Important to know: what to do during strong winds and hurricanes

Strong winds, sometimes escalating into hurricanes, are quite dangerous natural phenomena capable of causing not only serious damage but also, at times, human casualties.

If strong winds, a hurricane, or a storm catch you indoors, try to follow these recommendations:

- move away from windows and take a safe place near the walls of internal rooms, in the bathroom, near built-in wardrobes, etc.;

- extinguish any fires in stoves, turn off the electricity, and close the valves on gas lines. In the dark, use flashlights, lamps, or candles, and turn on a radio for additional information.

If a hurricane catches you outdoors, remember: the first thing to do is find a secluded place. Basements, cellars, and other shelters in populated areas are suitable for this. Do not choose emergency or damaged buildings for shelter: they can pose a serious danger during strong gusts of wind.

- stay away from power lines, bridges, trees, rivers, lakes, and flimsy structures;

- during a dust storm, use respiratory protection (gauze bandages) and wear goggles to protect your eyes;

- to protect yourself from flying debris and shards of glass, use sheets of plywood, cardboard and plastic boxes, boards, and other improvised means.