1. SITUATION

Meteorological situation:

Following the contact with the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), held today (5th February 2015) at the National Civil Protection Authority (CNPC), and according to today’s updated meteorological information, for the next 3 days: it is forecast:

• Decrease of the minimum temperature, with to ​​between -4 ° C and 2 ° C in the northern and central interior regions and between 0 and 4 ° C in the southern, northern and central coastal regions.
• Wind blowing strong from the north quadrant, on the coast and in the highlands, with gusts up to 70 km / h.
• Formation of ice or frost in the northern and central regions.

Follow the weather forecasts on www.ipma.pt

2. EXPECTABLE EFFECTS

In view of the situation described above, please be aware of the following:

• Poisoning by gas inhalation due to inadequate ventilation of homes using fireplaces and braziers;
• Fires in dwellings as a result of improper use of fireplaces and braziers or of electric faults;
• Ice formation on road sections with causing slippery surfaces;

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The ANPC reminds people that the possible impact of these effects can be minimized through the adoption of self-protection measures and appropriate behaviour such as the following:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to cold and sudden changes in temperature;
• Wear several layers of clothing, loose and adapted to room temperature;
• Protect the extremities of the body with a cap, scarf, gloves and warm socks;
• Drinking soup and hot drinks and avoiding alcohol consumption;
• Wear suitable clothing on the part of workers engaged in outdoor activities and avoid excessive exertion during the tasks they perform;
• Pay special attention to combustion heaters (braziers and fireplaces) which can cause intoxication and lead to death due to the accumulation of carbon monoxide;
• Ensure adequate ventilation of dwellings;
• Avoid using heating devices before bed, taking care to disconnect them before bedtime;
• Adopt defensive driving and pay special attention to ice-prone road locations;
• Assist family members and neighbours who may need help and support, including older people in conditions of greater isolation;
• Pay particular attention to the most vulnerable groups of the population, such as children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, as well as the homeless;
• Be aware of meteorological information and the advice and recommendations of Civil Protection and Security Forces.

Get to know the recommendations of the Directorate General of Health on the care to be taken during the cold and dry weather (www.dgs.pt)