12+2 Tips for safe travel in winter

Warm jacket, windbreaker, boots, gloves, hat, ready! The winter frost and rain are no excuses not to enjoy the vast, relaxing and captivating Greek nature or even a walk in the streets of our city or our neighbourhood.

But what do we do when things get difficult as winter brings with it torrential rain, hail, gale force winds and frost?

Above all, we keep our cool, because panic is always the worst advisor.

We prepare and take precautions.

When and where we can we avoid moving with extreme weather events in progress. But if that’s not possible, here are some tips to stay safe:

1. Before we set off, we always check the weather both where we live and at our destination and the state of the road network.
2. We are changing our schedule to avoid the peak weather events.
3. We travel during the day, preferring the main arteries rather than the inaccessible and deserted roads.
4. We inform our own people about the route we will take.
5. We check the condition of our car before every move.
6. If we are going to areas with snow or frost, fill up the car’s fuel tank and take anti-slip chains, anti-freezing fluids, umbrellas, raincoats, galoshes, a torch, first aid kit, gloves and drinking water.
7. We do not cross torrents and streams during rainfall.
8. If a severe storm breaks out while driving, stop in a safe place off the road, away from trees and turn on the light alarm system (alarm).
9. Avoid areas where flooding, landslides or rock falls have occurred.
10. Wear appropriate clothing if you are going out for a walk.
11. Avoid walking under large trees, posted signs and places from which objects can fall, as well as sea and coastal activities such as fishing, especially when there are gusty winds.
12. We are careful not to slip due to the slipperiness of the pavement and sidewalks.
13. We prefer public transport for our journeys.
14. We take into account the instructions of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the weather reports of the National Weather Service and the instructions of local authorities, such as the Traffic Police, the Coast Guard, the Fire Brigade, etc.

Have a good and safe trip!

The data were taken from the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection: https://www.civilprotection.gr/el/entona-kairika-fainomena.