Chennai rain, flood, lightning: NDMA shares tips to safeguard yourself

As per National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), “Heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places with extremely heavy falls at isolated places very likely over north coastal Tamil Nadu, north interior Tamil Nadu, south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.”

11 November 2021: #Weather Warning
Source: @Indiametdept

♦ Heavy to very heavy #rainfall at a few places with extremely heavy falls at isolated places very
likely over north coastal #TamilNadu, north interior #TamilNadu, south coastal #AndhraPradesh and #Rayalaseema. pic.twitter.com/ybtAkqc2qJ

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) November 11, 2021

As such, NDMA has been sharing dos and don’ts one should follow in case of lightning and flood on its Twitter page.

#UrbanFlood | During #floods 👇 pic.twitter.com/taWa2jzM4p

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) November 11, 2021

Here’s what to know.

In case of lightning

#Lightning | Know about these do’s and don’ts to #StaySafe if #lightning strikes.⚡ pic.twitter.com/FTAu7cBwPT

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) November 10, 2021

When indoors

*Unplug all electrical equipment before the storm arrives. Don’t use corded telephones.
*Stay away from windows and doors, verandas.
*Don’t touch plumbing and metal pipes. Do not use running water.

When outdoors

*Don’t take shelter near or under trees
*Spread out; don’t stand in a crowd
*Get inside a home/building. Stay away from structures with tin roofs, metal sheets.
*Don’t use metallic objects; stay away from power/telephone lines.
*Get out of water bodies

If under open sky, crouch. Don’t lie down or place your hands on the ground.

*Stay put if you are inside a car, bus or covered vehicle.

What to do after lightning strikes someone?

*Administer CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation), if needed. Seek medical attention immediately.

As per NDMA, when on foot, body hair standing up on the back of your neck could “indicate that a lightning is imminent”.

Dos and Don’ts in floods

#Flood | Do’s and don’ts to ensure #safety from #floods pic.twitter.com/pa9SrwLQZ0

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) November 11, 2021

Before floods

*Ignore rumours. Stay calm. Don’t panic.
*Keep your mobile phones charged for emergency use; use SMS.
*Listen to radio, watch TV, read newspapers for weather updates.
*Untie cattle/animals to ensure their safety.
*Prepare an emergency kit for safety and survival.
*Keep a first-aid kit with extra medication for snake bit and diarrhea ready.
*Keep your documents and valuables in waterproof bags.

During floods

*Don’t drive through flooded areas.
*Don’t enter flooded waters. In case, you need to, use suitable footwear.
*Stay away from sewage lines.
*Stay away from electric poles and fallen power lines to avoid electrocution.
*Eat freshly cooked or dry food. Keep your food covered.
*Drink boiled/chlorinated water.
*Use disinfectants to keep your surroundings clean.

After floods

*Don’t allow children to play in or near flood waters.
*Don’t use any damaged electrical goods; get them checked
*Watch out for broken electric poles and wires, sharp objects and debris.
*Don’t eat food that has been in flood waters.
*Use mosquito nets to prevent malaria.
*Don’t use toilet/tap water if taps or sewage line are damaged.

What to do in case of evacuation?

*Place furniture, appliances on beds and tables.
*Put sandbags in the toilet bowl and cover all drain holes to prevent sewage back flow.
*Turn off power and gas connection.
*Take the emergency kit, first-aid box and valuables with you.
*Do not enter unknown waters. Keep a stick to check depth of water.
*Come back home only when officials ask you to do so.

Here are some helpline numbers

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