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SAFETY TIPS

1 - STORMS, LIGHTNING, AND HAIL

Seek shelter:

Stay indoors. Masonry buildings, cars, and buses are safe.

Avoid open areas such as beaches, fields, and places with isolated trees.

If you are outside and a storm begins, seek safe covered shelter immediately.

At home:

Keep windows and doors tightly closed.

Avoid staying near windows, doors, pipes, and walls.

Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using electric showers.

Use the telephone only in emergencies. Avoid using landline phones.

Outdoors:

Stay away from tall trees, poles, antennas, and fallen power lines.

Keep away from metal objects such as fences, wire fencing, and tractors.

Avoid playing sports in open fields or staying near pools or lakes.

If you feel your hair standing up or tingling, crouch down with your feet together, as this indicates lightning may be nearby.

Regarding hail:

Do not expose yourself to hailstorms, as the ice may cause injuries.

Keep pets safe indoors.

If possible, do not leave home during a hailstorm.

2 - FLOODS

Call emergency services: In case of imminent danger, call Civil Defense (199) or the Fire Department (193).

Evacuate: If the water is rising quickly or if there are cracks in your home's walls, leave immediately for a shelter or another safe elevated location.

Turn off utilities: Shut off electricity (main breaker) and the water supply before leaving your home.

Protect your belongings: Take documents and valuables to a safe place, preferably protected in plastic bags.

Avoid crossing floodwaters: Do not cross flooded areas on foot or by car, as the current may be strong and poor visibility may hide holes and drains.

Seek safety: If you must cross water, use a human chain or ropes for support and avoid areas with poles or fallen wires.

If you are in a car: If the vehicle is swept away, leave it immediately and climb onto the roof. If you cannot open the door, try breaking a window.

After the flood

Do not return home: Do not go back until Civil Defense authorizes it.

Check the structure: Before entering, inspect for signs of instability, such as cracks or bulging walls.

Discard what is necessary: Drinks and food that came into contact with floodwater must be discarded.

Avoid contact with floodwater: Floodwater may contain contaminants and debris, so avoid contact with it.

3 – WINDSTORM

Before the windstorm

Prepare your home: Check roofs, gutters, and windows, ensuring they are securely fastened. It may be useful to trim tree branches that appear dangerous.

Clean drainage areas: Clean gutters and drains to prevent clogging and water buildup.

Secure loose objects: Bring in flowerpots, garden furniture, and other loose items from balconies and yards, as they may be blown away by the wind.

During the windstorm

Avoid going outside: Stay in a safe, enclosed place, preferably a masonry bathroom, and do not leave until the windstorm passes.

Stay away from windows: Keep away from windows, doors, and glass surfaces, and close them to prevent shattered glass from spreading if they break.

Turn off appliances: Turn off electrical appliances and the gas supply to avoid accidents involving electricity or leaks.

Do not shelter in dangerous places: Never shelter under trees, poles, signs, scaffolding, or fragile metal coverings. If you are in an open area, protect your head and lie down in a ditch, if available.

In the car: If you are driving, park the vehicle in a safe place, away from trees, poles, and structures that may fall, and wait for the storm to pass.

After the windstorm

Be careful with power lines: Avoid contact with fallen electrical cables and notify the power company, Civil Defense, or the Fire Department immediately.

Inspect your home: Check for structural damage and electrical wiring problems before turning appliances back on.

Avoid contaminated water: Do not come into contact with floodwater, as it may be contaminated. If your house was flooded, clean and disinfect it carefully.

Prioritize safety: Avoid unnecessarily calling emergency services, so they can focus on the most serious cases.

4 – FALLING TREES

Stay away from trees at risk of falling, especially during strong winds.

Avoid staying in open places such as squares and parks during storms. If you are in a car near a tree at risk of falling, move away or relocate the vehicle if possible.

Prevention

Report risks: Inform city authorities about trees showing signs of danger, such as hollow sections, leaning trunks, or hanging branches.

Keep trees healthy: Helping care for and manage trees in your area may prevent future problems. For public areas, request trimming or removal through the city authorities.

Do not trim trees without authorization: Trimming or removing trees without proper authorization may be considered an environmental crime.

5 – DROUGHT

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as dehydration is a serious risk.

Eat well: Prefer fruits and vegetables.

