The Lanzarote Security and Emergency Consortium reports that the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has declared a situation due to strong gusts of wind starting at 00:00 hours this Tuesday, April 9, throughout the day.
The Canary Islands Government adopts this decision based on the forecast of AEMET and/or other available sources and in application of the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).
In view of the communication from the Canary Islands Government, the Cabildo de Lanzarote recommends suspending recreational, sports, educational and cultural activities that may be held outdoors from the start of the alert situation until its end, except for those carried out in closed facilities that guarantee the safety of the activity. It also recommends that all public or private organizations and institutions on the islands of Lanzarote and La Graciosa take extreme precautions to avoid any risk.
The Cabildo de Lanzarote invites the population to be prudent and follow the following recommendations:
Prevention measures:
Avoid cycling or handbiking on the island roads.
Especially avoid hiking or going on excursions or camping until normality is restored.
Stay informed of the situation and weather forecasts through the different media and pay attention to the indications that are given.
If there is a wind warning, avoid leaving home as much as possible, and close and secure doors, windows and awnings to avoid drafts that could lead to breakage and falling glass.
Remove pots and all objects that may fall on the street and cause an accident from windows, balconies and roofs.
Check homes for cornices, balconies or facades in poor condition that may cause debris and rubble to fall.
Try to postpone road trips and, if you do, check the condition of the roads and take extreme precautions due to the possible presence of obstacles on the roads. The use of public transport is recommended.
If possible, avoid calling by phone, in order to avoid the lines from collapsing.
In case of emergency, do not hesitate to call 1-1-2.
For any request for information, call 012.
Self-protection measures outside:
In the city, it is advisable to stay away from old houses, cornices and walls, and avoid passing in front of buildings under construction or in poor condition. Also pay attention to street furniture, scaffolding, cranes, illuminated signs, billboards or any other element that may fall or be blown away by the wind.
Avoid walking through gardens or wooded areas.
Cranes and power lines (towers, poles and cables) are also dangerous. Get away and in case of risk call 1-1-2
Refrain from climbing to high places exposed to the wind, such as scaffolding or other constructions, without adequate protection measures.
Self-protection measures if you have to travel:
Moderate your speed and hold the steering wheel with both hands and firmly to maintain control of the vehicle against gusts of wind, especially during overtaking. Maintain adequate lateral distances with other vehicles.
Drive with caution and be aware of the presence of obstacles that may have been dragged onto the road by the wind.
Keep in mind that both very light vehicles (motorcycles, etc.) and large vehicles that offer great resistance to the wind (trucks, vans, vehicles with trailers or caravans) are at greater risk of leaving the road or overturning in the face of crosswinds. If you drive them, take extreme precautions.
