As Cyclone Nisarga approaches Maharashtra and Gujarat, multiple warnings have been issued by different authorities such as the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the National Disaster Management Authority.
Cyclones in the Arabian sea are less frequent than those in the Bay of Bengal.
Simply put, cyclones bring heavy rainfall, extremely high-speed winds and this makes the oceans rough.
Also Read: LIVE| Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall near Mumbai today
Cyclones cause massive destruction to property and in some cases human lives.
However, these negative effects can be mitigated.
What are the precautions we can take to keep ourselves safe during this natural disaster?
Here is a step by step guide to take all necessary precautions to safeguard yourself, your family and property:
1. Wrap all important documents like educational qualifications, property documents and other assets in a plastic sheet and store it in a safe place far away from the windows or any place where water will not collect.
2. Switch off all electrical appliances and use electricity to the bare minimum.
3. It is important to balance out the air circulation within one’s residence. Hence, it is advised to shut certain windows and open the others.
4. In the same manner, it is advisable to move away from the windows and not stay close to them. Individuals should stay right in the centre of the rooms where least damage is expected.
5. It is better to stay under strong items such as cots and other furniture items.
6. Protect your head by using your hands.
7. Keep an emergency kit ready, which apart from your regular medicines also has other commonly used medicines.
8. Store enough food and water for at least a day or two in a clean place.
9. Continuously examine all electrical appliances and gas connections. If you detect any spark, stay away and if you notice any pungent gas smell, open the windows and move out immediately.
10. Finally, trust only government approved authentic information. Keep a tab on social media, radios and television networks for announcements made by the authorities.
Now finally, here is a list of strict Don’ts:
1. Strictly do not spread any fake news, rumours and false information.
2. Do not attempt to drive any vehicle during a cyclone until it is absolutely necessary.
3. Stay away from damaged buildings.
Cyclones and their damages can be dealt with, provided adequate precautions are taken. Odisha—a state that faces cyclones almost every year—is a shining example of how to learn to live with such natural calamities by preparing in advance.