Safety preparedness- Do’s and Don’ts during the Monsoon Season

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 31, 2020

The Deputy Commissioner & Chairman District Disaster Management Authority, East Jaintia Hills District issued guidelines on the Do’s and Don’ts for preparedness for cyclone in the District.

He  appealed to the general public to follow up the guidelines such as checking  their houses, secure loose tiles and carry out repairs of doors and windows, remove dead branches or dying trees close to the house, anchor removable objects such as lumber piles, loose tin sheets, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards etc, which can fly in strong winds. They should keep some wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed, they should also keep a hurricane lantern filled with kerosene, battery operated torches and enough dry cells to ensure that they are in working condition and keep them handy.  Furthermore, condemned buildings should be demolished.

He also stated that the public should listen to the radio (All India Radio stations giving weather warnings), to monitor the warnings to help them prepare for a cyclone emergency and the Information should be passed to others. The public are advised to ignore rumours, not to spread them so as to avoid panic situations and to only believe in the official information. When there is a cyclone alert in their area, they should not panic but to stay alert to the radio warnings for the next 24 hours.

He also mentioned about the need for preventive measures such as to board up glass windows or put storm shutters in place, provide strong suitable support for outside doors. If they do not have wooden boards handy, paste paper strips on glasses to prevent splinters. They should also get extra food, which can be eaten without cooking, dry non-perishable food always ready for use in emergency and should store extra drinking water in suitably covered vessels. Furthermore, small and loose things which can fly in strong winds should be stored safely in a room; window and door can be opened only on the side opposite to the one facing the wind. During cyclone, they should not go out and they should Switch off the electrical mains in their house and remain calm.

He instructed the public to pack basic essentials which include medicines, special food or diet required for babies, children, adults or elders.  Further, they should head for the proper shelter or evacuation points indicated for their area and not worry about their property. He also added that they should remain in the shelter and follow instructions of the person in charge until informed that they can leave or return to their home. They must get inoculated against diseases immediately, they should strictly avoid any loose and dangling wires from lamp posts and if they have to drive they should drive carefully. He also said that debris from their premises should be cleared immediately and they should report the correct losses to appropriate authorities.

The Deputy Commissioner has also issued guidelines to the public to prepare for the upcoming monsoon season while protecting themselves and others from Covid 19 pandemic. He urged one and all to consume enough food, water, and other supplies that would last for at least 72 hours. If they need to evacuate, they should prepare a ‘go kit’ with personal items they cannot do without during an emergency. Include items that can help protect themselves and others from COVID-19, such as hand sanitizer, or bar or liquid soap if not available and two-cloth face coverings for each person. They should continue to use preventive actions like washing their hands and wearing a face covering to protect themselves and others.

He also added that, the public should also pay attention to local guidance about updated plans for evacuation and shelters. He also urges the public and to follow social distancing of at least 6 feet while checking on neighbors and friends. After evacuating the Community shelter, the public should follow the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. In case of injury, illness, stress, anxiety or any other help needed they should contact the District Authorities who will assist them in locating a trained professional to help them cope with the stressful time.