Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s and Don’ts

If a flood is likely to hit your area, you should

• Listen to the radio or television for information.

• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should

• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

Urban Floods

Before floods

• Do not litter waste, plastic bags, plastic bottles in drains
• Try to be at home if high tide and heavy rains occur simultaneously
• Listen to weather forecast at All India Radio, Doordarshan. Also, messages by Municipal bodies from time to time and act accordingly.
• Evacuate low lying areas and shift to safer places.
• Make sure that each person has lantern, torch, some edibles, drinking water, dry clothes and necessary documents while evacuating or shifting.
• Make sure that each family member has identity card.
• Put all valuables at a higher place in the house

In the Flood Situation

• Be at safe place and then try to collect correct information
• Switch off electrical supply and don’t touch open wires
• Do not believe in rumours and do not spread rumours

After Floods

Do’s

• Drink chlorinated or boiled water.
• Take clean and safe food
• Sprinkle insecticides in the water ponds/ stagnant water.
• Switch off electrical and gas appliances and turn off services off at the mains.
• Carry your emergency kit and let your friends and family know where you are going.
• Avoid contact with flood water it may be contaminated
• If you have to walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that you do not step into deep water, open manholes or ditches.
• Stay away from power lines electrical current can travel through water, Report power lines that are down to the power company.

• Look before you step-after a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, which may include broken bottles, sharp objects, nails etc. Floors and stairs covered with mud and debris can be slippery.

• If the ceiling is wet shut off electricity. Place a bucket underneath the spot and poke a small hole into the ceiling to relieve the pressure.
• Use buckets, clean towels and mops to remove as much of the water from the afflicted rooms as possible.

Don’t’s

• Don’t walk through flowing water – currents can be deceptive, and shallow, fast-moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Don’t swim through fast flowing water – you may get swept away or struck by an object in the water.
• Don’t drive through a flooded area – You may not be able to see abrupt drop – offs and only half a meter of flood water can carry a car away.
• Don’t eat any food that has come in contact with flood water.
• Don’t reconnect your power supply until a qualified engineer has checked it. Be alert for gas leaks – do not use candles, lanterns, or open flames.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. Stay away from ceilings which are sagging
• Do not use TVs, VCRS, CRT terminals or other electrical equipment while standing on wet floors, especially concrete..
• Don’t remove standing water in a basement too fast. If the pressure is relieved too quickly it may put undue stress on the walls.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Prepare tour to hilly region according to information given by weather department or news channel.
• Move away from landslide path or downstream valleys quickly without wasting time.
• Keep drains clean,.
• Inspect drains for – litter, leaves, plastic bags, rubble etc.
• Keep the weep holes open.
• Grow more trees that can hold the soil through roots,

• Identify areas of rock fall and subsidence of buildings, cracks that indicate landslides and move to safer areas. Even muddy river waters indicate landslides upstream.

• Notice such signals and contact the nearest Tehsil or District Head Quarters.
• Ensure that toe of slope is not cut, remains protected, don’t uproot trees unless re-vegetation is planned.
• Listen for unusual sounds such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
• Stay alert, awake and active (3A’s) during the impact or probability of impact.
• Locate and go to shelters,
• Try to stay with your family and companions.
• Check for injured and trapped persons.
• Mark path of tracking so that you can’t be lost in middle of the forest..
• Know how to give signs or how to communicate during emergency time to flying helicopters and rescue team.

Don’ts

• Try to avoid construction and staying in vulnerable areas.
• Do not panic
• Do not touch or walk over loose material and electrical wiring or pole.
• Do not built houses near steep slopes and near drainage path.
• Do not drink contaminated water directly from rivers, springs, wells
• Do not move an injured person without rendering first aid unless there is immediate danger.



Do’s and Don’ts

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks, and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps that reach a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there is no table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

• Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room, under a table or even under a bed.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture).

• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load bearing doorway.

• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If outdoors

• Do not move from where you are. However, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.

• If you are in open space, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings; at exits; and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dust.

