Do’s and Don’ts to Stay Safe Before, During and After Cyclone ‘Nivar’

As cyclone named ‘Nivar’ is moving at a considerable speed and is heading for Tamil Nadu coast, and the regional meteorological center has predicted heavy rains and winds in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore districts. It is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours.

In view of turbulent weather forecasts, here is the list of what can be expected and Do’s and Don’ts to be followed to stay, healthy, safe and protected.

What can be expected for those in the path of Cyclone Nivar?

1. Winds raging between 90 – 110-km per hour at the time of landfall
2. Disruption to telecommunications lines and power due to strong winds
3. Disconnection of internet, satellite TV and cellular phone services
4. Temporary disruption to rail and air travel
5. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall with squally winds at the time of landfall (up to 2 hours till the storm crosses the region)
6. Extensive damage to thatched roofed houses, homes with asbestos sheets and tinned roofs
7. Dislodging of the roofs and temporary shelters.
8. Inundation of parking spaces, low-lying areas and fields
9. Wet walls, leaking roofs and breaking of glass panes of windows, leading to a splintering of small glass pieces
10. Storm surge can bring saline water to farms
11. Uprooting of trees and felling of weak branches, which can cause road closures

Here is the list of Do’s

1. Loose things outside your house should be tied or moved indoors
2. Switch off gas supply and electrical mains when the cyclone is crossing
3. Keep your mobile phones (to ensure connectivity), power banks and emergency lights charged
4. Listen to radio, watch TV, read newspapers for the latest weather updates
5. Keep your documents and valuables (jewelry, etc.) in a plastic bag or any water-proof containers
6. Inspect battery operated reserve power systems like inverters regularly
7. Disconnect the power supply of all non-emergency equipment and tools
8. Prepare an emergency kit with essential items (including medical supplies and first aid kit) for safety and survival
9. Keep  pets, cattle or any animals sheltered
10. If your house is not safe, relocate yourselves to a pre-determined or administration-determined location
11. Stay away from windows. Close some windows and keep  a few open so that the pressure is maintained
12. Check for air leaks. If you smell gas or can hear a leaking sound, open the windows immediately and exit the house. If possible, turn off the gas valve and report to the authorities
13. Help those in need of special help like elderly, children, physically challenged and your neighbours

‘Do’s’ to Stay Healthy

1. Maintain personal hygiene.
2. Strengthen your immunity. You may become an easy target for most of the infections if you have a weak immunity system. The best way to kick start your defence system is with intake of Vitamin C, fruits and fresh vegetables in your diet. We also suggest drinking green tea, which may help improve your immunity
3. Wear clean, dry clothes and footwear. Damp clothes and footwear can often become home for microbes. Therefore, ensure to wear clean and dry clothes
4. Clean home. Water logging during rainy days can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Spray safe disinfectants and use repellents to keep insects away.
5. Drink boiled or chlorinated water. Avoid juices and contaminated water as they may put you at risk of contracting water-borne diseases. Make sure to store drinking water in a clean place and drink chlorinated or boiled water only
6. Take bath on getting drenched in rain. If you are soaked in rain, take a bath and dry your hair immediately. Damp hair and clothes can attract flu causing viruses
7. Wash your hands. Make sure to constantly wash your hands with soap or hand wash
8. Keep essential medicines in supply in case you are unable to get to a pharmacy during the cyclone
9. Stock essential medicines, sanitizers, facemasks in case you are unable to get to a pharmacy during the cyclone.

Here is the list of Don’ts During Cyclone/Floods

1. Do not spread or believe in rumours. Stay calm, and do not panic
2. Do not attempt to ride or drive any vehicle during the cyclone
3. Do not leave sharp objects loose in your house
4. Do not move any injured person unless it is safe to do so. It may cause more harm
5. Do not allow oil and any other flammable substances to spill. Clean them immediately
6. Stay away from broken electric wires and poles, and other sharp objects if you are outdoors

‘Don’ts’ to stay healthy

1. Avoid getting drenched in rain
2. Don’t eat at road side stall
3. Don’t get into AC rooms when wet
4. Don’t let water accumulate around your home
5. Don’t let your children play in puddles

In case you have to leave your house:

1. Turn on the headlights of your vehicles as other drivers can most likely to see you at driving
2. Make sure your windshield vipers are in good condition
3. Avoid driving or walking close to water drains on the road
4. Steer clear from damaged buildings
5. Stay away from broken electric wires and poles, and other sharp objects

Fishermen Should

1. Keep their boats and rafts tied up in a safe place.
2. Keep a radio set with extra batteries handy
3. Stay away from the sea

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