With the weather forecast remaining under high alert for the next few days, the Japanese embassy released practical safety recommendations inspired by the experience of Japan — a country used to natural disasters — to help the population in Portugal protect themselves during storms and floods. “We are with you”, highlights the message.
Among the advice shared, the embassy begins by drawing attention to a detail that is often ignored: the footwear. Although it is common to associate floods with galoshes, the recommendation is wear well-fitting sneakers (sneakers) e avoid galoshes in flooded areas. The reason is simple: if water enters, the boots they get heavyreduce mobility and can make it difficult to quickly exit in the event of an emergency. Tennis shoes offer greater stability and agility.
Another central orientation is the so-called “knee rule”. The “golden rule”, explains the Embassy, is evacuate before the water reaches knee level. When the water reaches this height, the pressure and current strength can make it very difficult or even impossible to walk safely. If you are at home and the level quickly rises above your knees, the indication is clear: don’t try to leave and choose vertical evacuationrising to the walk higher.
For anyone who still has to cross an area of water, the Embassy recommends using a “third foot”: one broomstick or a umbrella to probe the ground ahead. During floods, manhole covers can shift and become invisible under murky water, creating holes and dangerous traps.
Finally, the alert extends to driving. The Embassy reminds that about 30 centimeters of moving water may be sufficient to drag most cars. When faced with a flooded road, the advice is not to hesitate: don’t risk it. Go back.
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