Cyclone Ockhi: How to stay safe during a cyclone

Cyclone Ochki is already on its way. How are you planning to stay safe?

India is on high alert with Cyclone Ochki already claiming twelve lives. The Indian Meteorological department (IMD) has issued a warning for people living in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Lakshadweep is already on a high alert. This can understandably make you wonder what you could do to keep you and your family safe, especially if you reside in the high-risk coastal area. Bear in mind that tropical cyclones such as Cyclone Ochki are dangerous due to the combined threat of destructive winds, heavy rains and flooding. It could cause a heavy loss of life and property! What makes it worse is that there's no way to predict whether it will get stronger or weaker. So it's always better to err on the side of caution. Here are some important steps you and your family could follow to minimise your risk. Read how you can keep yourself safe during heavy rains.

Stay indoors

This is the most basic rule. Venturing out will put you and your family at risk. If you are travelling either by public or private transport, look for cover in closed places such as buildings. Don't send your children to school in case the warning is issued.

Stay up to date

Tune in to your news channels and radio and listen to weather reports and warnings. Follow the IMD closely. Ensure access to the internet. Keep emergency numbers handy. People who live in coastal areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep should keep themselves about the latest updates of Cyclone Ochki.

Don't fall for rumours

In the wake of natural disasters such as Cyclone Ochki, people can become victims to fear-mongering and rumours. Always verify your news and don't fall prey to mass hysteria.

Check whether your house is build to cyclone standards

Before the cyclone strikes, check with your local authorities to gauge whether your building can withstand the battering of the cyclone. If not, move to someplace, away from the course of the cyclone, where it is safer. If you live in a low-lying area, it will be smarter to move to higher grounds.

Secure your belongings

Secure anything that could blow away in the cyclone, including your vehicles. Fix loose fixtures and materials that could blow away. Secure your roof. Reinforce your doors and windows.

Turn off electricity

Unplug all your electronic items and turn off gas supply.

Prepare emergency kit

As in any case of an emergency, keep an emergency kit ready. Fill it with first aid, dry food, water, torch, knives and scissors, matches, spare batteries, waterproof bags, fresh water etc.

Clear gutter and rubbish around your house and locality

By clearing them, you could facilitate easy outward movement of water, without choke ups. This would lessen the chance of flooding.

Stay with your family in the strongest part of your house

Stay away from windows and doors. Take refuge in the strongest and the most secure part of your house, like the hallway. Also, don't crowd in the outermost portions of your house.

Keep emergency medicine handy

Have someone with allergies? Keep antihistamine medicines ready. Similarly, stock medicines if you have hypertension, diabetes or asthma patients in the house.

Image source: YouTube/ Awe Time