The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan has issued an official appeal to the public regarding the strong winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall expected in various regions of the country until April 10, reminding citizens of essential safety protocols.
The Operative Information Center-OMM was informed by the Ministry that during strong winds, it is highly recommended to stay away from light constructions, temporary structures, buildings, and billboards. Citizens are also advised not to stand under power poles, wires, or tall trees.
"Furthermore, considering the difficulties caused by strong winds in extinguishing fires, fire safety rules must be strictly observed during windy weather conditions," the appeal emphasized. The Ministry also noted that operators of small vessels must adhere to the prohibition on going out to sea during such weather conditions.
To protect against dangers associated with lightning, the Ministry advises the following measures:
- Disconnect electrical appliances from the network and avoid using telephones (landlines, mobile phones, payphones, etc.);
- When outdoors, do not approach power lines, lightning rods, gutters, or antennas;
- Do not seek shelter under tall trees; instead, choose relatively low-lying areas;
- If in a vehicle, stop the movement, roll up the windows, and wait for the lightning to subside."
The Ministry of Emergency Situations in Azerbaijan regularly issues such warnings to mitigate risks associated with seasonal weather shifts. Azerbaijan's diverse climate zones often experience rapid changes in weather patterns during the spring months, necessitating proactive measures by state agencies to ensure public safety and protect infrastructure from potential storm damage.