The heavy rains expected for the weekend in the Canary Islands require forecasting and precaution. Staying at home and driving carefully are just some of the tips that the Government of the Canary Islands offers in situations like the one ahead. This is the complete list:
- Review the condition of roofs, drains, etcetera.
- If you live near a ravine, inform your City Council if it is saturated with waste, debris, etc.
- Before the imminent arrival of heavy rains, pay attention to the instructions given through the media.
- Never camp in floodable places: ravine beds, etc.
- If possible, stay in your home, keeping in mind that it is not located in ravine beds or in risky places.
- Avoid driving during heavy rains, if it is essential, take extreme precautions, paying special attention to the height of the water, moderating the speed and watching the brakes. If the vehicle starts to fill with water, it is better to abandon it.
- Drive preferably on main roads or highways, avoiding forest tracks or secondary roads and using the shortest gears.
- In case of having to cross flooded areas where the water has current, tie a rope to your waist, holding the other end to some fixed or heavy object.
- Do not cross bridges that the water overflows over.
- At home, prevent toxic and/or flammable substances from coming into contact with water.
- Do not enter the floodable areas of the house, such as garages, basements, etc.
- Never use the elevator, the electrical fluid can fail at any time.
- Disconnect the electrical current.
- If the case arises, do not hesitate to leave the house, heading to a higher place, or to where the authorities are sending the neighbors.
- If the water isolates you in the upper part of your house, do not abandon it by swimming, the current can drag you, it is preferable to wait for help.
- Do not overestimate your possibilities, be prudent, and if necessary, wait for specialized help.
- Once the emergency is over, do not return to your home until the technicians indicate that it is safe to do so.
- Once you can access the homes, do not light matches or devices that give off any spark, including the light switch.
- Drink only bottled water.
- Call 1-1-2 exclusively in case of emergency. If you need any type of information, use 012 and not 1-1-2.
