… Gives safety tips for heavy rain season
BY OWETHU DLAMINI
MBABANE– Staying safe in stormy weather!
The Eswatini National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has issued out a number of safety tips following the storms that affected ten households yesterday at Madvubeni area, Mamisa Chiefdom, Sithobela Constituency.
The entity has been on the ground making assessments on the damage that has occurred as they have also carried relief material such as tarpaulins for the households that will need them.
The NDMA Communications Manager, Wandile Mavuso, revealed that a complete report would be provided after, but confirmed that there had been no loss of life, or injuries reported.
Due to the rains and storms that have been happening in the country, the NDMA has given out safety tips that the public are to utilise in case of a natural disaster.
Safety tips at home
- Give the roof a check-up. Be sure there are no loose or missing shingles that could blow away during a storm or let in rain. It is better to make repairs during good weather than to try to get a tarp over a hole in the roof during a thunderstorm.
- When you know a storm is on the way, do a quick check outside if there is enough time. Put lawn furniture in the shed, and fasten loose items, like patio umbrellas. Not only will these items blow away in a storm, but they can cause a great deal of damage in the process. Be sure to close any awnings too, even a mild wind storm can tear fabric from the frame.
Safety tips during flooding
- Stay away from power lines and electrical wires as electrocution might occur.
- Avoid roadway underpasses, drainage ditches, low lying areas and areas where water collects as they can unexpectedly flood or overflow.
- Avoid crossing bridges if the water is high and flowing quickly, especially in low-level bridges whether by car or foot.
- If you are caught in fast-rising waters and your car stalls, leave it and save yourself and your passengers.
Safety tips during thunder storms
- If you find yourself caught in a lightning storm, the key to minimising danger is to get inside a protective structure.
- Never stand under a tall or short tree and avoid being close to power lines as they are both excellent conductors of electricity. This could potentially cause death, if not serious injury.
- Avoid small structures, such as stand-alone public restrooms, open covering and rain shelters. These structures will attract lightning and provide no protection, making them more dangerous to be around.
- Standing under a tree is a very bad choice. Lightning strikes tall objects, and if the tree you are standing under is struck, you may be struck as well or injured by the tree.
- Stay away from windows and try to stay within inner rooms of the structure. Windows provide a direct path for the lightning to travel.
- Do not touch any metal or anything electrical as lightning can travel into the home from through any material that conducts electricity. This includes landlines, electrical wiring, and plumbing.
- Stay out of the bathtub or shower, and avoid swimming pools. If you are fishing or swimming, get out of the water immediately and move away from the body of water. Being near water is extremely dangerous during a lightning storm.
