Necessary precautions to take before, during winter storms

The General Directorate of Civil Defense announced on Thursday a series of precautions for the citizens to take before and during winter storms:

- Verify the Christmas tree lights before use

- Link a suitable circuit breaker to the Christmas tree and the nativity scene lights to protect against short circuits when asleep or out of the house

- Acquire non- flammable Christmas tree 

- Take precautions should the building contain heating tanks

- Clean burners and separate them from fuel oil tanks. Isolate in different rooms if possible

- Double check the electrical wiring of the heater

Concerning cars: Make sure your vehicle is serviced

- Do not drive from/to mountainous areas unless absolutely necessary

- Check the weather forecasts

- Add snow chains to your tires

- Have a spare tire

- Have 2 days of food and drink supply

- Keep a supply of medication for your chronic illnesses

- Keep a non-alcoholic hot beverage

- Listen and conform to the Internal Security Forces and the Civil Defense guidelines

- Do not pass other cars to avoid skidding and closing the road

- Leave way for a vehicle coming from the opposite direction

- Do not take unnecessary risks while on the road

-  Park your car on the right side of the lane if you are unable to keep driving for any reason

- Do not turn on the heater if the snow started to build up on the car

- Give your location when calling for help as well as your phone number and all the details to help rescuers get to you the fastest possible

- Leave the car and take shelter in the nearest place with your medicine, food, drink and woolen blankets in case the storm worsens

Concerning residents in mountainous areas: 

- Check the weather forecasts

- Do not leave the house unless absolutely necessary

- Get a supply of food, water, chronic and episodic illness medicine

- Get a supply of materials necessary for heating such as fuel oil and firewood

- Get food supply for the animals you have

- Contact the authorities if you notice that you are suffering from any shortages