As Cyclone Fani hits, here's what you need to do to stay safe

As Cyclone Fani progresses in full speed, hitting the coast of Odisha where 1.2 million people have been evacuated and moved to approximately 4000 shelters, let us go through some essential safety measures to stay safe during the deluge.

• If you are indoors during the cyclone please remain indoors and do not venture out, follow these steps:

- Switch off all electrical mains and gas supplies.
- Keep windows, doors shut tight.
- Rely only on official warnings and do not use cell phones unless essential
- Drink boiled or chlorinated water
- Listen to announcements on the radio

•  If you are outdoors during the onset of the Cyclone, remain calm and follow the below steps:

- Watch out for broken electric poles, live wires and be careful not to step on them.
- Seek a safe shelter ASAP but do not enter damaged buildings or stand under trees.

• Here are a few emergency numbers to contact:

- Ministry of Home Affairs helpline number: 1938
- Odisha emergency number : Centralized emergency number- +916742534177. Here is a list of all district control room numbers

• For ongoing updates on Cyclone Fani along with the latest relief measures announced, you can follow:

Indian Meteorological dept 
National Disaster Management Authority
Chief Minister Office, Odisha

Apart from this, Republic World's live blog on Cyclone Fani will have all the updates:

Cyclone Fani intensifies in Odisha on Friday, over a million evacuated: LIVE Updates

• Safety measures for Fishermen:

- Do not venture into the seas during the cyclone
- Fishermen in coastal areas need to take extra care by keeping a radio set handy with extra batteries to get the latest information about the cyclone, in case they are in the sea at the time of the cyclone
- They also need to tie their boats and rafts to a safe, sturdy place to prevent them from being washed ashore.

• Steps to follow after the storm:

- Do not go outside until officially told it is safe.
-Check for gas leaks. Don’t use electric appliances if wet.
-Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
-If you have to evacuate or did so earlier, don’t return until advised.
-Beware of damaged power lines, bridges, buildings, trees, and don’t enter floodwaters.
-Heed all warnings and don’t go sightseeing.

• How to  prevent or overcome disease outbreaks after a cyclonic storm

- Ensure water storage containers are well-protected
- Stay away from floodwater as it often carries germs
- Use chlorine as a disinfectant
- Stay away from wild or stray animals after a storm as they spread germs
- The CDC also recommends avoiding using gas or coal-burning equipment that creates carbon monoxide, which can build up in your home and is very dangerous.

• Apart from these measures, one should also prepare an emergency kit of essential items necessary for survival, such as dry food, medicines, flashlight, etc.
• Also, do not venture outside to volunteer in solo rescue missions. It is more imminent to stay safe yourself.
• Don't fall prey to fake news being circulated on social media apps. Cross-check information from government-authorised sources.