Avoid strong sunlight: Try not to expose yourself to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Protect your skin: Use moisturizer, especially to prevent dryness.

Humidify the air: Leave damp towels indoors or use humidifiers to combat dry air.

Monitor your health: Watch for signs of dehydration and respiratory problems, which may worsen due to wildfire smoke.

Save water: Avoid waste, fix leaks, and do not use water excessively for activities such as washing sidewalks or cars.

6 - WILDFIRES

During a wildfire

Follow instructions: Stay informed and follow guidance from local authorities.

Evacuate when necessary: Do not wait until the last moment to leave if instructed to evacuate the area.

Dress appropriately: Wear cotton or denim clothing, covering as much of your body as possible.

Filter the air: Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth to filter fine particles from the air.

Stay close to the ground: If you must remain in place, stay crouched down, as the air near the ground is cooler and less toxic.

Prevention and emergency

Do not light campfires: Avoid starting fires, especially in vegetated areas. Do not throw trash or cigarettes away improperly: Dispose of trash and cigarette butts correctly and never throw them into vegetation or onto roads.

Do not release sky lanterns: It is illegal and poses a major fire risk. Call the fire department: If you spot a fire outbreak, immediately contact the fire department (193) and Civil Defense (199).

Prepare your home: If the fire is nearby, protect your house by opening gates to facilitate emergency access, turning off gas cylinders, and spraying water on wooden walls, windows, and doors.

Prevention and preparation (if you are in a rural area)

Create safety zones: Maintain a firebreak around your property by removing dry vegetation and flammable materials.

Have equipment available: Keep hoses, buckets of water, and fire extinguishers accessible and in good condition.

Know the routes: Ensure everyone at home knows the escape routes and the nearest shelters.

7 - LOW TEMPERATURES

For your personal protection

Dress in layers: Wear several layers of clothing, gloves, hats, and scarves to stay warm and protect your extremities.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty to prevent dry skin and lips. Use saline solution to moisturize your eyes and nostrils.

Take care of your skin: Moisturize your skin to prevent dryness and cracking.

Avoid long hot showers: This may dry out your skin. If necessary, use moisturizer after bathing.

Keep the air humidified: Use air humidifiers, bowls of water, or damp towels. When using electric heaters, remember to turn them on before sleeping, but switch them off before going to bed to avoid dryness and electrical overload.

For your home's safety

Do not improvise heaters: Do not use stoves, barbecues, or campfires indoors, as there is a risk of fire and suffocation.

Use heaters safely: Keep electric heaters away from flammable materials. Ensure the room is ventilated and turn off the devices before sleeping.

Keep windows closed at night: This prevents cold air from entering. Open the windows during the day to allow sunlight and ventilation inside.

Protect pets: Keep them warm, preferably indoors, especially at night.

To help other people

Pay attention to vulnerable people: Children, elderly individuals, and homeless people need special care. If you find someone in a vulnerable situation, contact Civil Defense at 199.

Donate: Participate in blanket and warm clothing donation campaigns for those in need.

8 - DROWNING

What to do when witnessing a drowning

Call for help: Immediately ask someone else to call the emergency number (193).

Do not enter the water: If you are not trained, do not put yourself at risk. A panicked person may pull you underwater.

Use floating objects: Throw a life buoy, cooler, branch, or rope to the victim, trying not to enter the water.

Try to pull the victim: Extend a pole, stick, or rope so the victim can grab it and you can pull them out.

After the rescue from the water

Call 193: If you have not done so yet, contact the fire department immediately.

Check breathing: If the victim is unconscious and not breathing, follow the instructions provided by the emergency operator.

Positioning: If the victim is conscious, keep them lying on their side and warm.

If trained: If instructed by emergency responders and properly trained, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with 2 rescue breaths and 30 chest compressions until help arrives.

Wait for professional assistance: Only stop CPR if professional rescuers arrive or the victim shows signs of improvement.

To prevent drowning

Supervision: Always supervise children during water activities and never leave them unattended in pools or bathtubs.

Do not swim alone: Avoid swimming alone, especially in unfamiliar places. Alcohol: Do not drink alcoholic beverages before or during water activities, as this impairs swimming ability.

Pool safety: Use life jackets instead of inflatable rings, as life jackets provide more safety.

Education: Encourage children to learn how to float and swim. It is important that they begin learning to swim from the age of 4.