Do’s and Don’ts

Before the Cyclone season

• Check the house; secure loose tiles and carry out repairs of doors and windows

• Remove dead branches or dying trees close to the house; anchor removable objects such as lumber piles, loose tin sheets, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards etc. which can fly in strong winds

• Keep some wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed
• Store dry non-perishable food, always ready for use in emergency

When the Cyclone starts

• Listen to the radio (All India Radio stations give weather warnings).
• Keep monitoring the warnings. This will help you prepare for a cyclone emergency.
• Pass the information to others.
• Ignore rumours and do not spread them; this will help to avoid panic situations.
• Believe in the official information
• When a cyclone alert is on for your area continue normal working but stay alert to the radio warnings.

When your area is under cyclone warning get away from low-lying beaches or other low-lying areas close to the coast

• Provide strong suitable support for outside doors.
• Small and loose things, which can fly in strong winds, should be stored safely in a room.

• If the centre of the cyclone is passing directly over your house there will be a lull in the wind and rain lasting for half an hour or so. During this time do not go out; because immediately after that, very strong winds will blow from the opposite direction.

• Switch off the electrical mains in your house.
• Remain calm.

During a cyclone

Do not venture out even when the winds appear to calm down. The ‘eye’ of the cyclone might be passing. Winds might intensify and gush again and cause damage. Be safe inside till it is officially announced that the cyclone has passed.

When Evacuation is instructed

• Pack essentials for yourself and your family to last a few days. These should include medicines, special food for babies and children or elders.
• Head for the proper shelter or evacuation points indicated for your area.
• Do not worry about your property

Post-cyclone measures

• Remain in the shelter until informed that you can return to your home.
• Strictly avoid any loose and dangling wires from lamp posts.
• Do not drive, or drive carefully in case of an emergency
• Clear debris from your premises immediately.
• Report the correct losses to appropriate authorities.

Do’s and Don’ts

Before

• Listen to the radio, watch TV, read newspapers for local weather forecast to know if a cold wave is round the corner.

• Stock adequate winter clothing. Multiple layers of clothing are more helpful.

• Keep emergency supplies ready.

• An increased likelihood of various illnesses like flu, running/ stuffy nose or nosebleed, which usually set in or get aggravated due to prolonged exposure to cold. Consult the doctor for symptoms like these.

During

• Follow weather information and emergency procedure information closely and act as advised.

• Stay indoors as much as possible and minimise travel to prevent exposure to cold wind.

• Wear multiple layers of loose fitting, lightweight, windproof warm woollen clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Tight clothing reduces blood circulation.

• Keep yourself dry. If wet, then cover your head, neck, hands and toes adequately as the majority of heat loss occurs through these body parts.

• Prefer mittens over gloves. Mittens provide more warmth and insulation from cold, as fingers share their warmth and expose less surface area to the cold.

• Use hats and mufflers to prevent heat loss, Wear insulated / waterproof shoes.

  1. Eat healthy food to maintain the equilibrium of body temperature.

  2. Eat fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin-C to maintain adequate immunity.

  3. Drink hot fluids regularly, as this will maintain body heat to fight cold.

  4. Moisture your skin regularly with oil, petroleum jelly or body cream.

  5. Take care of elderly people and children and check on neighbours who live alone, especially the elderly about their well-being.

• Store essential supply as per requirement. Store adequate water as pipes may freeze.

• Follow the guide on heat insulation for non-industrial buildings and take necessary preparedness measures.

• Watch out for symptoms of frostbite like numbness, white or pale appearance on fingers, toes, earlobes and the tip of the nose, while exposed to cold waves.

• Prolonged exposure to cold can turn skin to pale, hard and numb, and black blisters on exposed body parts such as fingers, toes, nose and/ or earlobes. Immediately consult the Doctor.

• Treat the areas affected by frostbite in warm (not hot) water (the temperature should be comfortable to touch for unaffected parts of the body).

