Cyclone Nisarga: These are the do’s and don’ts people should follow in Mumbai, Thane, Alibaug, Surat and other affected areas

• Cyclone Nisarga is expected to hit the Maharashtra coast with high wind speeds between 100 to 110 kmph — and they can go upto 120 kmph.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red’ alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar where the city police has imposed Section 144 of CrPC for the next 24 hours.
  

The Maharashtra government on May 3 issued a list of do’s and don’ts to follow while dealing with cyclone Nisarga, which is expected to make a landfall in the afternoon near Alibaug near Mumbai today.

Cyclone Nisarga is expected to hit the Maharashtra coast with high wind speeds between 100 to 110 kmph — and they can go upto 120 kmph. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red’ alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar where the city police has imposed Section 144 of CrPC for the next 24 hours.

The storm is likely to impact Mumbai, Thane and other coastal districts of Maharashtra like Raigad and Palghar along with Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Bhavnagar and Bharuch districts of Gujarat and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Here are the things you should keep in mind when the cyclone hits the coast:

Do’s

• Loose things outside the house should be tied or moved indoors.
  
• Seal important documents and jewellery in a plastic bag.
  
• Regularly inspect battery operated as well as reserve power systems.
  
• Pay attention to the official instructions on television and radio.
  
• Charge emergency lights, phones, and power banks.
  
• If you do not live in a mud house/hut, choose a part of the house as an emergency shelter and practice how all members of the house will use the space during the cyclone.
  
• Keep an emergency kit ready.
  
• Stay away from windows. Close some windows and keep some windows open so that the pressure is maintained.
  
• Stay at the center of the room. Stay away from corners as debris often accumulates in corners.
  
• Hide under strong furniture such as a stool or heavy table or desk, and hold it tight.
  
• Use your hands to protect your head and neck.
  
• Avoid large roof spaces such as auditorium and shopping malls.
  
• If you find an open space and there is enough time, find the right shelter in the nearest pit or pasture.
  
• Relocate to a predetermined or administration-determined location.
  
• Disconnect the power supply of all non-emergency equipment and tools.
  
• Store drinking water in a clean place (jugs, bottles etc).
  
• Help people trapped or injured. Provide first aid, as needed.
  
• Check for air leaks, if you smell gas or hear a leaking sound, immediately open the windows and exit the building. If possible, turn off the gas valve and report to the gas company.
  
• Check for damage to electrical equipment, if you notice sparks, exposed wires, or burning smell of rubber, disconnect the main power supply and call an electrician.
  
• Help those in need of special help like children, physically challenged, elderly, neighbours.
  
• Fishermen should keep a radio set with extra batteries handy.
  
• Fishermen should keep boats/rafts tied up in a safe place.
  
  

Don’ts

• Do not spread or believe in rumours.
  
• Do not attempt to drive or ride any vehicle during the cyclone.
  
• Stay away from damaged buildings.
  
• Do not move injured people unless it is absolutely safe to do so. It may cause more harm.
  
• Do not allow oil and other flammable substances to spill. Clean them immediately.
  
• Fishermen should not venture out in the sea.
  
  

SEE ALSO:
Cyclone Nisarga is all set to cross Maharashtra and Gujarat at a speed of 110 kmph — Mumbai on ‘red’ alert
Here’s what a cyclone making ‘landfall’ means