Civil Defence Department ‘ready for severe weather’, urges caution

AMMAN — The Civil Defence Department (CDD) on Saturday urged the public to be well prepared for potentially severe weather conditions this week, stressing that its cadres are properly equipped to handle emergency situations.

The CDD said it has drawn up a plan to deal with emergencies through its operations rooms and in coordination with the security apparatuses. 

The department also urged the public to ensure that objects installed on rooftops, such as antennas and water tanks, are properly secured to prevent them from being blown by strong winds. 

Families using gas and kerosene heaters should also exercise caution and protect themselves from the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning by leaving a window partially open for fresh air to circulate and carrying out maintenance on the heaters to prevent leakage. 

Calling on parents not to allow their children to go out during inclement weather, the CDD also urged motorists to ensure that their cars are equipped for rain and snow and to exercise caution when driving to avoid accidents. 

In case of emergencies, residents of all governorates can call the department on 911.

The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) also said it is ready to deal with weather conditions expected this week, having announced a “light emergency” as of Saturday evening. 

Yasser Atiyyat, deputy director of GAM’s public works department, said the municipality will upgrade the emergency level in accordance with the weather forecasts it receives. 

GAM’s emergency centre in Tlaa Al Ali will be available to receive complaints on 5359970, 5359971 and 0798166789.