Safety precautions in dealing with adverse weather conditions
For homeowners
- Ensure the availability of fire extinguishing equipment and a fully equipped first aid kit
- Ensure the availability of backup lighting such as flashlights and candles, and batteries
- Secure or remove outdoor flyable objects, such as furniture, tools, large plants, children's games, plastic houses, satellite dish antenna and garden decorations
- Insulate doors and windows to protect against cold air or water leakage
- Secure surfaces such as roofs, wooden panels, windows, doors and car parks
- Secure flyable outdoor tools and equipment if there is construction works in the house such as temporary fencing, signage, etc.
- Ensure regular maintenance for the house, drainage systems and electrical equipment and wiring, covering them properly with waterproof materials
- Ensure there are no flammable materials near electrical wiring
- Ensure barriers are in place to prevent water from entering the basement
- Ensure proper roof insulation
- Secure or cover outdoor property in case of hail
- Ensure that rainwater drainage systems on roofs of buildings and homes are clean to avoid water accumulation
- Register medical conditions that require continuous medical devices in Abu Dhabi Distribution Company or Al Ain Distribution Company system to ensure prompt implementation of preventive measures
- Do not open drains in the house to avoid blocking the sewerage system
- Ensure that the water tank pipes in the house are above ground level to ensure that they are protected from water pooling in the house, or put strong insulators to protect the tank pipes
- Stay away from water if water enters the house at high levels and comes into contact with electrical outlets or sockets
- Adhere to the instructions of the concerned authorities and be ready to respond to any emergency evacuation notices
For owners of farms and livestock farms
- Secure livestock farm fences and wooden and metal panels against unstable weather conditions
- Secure barn doors and windows firmly
- Ensure the regular maintenance of wires and electrical installations
- Ensure the availability of manual backup lighting in case of power outages
- Avoid using mobile phones near trees, electric poles, and barbed wire during thunderstorms and lightning
- Secure animal pen fences
- Keep livestock in their barns during adverse weather conditions and do not leave them in open spaces to avoid being exposed to air currents and rain
- Provide water for livestock to drink so they do not have to drink rainwater gathered in livestock farm
- Take precautions to avoid the risks posed by adverse weather conditions to the farm, livestock farm, workers and winter crops, especially vegetable crops and palm trees
- Ensure that the farm's water disposal tools and fittings are clear to ensure that rainwater is well drained and is not flooding plants or threatening the crops
- Ensure that the electrical cables are inspected by a specialised technician to check that there is no electrical contact or power failure due to wind or rain
- Monitor the overall health of livestock and ask a veterinarian to examine and give them appropriate treatment if suspected of having any symptoms
- Ensure that feed stocks are protected by keeping the feed in airtight warehouses and well covered to prevent being exposed to moisture and rain
- Place the feed on tables of wood or other material to protect it from moisture. If some feed is exposed to rainwater, it is preferable to separate and dry it to avoid damage to the rest of the stock
- Alert workers if valley or stream water floods the farm and livestock farm, and call 999
- Relocate animals to safe places protected from wind and rain, such as barns or warehouses
- Take precautions from landslides on unpaved roads and sandy places
- Contact local municipality or relevant authorities to enquire about any special support or guidance for farms and livestock farms in your neighbourhood
Greenhouses
- Ensure that movable tools and equipment are not left in the wind to ensure that they do not fly away and avoid damage to plants or greenhouses
- Ensure that there are no broken branches in the farm trees to avoid being picked up by heavy winds and causing damage to the farm
- Avoid conducting maintenance or construction works inside the farm during the stormy weather to keep workers safe
- Ensure that fans are turned on to reduce pressure inside greenhouses and run water on cooling panels to reduce dust entry into the greenhouses
- Ensure that the iron structure and plastic cover are safe from damage
- Ensure the continuity of the farm's electricity supply and readiness of the backup generator and that water drains at the ends of greenhouses are appropriately open to keep water out
- Halt agricultural activities in greenhouses during adverse weather conditions to ensure workers' safety
- Ensure regular maintenance of electrical cables in greenhouses and maintenance of irrigation networks
For owners of commercial stores and outdoor restaurants
- Secure or cover outdoor property in case of hail
- Secure outdoor tools and equipment that can be blown away or store them in closed areas (such as signs, tables, chairs, etc.)
- Close large umbrellas and sunshades, and secure them if they cannot be stored
- Secure doors and windows firmly to prevent air or water leaks
- Move electrical appliances, such as computers and payment machines, to high places away from areas that may be exposed to water leaks
- Unplug all non-essential electrical appliances to avoid damage in the event of power cuts or oscillations
- Prepare emergency tools, such as flashlights, extra batteries, and backup power sources
- Keep emergency tools such as fire extinguishers and a first aid box in an easily accessible place
- Educate employees on how to deal with emergencies and how to evacuate safely in case of necessity
- Post signage indicating emergency exits and safety instructions, and make sure they are clear to all customers
- Ensure that the drainage holes in front of the venue are not blocked to avoid water pooling in front of the entrance
- In the case of permanent canopies, ensure that drainage channels are properly installed to direct water away from the entrance
- Use social media to inform customers about business updates and any changes that may occur, such as opening hours or temporary closures due to weather
- Encourage customers to check the weather before coming to the venue, especially in case of bad weather
- Follow the directives of local or municipal authorities on safety procedures, and support your employees in dealing with emergency situations
For owners of construction and building companies (sites under construction)
- Lower and secure cranes to the ground
- Securely fasten the exterior fence to prevent metal or wooden panels from flying off
- Fix or enclose volatile outdoor items and equipment (billboards, tables, chairs, etc)
- Secure or tightly cover building materials if they are in open areas or stored in closed and elevated places
- Put warning signs where there are deep pits and can be deep potholes
- Put external barriers in case the temporary fence is affected
- Warn site workers in the event of weather warnings from official sources
- Ban working on elevated roofs or exposed areas on construction sites during adverse weather conditions
- Securely fasten plastic barriers to prevent them from flying off and causing damage
For vehicle owners
- Ensure the readiness of the vehicle, including tire condition, brakes, and windshield wipers
- Ensure that vehicles are covered and secured from hail
- Park vehicles on elevated surfaces to avoid water submersion
- Ensure that fire extinguisher and a fully equipped first aid kit are available in the vehicle
- Use a garage or covered car park (if available) to protect the vehicle from heavy rain or strong winds
- Use a waterproof cover to protect the car from rain or dust if there is no covered parking
- Avoid standing under trees or next to unstable buildings during storms to avoid falling heavy objects
Outdoor picnic goers
- Drive with caution to avoid landslides in sandy areas and on unpaved roads
- Avoid stopping under trees, electricity poles, hills and heights
- Drive with caution to avoid collision with cars or sand bikes in sandy areas
- Alert children to use sand bikes only in sandy areas and not on main roads
To avoid power outages
- Identify exposed wires and secure them with waterproof plugs and materials
- Ensure all connections are properly secured
- Close all exposed pipes on the building's roof
- Close all electrical boxes