• Do not ignore shivering. It is an important first sign that the body is losing heat and is a signal to quickly return indoors.

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible for someone suffering from Frostbite/Hypothermia.

• Move pet-animals indoors. Likewise, protect livestock or domestic animals from cold weather by moving them inside.

• Severe exposure to cold wave can lead to Hypothermia – a decrease in body temperature which can cause shivering, difficulty in speaking, sleepiness, stiff muscles, heavy breathing, weakness and/or loss of consciousness. Hypothermia is a medical emergency that needs immediate medical attention.

• Consult doctor for symptoms like various illnesses, running/stuffy nose particularly during the period of COVID -19.

• Download NDMA’s mobile application: First Aid for Students and Teachers (FAST) for information on first aid.

In the case of hypothermia

• Get the person into a warm place and change clothes.

• Warm the person’s body with skin-to-skin contact, dry layers of blankets, clothes, towels, or sheets.

• Give warm drinks to help increase body temperature. Do not give alcohol.

• Seek medical attention if the condition worsens.

Don’ts

• Avoid prolonged exposure to cold.

• Don’t drink alcohol. It reduces your body temperature, it actually narrows your blood vessels, particularly those in the hands, which can increase the risk of hypothermia.

• Do not massage the frostbitten area. This can cause more damage.

• Do not ignore shivering. It is the first sign that the body is losing heat – get indoors.

• Do not give the affected person any fluids unless fully alert.

Agriculture

Cold wave and frost damages crops by causing illnesses including diseases of black rust, white rust, late blight etc. Cold wave also causes a variety of physiological disruptions in germination, growth, flowering, yield and storage life.

Do’s

• Undertake curative measures for cold illness/injury like spray with Bordeaux mixture or Copper Oxi-chloride, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to activate better root growth.

• Do light and frequent surface irrigations (high specific heat of water) during the cold wave wherever it is possible.

• Sprinkler irrigation (condensation-release heat into surrounding.

• Cultivate cold/frost resistant plants/crops/varieties.

• Use intercropping farming in horticulture and orchards.

• Mixed cropping of vegetables, viz., tomato, brinjal with a tall crop like mustard / pigeon pea will provide necessary shelter against cold winds (shelter against cold).

• Increase radiation absorption and provide warmer thermal regime through covering of nursery and young fruit plants during winter by plastic or by making thatches (huggies) of straw or sarkanda grass etc.

• Organic mulching (for thermal insulation).

• Planting of wind breaks/shelter belts (to reduce wind speed).

Animal Husbandry / Livestock

During Cold waves animals and livestock require more food for sustenance as the energy requirement goes up. Extreme variations in temperature may affect the fertility rate in animals during the optimum breeding season for buffaloes /cattle.

Do’s

• Cover the animal habitat from all sides during night in order to avoid direct exposure of animals to cold winds.

• Cover the animals, especially smaller ones, during cold days.

• Protect livestock and poultry from cold weather by keeping them inside.

• Improving livestock feeding practice and dietary additives.

• Use of high-quality forage or pastures.

• Provide fat supplements – concentrate ratio on feed intake, feeding, and chewing behaviour.

• Construction of climate smart sheds which allow maximum sunlight during winters and low radiation during summers.

• Selecting animal breeds especially fit for these conditions.

• Apply some bedding materials such as dry.

Don’ts

• Do not leave animals tied/roam in open area during cold wave.

• Avoid animal fares (pashumela) during cold wave • Avoid giving cold feed and cold water to the animals.

• Avoid dampness and smoke in animal shelter.

• Do not keep the animals in open during night and cold hours.

• Carcasses of dead animals should not be discarded on the regular grazing routes of the animals.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Listen to radio, watch TV, read newspapers for warnings, updates and instructions.

• Practice rainwater harvesting.

• Repair and rejuvenate local water bodies before the rainy season.

• Use drought-resistant / low water intensity crop seeds varieties / plants.

• Plant drought-tolerant grasses, shrubs, trees to protect soil moisture.

