According to meteorologists' forecasts, a storm is expected in the afternoon of Friday, October 9, which can continue until Saturday morning. In order to protect themselves and their loved ones, as well as not disturb rescuers in eliminating the consequences of the storm, the Riga municipality invites residents not to stay outdoors without special need and especially to refrain from visiting the capital's parks, cemeteries, recreation areas and children's playgrounds, as both trees and their branches can break.
As meteorologists inform, on Friday in the period from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2 p.m. to 2 p.m. At 18.00, initially in the west of Kurzeme, then also deeper inland, the west and northwest winds will intensify in gusts up to 20-22 m/s. Currently, the yellow warning has been announced, but there is a possibility that a higher-grade – orange warning may also be announced.
The elimination of the effects of the storm, together with the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD), will also be carried out by representatives of municipal services, releasing park paths and other areas from fallen trees, as well as repairing damage to public transport contact networks and performing other necessary actions, for example, monitoring water level fluctuations.
If the weather has caused damage that endangers people's health and life, communication or public transport movements, citizens are invited to call the single emergency number 112.
What to do if a tree has fallen into a private area?
Photofixation from at least three viewpoints shall be mandatory prior to sawing and harvesting if the tree has completely depleted or failed or is obviously dangerous.
Afterwards, the City Development Department of Riga City Council must be informed about the event, attaching photos to the application.
This can be done by:
- by sending an e-mail to pad@riga.lv;
- by writing an application to the address Dzirnavu iela 140, Riga, LV-1050.
The information should include:
- address or cadastral designation
- number of felled/hazardous trees, species (if known) and diameter or circumference of the stem at a height of 1,3 m from the ground (if it is possible to measure)
- cartographic material indicating the place where the tree grows (plant)
- 3 photofixations showing signs of danger
Hazardous tree felling is not subject to authorisation!
If a tree growing on municipal land falls into a private territory, then the collection of the tree will be organized by the municipality. We invite you to report such cases by phone 1201.
What to do with the branches
After elimination of the hazard, the branches must be harvested by the owner/manager of the area where the tree has grown. Small twigs can be placed in biocontainers, but the largest ones must be handed over for chipping or disposed of in another way, for example, by applying to the waste manager for the removal of bulky waste or by self-delivery to the municipal collection point, if one is established.
If tree affiliation is unknown
If it is not clear to residents who manages the area where the tree or its branches are dangerous or felled, please report by calling the municipal information line 1201 or by e-mail 1201@rigalv.
If the tree fell on the street, for example, on a sidewalk or a ride-on part
When noticing objects broken by the wind, as well as trees or their branches, which can cause danger and require immediate action, the VUGD calls on residents to immediately call 112 and report what has happened, so that the dangerous situation can be eliminated as soon as possible.
On the other hand, in cases where a tree that does not pose a danger has been felled, we invite you to report by calling the single 24/7 telephone number of the local government 1201 or by e-mail 1201@riga.lv.
Can residents themselves harvest broken trees on the streets or in other public areas?
First of all, it should be considered whether harvesting the tree on its own will not be dangerous, or whether it is better to wait for the responsible services. For example, if the electrical wires are broken, the fallen tree should not even approach. Timber collection shall be coordinated with the owner of the territory.
In order for the storm not to surprise people unprepared, the VUGD calls for:
- Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and the 112 app is downloaded. Due to strong wind gusts, homes often remain without electricity. It is the mobile phone that will help you communicate with those around you, as well as, if necessary, call the operational services at 112.
- Prepare flashlights and make sure you have batteries at home to put in the radio. During power outages, the radio will be your only opportunity to learn about what happened, as well as the recommendations of the operational services for further action.
- Residents of apartment buildings are invited to make sure that there are no things on their balconies that can be blown away by the wind, thus endangering the health and life of passers-by. Those things that cannot be moved indoors must be firmly secured.
- Residents of private houses and countryside must make sure that in the yard of their houses all the lightest things are tied or fixed in such a way that the wind cannot blow them away.
- If you need to park the car, then choose a place for it that is not under the trees
In order for the storm not to endanger the health and life of people, the VUGD calls for:
- As far as possible, during the storm, it is necessary to stay indoors and leave them only as a last resort. Flowing trees, wind-torn billboards and parts of building structures can endanger not only human health but also life.
- However, if you are outdoors during the storm, avoid moving and staying under trees, billboards and construction scaffolding, do not go over bridges.
- Close windows, doors and attic hatches.
- When you are indoors, do not stay in close proximity to the windows. Breaking branches and wind-bearing objects can knock out window panes.
- If during the storm children have to go out of the house, it is desirable to accompany them.
- Do not use an umbrella! This will only reduce visibility and increase the perception of gusts of wind! An umbrella can injure other passers-by.
- Do not forget about fire safety. If, as a result of a storm, electricity breaks have occurred, a flashlight is used to move around the house. Do not leave a burning candle unattended!
- To get timely information about the upcoming storm, as well as the action during it, leave the radio or TV on.
Information prepared by: Mārtiņš Vilemsons, Project Coordinator, External Communication Division of Riga City Council, e-mail: martins.vilemsons@riga.lv.