and batteries, portable radio, etc.
  • Take special care of children and the elderly.

Once the severe weather has passed:

  • Continue listening to official warnings or advice on radio and television.
  • Check your home and other property to record any damage.

If you need to travel:

  • Check the weather and the condition of the road network.
  • Depending on your destination, consider what weather conditions you may encounter (snow, frost, hail, heavy rain, etc.).
  • Adjust your travel schedule to avoid the peak of severe weather.
  • Travel during daylight hours, using main roads rather than remote or inaccessible routes.
  • Inform your relatives of the route you intend to follow.
  • Do not ignore instructions from the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, weather bulletins from EMY, and guidance from local authorities such as the Traffic Police, Coast Guard, Fire Service, etc.
  • Check your vehicle before every journey.
  • Equip your vehicle with essential items for severe weather (snow chains, antifreeze, umbrellas, waterproofs, boots, torch, first-aid kit, etc.).
  • Wear appropriate clothing if travelling on foot.
  • Walk carefully to avoid injuries due to slippery roads/pavements or falling objects caused by strong winds or hail.
  • Prefer public transport for your journeys.
  • Stay calm and patient — panic only makes the situation worse.
  • Help facilitate the work of the authorities.

B. GALE-FORCE WINDS

PREPARE YOURSELF: Before and during strong winds:

  • Secure any objects which, if blown away, could cause damage or injury.
  • Ensure that any advertising signs you have installed are firmly fixed.
  • Secure the doors and windows of your home or workplace.
  • Avoid activities in marine and coastal areas.
  • Avoid passing under large trees, hanging signs, or any area where loose objects (e.g. flowerpots, broken glass) could fall (such as under balconies).

C. THUNDERSTORMS

How to estimate a thunderstorm’s distance:

  • Count the seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder.
  • Divide this number by 3 to calculate an approximate distance in kilometres.
  • Take immediate protective measures before the storm gets closer.
    The distance is only indicative, as a storm may form suddenly over your area.

DURING A THUNDERSTORM

If you are at home:

  • Secure objects that may be blown away by the wind or heavy rain and cause damage or injury.
  • Check how well any advertising signs you have installed are fixed.
  • Secure all doors and windows.
  • Avoid touching plumbing pipes (kitchen, bathroom), as they conduct electricity.

If you are in a vehicle:

  • Pull over safely at the side of the road, away from trees and power lines that may fall.
  • Stay inside with hazard lights on until the storm subsides.
  • Keep the windows closed and avoid touching metal surfaces.
  • Avoid flooded roads.

If you are outdoors:

  • Seek shelter in a building or a vehicle.
    If this is impossible, crouch down immediately without lying flat.
  • In a forest, take cover under dense branches of low trees.
  • Never shelter under a tall tree in an open area.
  • Avoid low ground due to flood risk.
  • Do not stand near pylons, power lines, telephone lines, or fences.
  • Avoid metal objects (cars, bicycles, camping equipment, etc.).
  • Move away from rivers, lakes, or any body of water.
  • If you are at sea, get out immediately.
  • If you are in an open flat area and feel your hair stand up (a sign of imminent lightning), crouch into a tight ball position with your head between your knees, minimising your body’s contact with the ground.
    Discard any metal objects you are carrying.

During a hailstorm:

  • Seek immediate shelter.
  • Do not leave a safe place until you are certain the storm has passed.
  • Hail can also be extremely dangerous for animals.