The General Directorate of Civil Defense reminded the public of general safety guidelines, in light of the weather bulletin issued by the Weather Forecast Office, which predicted that Lebanon will be affected starting tomorrow morning, Friday, by another atmospheric depression originating from the Black Sea, referred to as "Daniella". This system will be accompanied by colder polar winds, resulting in a noticeable decrease in temperatures, leading to a significant drop in snowfall levels over the weekend, approaching 1,000 meters by Saturday.
In this context, citizens were urged to adhere to the necessary precautions, including equipping their homes with a fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and smoke detector. The Civil Defense also hoped citizens would take the following precautions when using heating devices:
- **Heaters:** Clean burners, especially spray nozzles, and when installing them, ensure there’s a separation between burners and diesel tanks, and place heaters in isolated rooms before use.
- **Electric heaters:** Ensure the electrical supply is correct and safe.
- **Gas:** Ensure that each time a gas bottle is changed, the gas hose is intact and not cracked; it is recommended to replace it annually.
- **Coal:** Ensure the coal is fully ignited before bringing it into the room.
- Avoid placing any flammable materials in front of heating devices with exposed heat (curtains, bed covers, and do not dry clothes near heating devices).
- Continuously ventilate homes to avoid suffocation during heating with coal, firewood, or gas.
- Do not leave any heating devices with exposed flames on while sleeping or when leaving the house.
For residents in mountainous areas:
- Listen to weather bulletins through media outlets.
- Stock up on food, water, regular medications, antibiotics, and cough medications.
- Stock up on heating materials like diesel or firewood.
- Ensure appropriate amounts of animal feed if applicable.
- Avoid wandering unless absolutely necessary during the storm, ensuring your vehicle is equipped accordingly. This means making sure to have:
- Metal chains for vehicle tires, a spare tire, and a jack.
- Any regular medications (heart, blood pressure, etc.).
- A portable battery.
- A foldable shovel.
- A first aid kit.
- A mobile phone with a charger in the car.
- Sufficient fuel in the vehicle's gas tank.
Along the coasts, also be cautious of:
- Not being near wave breakers.
- Not being near advertising boards.
- Not attempting to cross waterlogged roads.
Before driving during or at the beginning of the storm:
- Conduct a thorough check of the vehicle, particularly the tires.
- Avoid driving after consuming alcohol (call a taxi or arrange for a sober person to drive).
- Do not drive recklessly and comply with traffic laws.
During the storm:
- Avoid heading to mountainous areas unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, ensure you have:
- Metal chains for the vehicle tires, a spare tire, and a jack.
- Any regular medications (heart, blood pressure, etc.).
- A portable battery.
- A foldable shovel.
- A first aid kit.
- A mobile phone with a battery pack.
- Sufficient fuel in the vehicle's gas tank.
While driving:
- Listen to and comply with the directives of internal security forces and civil defense personnel.
- Do not overtake vehicles to avoid skidding and blocking the road.
- Park your vehicle to the right side of the road if unable to proceed.
- Do not turn on the heating device if snow begins to cover the vehicle.
- Identify your location to call for help via mobile phone and guide rescuers to you, providing your phone number and address details.
**Lightning Safety:**
A lightning rod does not prevent strikes but facilitates safe passage to the ground.
- If you are inside a vehicle: Stay inside and keep the windows closed, avoiding contact with any part of the metal or glass structure.
- In urban areas: Stay at least a few meters away from open windows, electrical boxes, and home appliances, as lightning can flow through these systems and transfer "jump" to a person.
The best option is to seek shelter inside a closed building during an impending lightning storm. Look for an area away from trees, metal fences, pipes, and tall objects.
If you are in a mountain home:
- Avoid bathing during thunder or lightning.
- Refrain from using regular phones except in emergencies, as lightning can strike phone lines, transferring electrical charges.
Wireless or cellular phones are safer as they are not connected to the building.
Stay away from windows, keeping them closed, and try to remain in the inner rooms of your home (as windows provide a direct path for lightning).
Do not touch anything metal or electrical appliances; lightning can enter through any connected material, including landline phones, electrical wiring, and plumbing.
**Outside:**
Seek an area clear of trees or find shorter trees if not possible. Crouch down away from tree trunks and do not let your hands touch the ground.
If a thunderstorm is approaching, protect electronics and electrical appliances by unplugging them before lightning strikes. Do not touch any electrical outlets during a lightning storm and do not unplug any appliances during a storm.
Citizens were reminded to "contact their operations room at the emergency number 125 in case of any emergency and to follow the updates on the website: www.civildefense.gov.lb".
Date: 01/25/2024 Based on the weather bulletin issued by the Weather Forecast Office, which indicated that Lebanon is expected to be affected starting tomorrow morning by another atmospheric depression from the Black Sea, referred to as "Daniella."
