Self-protection in storm-situations
© Meteomalaga

To prevent storm-caused causalities here are some advices
 for your bearing before, during and after storms.
The local storms usually go hand in hand with strong rainfall.
 Many advices are based on long-term Costa del Sol experience
- it does also make sense to take precautious measures.

• Preparations to prevent storm-hazards:
  > Rock fall, mudslides and mudflow are caused by heavy rainfall - are you located beneath such a hazard-area ?
  > Check the roof and chimney for loose bricks, sheet metal and other loose parts. Remove any loose parts and get them replaced.
  > lightning protection, antennas and eaves must be tightened equally
  > check fences and walls for good fixture
  > higher, older (maybe rotten) trees next to buildings mean danger, these should be replaced by new plantings (e.g. bushes).
  > if the house should be left for a longer time: close doors, hatches, roof windows and the like, sun blinds should be rolled in and part-tents should be dismantled
  > wooden flags should be kept at hand to cover the windows in case of need, fixings should be readily available on the windows and doors
  > have an emergency pack at hand
   
• Before a storm
  > all objects that may be caught by the storm, should be fixed accordingly or brought into the house
  > especially endangered are: windows, shutters, doors, sun blinds, tents
  > close doors, if necessary fix them with cycle-locks
  > flags, ledges and the like that are only left ajar to the house should be made safe
  > all covers that are used, should be tied down to the ground
  > all loose objects shouldn't be left outside
  > plastics desks and chairs can be stored underwater in the pool
  > cars and other vehicles shouldn't be parked close to the house or trees
  > all drains should be cleaned
  > gas, electricity and water outside and as far as possible inside should be turned off
  > buy/charge batteries of cell-phones and torches etc.
  > don't forget about pharmacies
  > pets have to be sheltered as well
   
• During the storm
  > never leave the protected areas
  > keep away from windows and outward doors
  > commonly electricity and phone break down at every storm, emergency forces are overworked
  > only call for help in case of human casualties or heavy material damage
  (call 112 in Andalusia, it is possible to speak English or German as well)
  > when you're still driving, keep away from buildings, ad-walls (parts could come off or the whole wall could topple over) never drive at the "Rios secos"
  > never touch torn power supply lines or anything in contact with, stay in your car if a power supply line hits your car, except it catches fire
  > don't do unnecessary phone calls (battery), turn on the radio (local channels)
  > never use gas or charcoal propelled devices inside the house
   
• After the storm
  > safety first
  > don't start to clean up, before wind speeds are below 30 kph
  > trust professionals with material damages to your building
  > never get close to torn power lines (10m at least)
  > emergency call of the Sevillana / Endesa Company: 902 516 516 (only spanish)
  > take care down falling debris
  > do not make repairs outside
  > offer/grant help to your neighbours
  > don't do unnecessary phone calls, turn on the radio (local channels)
  > rain or floodwater that enters the building can cause an environment that panders the growth of mildew. Do all immediate repairs necessary to prevent water getting into the house. Clean and dry all wet objects within 48 to 72 hours. Take care of goog ventilation of all wet areas. Throw away all wet objects, that can't be repaired. This also includes wet building material. If you witness mildew, clean the object with a solution of one cup of chlorine-bleach on 4 litres of water.

© 9/2005 Meteomalaga