Rescuers remind of the rules of conduct during bad weather

To avoid becoming a victim of bad weather, it is enough to learn a few simple rules of conduct. And if bad weather catches you off guard, you should act depending on the situation.

Recommendations during strong winds:

- Secure household items from your yard and balconies indoors (or in the basement) in advance; trim dry trees that could damage your home;

- Park your car in a garage. If you don't have one, park it away from trees and weakly secured structures;

- When outdoors, avoid dilapidated buildings and houses with unstable roofs;

- Stay away from trees and various high-risk structures (bridges, overpasses, pipelines, power lines, potentially hazardous industrial facilities).

How to behave during a thunderstorm

If you are indoors, do not leave the house if possible, close windows and chimneys to avoid drafts, and it is not recommended to light a stove; stay away from electrical wiring and antennas, turn off the radio and television, and avoid using the phone and electrical appliances. If you are in an open area, remember that lightning strikes the highest point in its path. A tall tree, a person in a field, are these high points, so do not hide under tall trees (especially solitary ones). If there is no shelter, lie down on the ground or sit in a dry pit or trench, tucking your head. In the forest, seek shelter among low-growing vegetation.

During a thunderstorm, do not swim in bodies of water, do not run, and if you are riding a bicycle or motorcycle, stop, get off, and wait out the storm at a distance of about 30 meters from your vehicle. During a thunderstorm, stay away from power lines, as electricity attracts lightning. If you are on high ground, descend; if in a boat, row to shore; if in a car, stop, close the windows, and remain inside.

What to do during heavy rain and hail

Upon receiving information about heavy precipitation, refrain from traveling around the city, and if possible, stay at home or at work. Turn on wired and radio broadcasting. If heavy rain catches you outdoors, do not descend into underground passages and other submerged premises. Try to take shelter in buildings located above the possible flood level, for example, go up to higher floors, turn off electricity and gas, tightly close windows and doors, and report your location to the MES duty service by phone at 101 and 112.

In case of hail, if possible, do not leave your home, and while indoors, stay as far away from windows as possible. Do not use electrical appliances, as hail is usually accompanied by thunderstorm activity. While outdoors, try to find shelter. If this is not possible, protect your head from hail impacts (cover it with your hands, a bag, or clothing).

If you are traveling by car, stop and position yourself in the car away from the windows: it is advisable to turn your back to them (facing the center of the cabin) and cover your eyes with your hands or clothing. If you have small children with you, they must be covered by your body, shielding their eyes with clothing or your hand. If the cabin dimensions allow, it is best to lie on the floor. Do not leave the car. Remember that the average duration of hail is about 6 minutes, very rarely longer.