Preventive Measures during Storms, Rain and Floods

As the Sultanate of Oman prepare for the landfall of the tropical storm Mekunu, Public Authority for Civil Defense and Ambulance (PACDA) issued a preventive guide to make sure you stay safe during the storm.

1. Secure loose objects on roofs or in gardens which may be blown away by the wind
2. Keep a flashlight, a battery, and a radio (it will be the only means of communication in case of power cutoff).
3. If there is a warning to evacuate the area, you and your companions must evacuate immediately and switch off the gas, water, and power supply.
4. If you are walking or driving, leave the area early, just in case the road is blocked by floods or falling objects.
5. Make sure you know the emergency shelters and aid (shelter, food, rescue, medical services, etc.) to go there if necessary.
6. Remember the emergency number (9999).
7. Precautions to be observed when storms, floods, or rain are predicted. Do not swim or get close to the sea. If you have a boat, moor it well, and resort to a safe area before the arrival of a storm.
8. Avoid standing near to street lights and power posts, and beware of loose cables.
9. Stay at home and do not go out towards the sea until the period announced in the warning is over and an All-Clear notification is issued by the
   competent authorities.
10. Do not try to cross valley watercourses, even if the water level is low.
11. Remember that storms can cause huge floods. Keep away from beaches and dams.
12. Keep always away from the damaged places, not to put yourself at risk or hinder the work of emergency personnel.
13. Be more cautious at night, as the risks are higher.
14. Avoid walking across a watercourse if the water is above your knee level.
15. If your vehicle breaks down, leave it immediately and go to a high place, as the flash floods may sweep it and everyone inside it.
16. Remember that rainfall in mountainous and high-altitude areas, even for a short time, may be followed by floods and valley overflow.
17. Keep away from water submerged places and valley watercourses.
18. Know where the high-altitude places are and how to get there.

What to Do While Driving Under the Rain?

The risk of vehicle sliding is the highest during early rainfall, as the rainwater mixes with oil and dust particles in the road surface, creating a greasy layer that causes sliding.

• Keep a safe distance behind other traffic.
• Do not overtake unless necessary. Be careful and follow warnings.
• Do not drive through water masses to avoid car breakdown and inconvenience  for other cars and pedestrians