• Excavate deep pits to help increase groundwater table.

• Use sprinkler method/drip irrigation method for crop irrigation; irrigate crops during evenings.

• Prepare and use crop contingency and complementary plans.

• Participate in water conservation programmes.

• Put used domestic water to use by watering grasses and plants.

• Use a bucket instead of a shower for bathing.

• Use wet clothes to clean and scrub floors instead of using running water.

• Construct toilets that need less water for flushing.

• Regularly check tanks, taps, etc. to prevent leakage.

• Reuse water as much as possible.

• Adapt water conservation practices in lifestyle. Follow all state and local restrictions on water use, even if you have a private well (groundwater levels are affected by drought too).

Don’ts

• Do not waste water at all.

• Do not cut trees and forests.

• Do not waste rainwater collected on rooftops, etc.

• Do not mess with traditional water sources such as ponds, anicuts, well, tanks, etc.

• Do not use high water intensity seeds / crops; don’t irrigate crops during mornings.

• Do not use the flowing water during brushing, shaving, washing utensils, clothes, etc.

• Avoid using handheld hose for any domestic chores.

Do’s and Don’ts

Preparedness

• Prepare and practice a response plan for residential and office complexes.

• Regularly carry out and practice fire rescue drills such as stop, drop, and roll.

• Ensure that all residents/visitors are periodically trained to face different emergency situations and provide first aid.

• Ensure that smoke alarms are fitted in buildings and are functional.

• Try to make your residential building, office premises, etc. ‘No Smoking’ zones. If you absolutely need to, create a separate smoking area.

• Be familiar with the exit routes.

• Keep the exit routes /staircases free of any obstructions. Periodically check evacuation routes for obstruction, if any.

• Ensure that there is enough open area and wide roads available in and around your home and office premises to ensure easy access and movement of emergency vehicles.

• Ensure that exit routes are marked and fire fighting equipment is working properly in your office premises and residential area.

• Ensure that your house and office premises have a first aid kit placed at every segment.

• Do not leave any open fire unattended.

• Do not accumulate old newspapers or combustible materials in your house.

• Do not burn waste, dry leaves or vegetation. Always dispose of through appropriate municipal channels.

• Do not store flammable liquids in the house.

• Always keep matches and lighters locked away from children.

• Do not keep papers, clothes and flammable liquids near heaters/stoves/open chulhas.

• Keep LPG gas stoves on a raised platform; do not keep them on the floor.

• Turn off the gas cylinder valve and knob of the gas stove after cooking.

• Don’t throw matches, cigarette butts, etc. in waste baskets.

• Don’t place oil lamps, agarbattis or candles on wooden floor or near combustible material.

• Don’t wear loose, flowing and synthetic clothes while cooking.

• Never reach for any article over a fire.

• Always evaluate the electric load requirement for your premises and ensure that the power company supplies electricity accordingly. This will help avoid heating due to overload.

• Use standard electrical appliances, switches and fuses, etc. to prevent fire from electrical short circuit. Also, ensure that there are enough Earth-leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs) to prevent short circuit.

• Regularly check for loose electrical connections. Do not run electric wires / cords under carpets or in congested areas.

• Switch off electrical appliances after use and remove plugs from the socket.

• Switch off the ‘Mains’ when leaving home for a long duration.

• Don’t plug too many electrical appliances in one socket.

• Ensure that there are no major electric installations near day-to-day usage area.

In Case of a fire

• Raise an alarm and inform the Fire Brigade.

• Do not panic; Stay calm.

• Unplug all electrical appliances.

• Try to extinguish the fire with available equipment.

• Close the doors and other openings. Place a wet cloth under the doors to stop the smoke from spreading. Use a wet cloth to cover your mouth to filter inhalation.

• Exit immediately if the fire is out of control.

• Do not go back for your possessions.

• In case of burn injuries due to fire, pour water over burn until pain subsides.

If you are trapped by a fire

• Stay close to the floor if smoke permeates your location.

