Cyclone Nisarga- Here’s a List of Do’s and Don’ts issued by BMC

As pandemic continues to be in headlines, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that cyclonic storm, which has turned into a depression in the Arabian Sea, will hit Maharashtra and Gujarat on June 3. 

IMD has also issued a warning that Mumbai with few other parts of the state is expected to receive heavy rainfall today. To the city dwellers safe and prepared, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has come up with a set of Dos and Don’ts.

Dos 

• • Loose things outside the house should be tied or moved indoors. 
  • Seal important documents and jewelry in plastic bags. 
  • Regularly inspect battery-operated as well as reserve power systems. 
  • Pay attention to the official instructions on television and radio. 
  • Practice actions to be taken in case of emergencies. 
  • If you don’t live in a mud house/hut, choose a part of the house as an emergency shelter, and practice how all members of the house will use the space during the cyclone. 
  • Keep an emergency kit ready. 
  • Stay away from windows. Close some windows and keep some windows open so that the pressure is maintained. 
  • Stay at the center of the room. Stay away from corners as debris often accumulate in corners 
  • Hide under strong furniture such as stool or heavy table or desk, and hold it tight. 
  • Use your hands to protect your head and neck. Avoid large roof spaces such as auditoriums and shopping malls. If you find an open space and there is enough time, find the right shelter in the nearest pit or pasture.
  • Relocate to a pre-determined or administration-determined location. 
  • Disconnect the power supply of all non-emergency equipment and tools.
  • Store drinking water in a clean space (jugs, bottles etc). 
  • Help people trapped or injured. Provide first aid, as needed. 
  • Check for air leaks. If you smell gas or hear a leaking sound, immediately open the windows and exit the building. If possible, turn off the gas valve and report it to the gas company. 
  • Check for damage to electrical equipment. If you notice sparks, exposed wires, or burning smell of rubber, disconnect the main power supply and call an electrician. 
  • Help those in need of special help like children, physically challenged or elderly neighbors.
    
    Don’ts
  • Don’t spread or believe in rumours.
  • Don’t attempt to drive or ride any vehicle during the cyclone. 
  • Stay away from damaged buildings. 
  • Don’t move injured people unless it is absolutely safe to do so. It may cause more harm. 
  • Don’t allow oil and other flammable substances to spill. Clean them immediately.

Over to you

Cyclone Nisarga is likely to hit Mumbai, Thane, and other coastal districts of Maharashtra like Raigad and Palghar, along with parts of Gujarat namely Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Bhavnagar, and Bharuch. Ten teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in parts of Maharashtra to carry out rescue operations for the cyclonic storm.