Cyclone Dana landfall: Essential safety tips to weather the severe storm

Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall on the Odisha-West Bengal coast tonight as a severe cyclonic storm. The National Disaster Management Authority has advised everyone to stay indoors, even if the winds seem to calm down momentarily. This may indicate the cyclone's 'eye' is passing, and winds could intensify again, potentially causing significant damage.

Cyclone Live Tracker

The authorities have asked locals to remain safe in a secure location until it is officially declared that the cyclone has passed.

Here are the safety tips during a cyclone warning

• Stay informed by checking your local news or radio station for weather updates and official guidance.
• If evacuation is recommended, take your emergency kit and identification documents and leave right away.
• If evacuation is not advised, remain calm, stay indoors, and keep away from windows.
• If you are instructed to evacuate and can do so safely, unplug appliances and turn off utilities such as electricity, gas, and water before leaving.
• Move away from low-lying beaches or coastal areas when a cyclone warning is issued.
• Depart for high ground or shelter before flooding makes your route impassable.
• Act promptly to avoid being stranded.
• If your home is well-built and on high ground, stay inside in a safe area. If evacuation is ordered, leave without hesitation.
• Board up glass windows or install storm shutters.
• Provide strong support for outside doors.
• If you lack wooden boards, use paper strips on glass to minimize splintering, though this won't prevent breakage.
• Gather extra food that doesn't require cooking and store drinking water in covered containers.
• If you need to evacuate, move valuable items to higher floors to reduce flood damage.
• Ensure your lanterns, torches, and other emergency lighting are functional and easily accessible.
• Store small, lightweight objects indoors to prevent them from becoming projectiles in strong winds.
• Ensure that windows and doors can only open on the side away from the wind.
• Make provisions for family members with special dietary requirements.
• If the eye of the cyclone passes over your location, there will be a temporary calm. Do not go outside during this time, as strong winds will follow.
• Switch off your home's electrical mains.
• Update your loved ones: As soon as you are somewhere safe and communication channels are available, make sure to inform your other family members or those close to you.