Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) has urged residents to stay away from lightweight structures amid unstable weather expected in some areas.
The ministry provided the information to “Operative Information Center-OMM”.
According to the National Hydrometeorological Service, strong winds, heavy rain, lightning and short-term flooding in some mountain rivers are forecast in parts of the country over the next two days.
During strong winds, residents are advised to stay away from lightweight and temporary structures, buildings and advertising boards, and not to stand under power poles, electrical wires or tall trees. Given the difficulties strong winds can create when extinguishing fires, fire safety rules must be observed particularly strictly in windy weather. Users of small vessels should also note that going out to sea is prohibited under such weather conditions.
To protect against possible flooding, flash floods and inundation caused by heavy rainfall, people should stay away from hazardous areas. If faced with such a threat, they should immediately move to nearby higher ground and follow rescuers’ instructions and recommendations without exception.
To reduce the risks associated with lightning, people are advised to unplug electrical appliances during thunderstorms and avoid using telephones, including landlines, mobile phones and payphones. Outdoors, they should stay away from power lines, lightning conductors, gutters and antennas, and avoid sheltering under tall trees. Motorists should stop, close the vehicle’s windows and wait until the lightning has passed.
