The General Directorate of Civil Defense reminded citizens of the necessity to adhere to its preventive guidelines to avoid the risks associated with the anticipated atmospheric depression, in order to ensure their safety, as follows:
- Listen to and follow the instructions of security forces and civil defense personnel.
- Exercise caution when passing by or under advertising signs or lighting poles, especially high-voltage lines.
*For those traveling by car on coastal and mountainous roads:*
- Do not exceed speeds to avoid skidding and blocking the road.
- Allow cars coming from the opposite direction to pass.
- Do not take risks while driving.
- Park your car to the right side of the road if you are unable to continue.
- Do not use the heating device if snow begins to cover the vehicle.
- Identify your location for assistance via mobile phone and guide rescuers to your site, providing them with your phone number and details for quick access.
*Special Guidelines for Residents in Mountainous Areas:*
- Listen to weather updates through media.
- Stock up on food, water, regular medications, antibiotics, cough remedies, and fever reducers.
- Ensure a supply of heating materials such as diesel or firewood.
- Secure appropriate amounts of animal feed for the animals you own.
- Avoid wandering unless absolutely necessary during the storm.
- Do not leave any heating device with an open flame on when going to sleep or leaving the house.
*Principles for Dealing with Heating Appliances:*
- For gas heaters: Clean burners, especially the sprayers, and when installing, ensure separation between burners and diesel tanks, placing them in isolated rooms before use.
- For electric heaters: Ensure that the electrical supplies are correct and safe.
- For gas: When replacing the gas cylinder, ensure the gas hose is intact and free from cracks; it is preferable to replace it annually.
- For charcoal: Ensure that the charcoal has fully ignited before bringing it into the room and ventilate the area from time to time to allow fresh oxygen in.
- Remove any combustible materials from in front of heating devices with open flames (curtains, bed linens, etc.).
- Ventilate homes continuously to avoid suffocation when heating with charcoal, wood, or gas.
- Do not place clothing near heating devices to dry.
The Directorate reminded citizens of the necessity to contact its operations room at the emergency number 125 in case of any emergency and to follow up on its website: www.civildefense.gov.lb.