• Before opening a door, check it for heat. Use the back of your hand to test the temperature at the top of the door, the knob and the frame before opening. If it is hot, do not open.

• If you are unable to escape through a door, use a window. However, if it is too high to jump from a window, try to attract attention by waving something.

• If you can leave the room, close the door behind you – this will slow down the progress of the fire. Crawl low.

• If your clothes catch fire, drop to the ground and roll to extinguish flames.

In case you hear the fire alarm

• Leave the premises by the nearest available exit.

• Close all doors and windows behind you.

• Do not use lifts. Use staircases.

• On arrival of the fire service, help them to help you.

• Give way to fire engines to enable them to reach the spot quickly.

• Don’t park your vehicles close to fire hydrants/underground static water tanks.

• Guide firemen to water sources i.e. tube wells, ponds, static tanks, etc.

Do’s and Don’ts

Before

• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.

• An important lightning safety guide is the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

• Always keep the earthing working to avoid damage to electrical equipment.

• Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.

During

If Indoors

• Unplug all electrical equipment before the storm arrives. Don’t use corded telephones, electrical devices, chargers, etc.

• Stay away from windows and doors; stay off verandas.

• Don’t touch plumbing and metal pipes. Do not use running water.

If Outdoors

• Get inside a house/building. Stay away from structures with tin roofs/metal sheets.

• If caught under the open sky, crouch. Don’t lie down or place your hands on the ground.

• Don’t take shelter near/under trees. Spread out; don’t stand in a crowd. Stay clear of water bodies.

• If you are outside, seek refuge in a car or grounded building when lightning or thunder begins.

• Stay put if you are inside a car/bus/covered vehicle.

• Don’t use metallic objects; stay away from power/telephone lines.

• Get out of water – pools, lakes, small boats on water bodies.

• Avoid hilltops, open fields and beaches.

After

• Watch out for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.

• Treating the affected.

• Administer CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), if needed.

• Seek medical attention immediately.

Do’s and Don’ts

Before

• Construct houses/buildings as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) codes.

• Educate yourself and your family about tsunami risk.

• Prepare an ‘emergency kit’ and make a family communications plan.

• Know the height of your street above sea level and the distance of your street from the coast or other high-risk water bodies.

• If you are a tourist, familiarise yourself with local tsunami evacuation protocols.

• If an earthquake occurs and you are in a coastal area, turn on your radio to learn if there is a tsunami warning.

• Know your community’s warning systems and disaster plans, including evacuation routes. Practice evacuation through identified routes.

• Identify the highest ground and the safest, nearest, easiest way to reach the same. Know if the school evacuation plan requires you to pick your children up from school or from any other location. Be aware that telephone lines during a tsunami watch or warning may be overloaded and routes to and from schools may be jammed.

During

• Stay calm. Do not panic.

• Evacuate immediately to safe places when directed by government officials.

• Move inland to higher ground immediately.

• Stay away from the beach.

• Save yourself, not your possessions.

• Help those who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people, and individuals with access or functional needs.

• If you are in the water, then grab onto something that floats, such as a raft/ tree trunk, etc.

• If you are in a boat, then face the direction of the waves and head out to the sea. If you are in a harbour, then go inland.

After

• Return home only after officials tell you it is safe.

• Avoid areas which are affected by a disaster.

• Stay away from debris in the water.

• Check yourself for injuries and get first aid as needed before helping injured or trapped persons.

• If someone needs to be rescued, call professionals with the right equipment to help.

• Help people who require special assistance – infants, elderly people, people with access and functional needs.

• Use radio or television for the latest updates.

• Stay out of any building that has water around it as tsunami water can cause floors to crack or walls to collapse.

• Use caution when re-entering buildings or homes.

• To avoid injury, wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up.

• Do not eat or drink anything from open containers.

• Leave a message stating where you are going if you must evacuate your house.

• Do not spread and/ or believe in rumours.

Do’s and Don’t Booklet provided by NDMA are as follows:

Do’s and Don’t Booklet [PDF 5.5 MB]