Meteorologists predict that on Friday, October 9, there will be a strong wind in the afternoon. Storm can continue until Saturday morning.
Riga municipality invites people not to go outside without special need. Especially do not go to parks, cemeteries, resting places and children's playgrounds, as trees and branches can break.
Meteorologists say that on Friday from. 14:00 to 18:00 in the west of Kurzeme, then elsewhere, strong west and northwest winds in gusts will reach around 20-22 m/s. Now there is a yellow warning, but an orange warning can also be issued.
Municipal services will also participate in the Storm Consequences Removal together with the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD). They will clean park paths and other places from fallen trees, repair damage to public transport lines and do other necessary things, such as keeping track of the water level.
If a storm causes damage that endangers human health, life, communications or public transport, call 112.
**If the tree fell into a private area**
If the tree has completely broken, failed or is clearly dangerous, make sure to take a photo before sawing and harvesting. You need at least 3 pictures from different sides.
After that, it must be reported to the City Development Department of Riga City Council, attaching pictures to the application.
This can be done by:
- by sending an e-mail to pad@riga.lv
- by sending an application by post to the following address: Dzirnavu street 140, Riga, LV-1050
It is necessary to specify in the application:
- address or cadastral designation (property number in the land register)
- number of felled or dangerous trees, species (if you know) and trunk diameter or circumference at 1.3 m (if you can measure)
- map or plan with a marked place where the tree grows (plant)
- 3 pictures showing clearly the signs of danger
No authorisation is required for the felling of hazardous wood.
Phone for questions: 1201.
If a tree that grows on municipal land has been felled in a private area, the harvesting of the tree shall be organised by the municipality. This should be reported by phone 1201.
**What to do with the branches**
After eliminating the danger, the harvesting of branches is the responsibility of the owner or manager.
Small branches can be placed in biocontainers. Large branches need to be handed over for chipping or otherwise disposed of. For example:
apply to the waste manager for the removal of bulky waste
themselves to the municipal collection point, if any
**If it is not known who owns the tree**
If you do not know who manages the area where the tree or its branches are dangerous or felled, call 1201 or write to 1201@riga.lv.
**If the tree fell on the street**
If you see objects, trees or branches broken by the wind that are dangerous and need immediate action, call 112 and report what has happened.
If the tree has fallen but is not dangerous, call 1201 or write to 1201@riga.lv.
**Can you harvest broken trees yourself in public spaces?**
It is first assessed whether this is dangerous. If the electrical wiring is damaged, the tree should not even approach. Timber collection must be coordinated with the owner of the site.
**In order not to be surprised by the storm unprepared**
The SFRS recommends:
Charge your mobile phone and download the 112 app. Due to strong winds, electricity may disappear at home. A mobile phone will help you communicate with others and call for help.
Prepare flashlights and batteries for radio. If there is no electricity, the radio will help you find out the latest information and advice from the services.
Residents of multi-apartment buildings:
- Check the balcony. Removes things that the wind can blow away and that can hurt people.
- What cannot be brought inside, firmly secure.
For residents of private houses and rural areas:
- Check the yard. Tie or secure light objects so that the wind does not blow them away.
- If you park your car, choose a place that is not under or near the trees.
**To prevent a storm from putting health and life at risk**
The SFRS calls for:
- Stay indoors as much as possible during the storm. Go out only if you really need it. Flowing trees, billboards and building details can be injured or killed.
- If you are outside, do not go and do not stand under trees, billboards and construction scaffolding. Don't cross the bridges.
- Close windows, doors and attic hatches.
- Do not stay directly next to the windows in the rooms. Loosening branches and objects carried by the wind can break glasses.
- If children have to go outside during a storm, it is better to accompany them.
- Do not use an umbrella. It interferes with seeing and can be pulled out or broken by the wind. An umbrella can injure others.
- Remember about fire safety. If there is no electricity, move with a flashlight. Do not leave a burning candle unattended.
- Leave the radio or TV on for timely information about the storm and recommendations.
Information prepared by:
Mārtiņš Vilemsons, Project Coordinator, External Communication Division, Riga City Council
E-mail: martins.vilemsons@riga.lv.