The Emergency Department of Astana appealed to residents and guests of the city in connection with the deterioration of weather conditions, the official website of the capital's akimat reports.
The city emergency department issued a warning based on information from RSE Kazhydromet.
"According to RSE Kazhydromet, snow, blizzard, and ice are expected in Astana on January 20-21. The wind is south-westerly, with occasional gusts of 15-20 m/s," the Emergency Department said in a statement.
In this regard, the Department of Emergency Situations of Astana city recommends that residents and guests of the capital heed the warnings of specialists, be vigilant, and monitor information about changes in weather conditions and restrictions.
The following rules of behavior must be observed in case of ice:
- Choose non-slip shoes with microporous soles, avoiding high heels.
-Watch your step, try to avoid dangerous places. If it is impossible to get around an icy "puddle", then move along it like a skier, with small sliding steps.
- Be extremely careful on the roadway: do not rush and, moreover, do not run.
-Try to avoid all places with an inclined surface.
-You should step on the entire sole, slightly relax your legs at the knees.
- Keep your hands free whenever possible, try not to carry heavy bags, and do not keep your hands in your pockets — this increases the likelihood of falling.
-Elderly people are recommended to use a cane with a rubber tip or a special stick with pointed spikes.
During stormy winds, it is necessary, first of all, to check the condition of electrical networks and equipment, heating furnaces in residential buildings, to ensure the serviceability of internal and external fire-fighting water supply, telephone communications, and to prepare fire-fighting equipment. In case of voltage surges in the electrical network in the apartment, immediately de-energize all household appliances, pull the plugs out of the sockets so that during your absence, if the electricity is suddenly turned on, a fire does not occur.
It is also recommended to drive personal vehicles away from trees and dilapidated buildings and tightly close all windows in the house or apartment.
If a strong wind catches you outside, we recommend that you take shelter in a safe room.
Actions of the population during a snowstorm:
If you are in the building:
• Only exit buildings in exceptional cases.
• If necessary, tell your family members or neighbors where you are going and when you will be back.
• Try not to go out alone.
If you're on the road:
• Drive only on big roads and highways.
• When exiting the car, do not move away from it out of sight.
• In case of malfunction or very poor visibility:
- stop on the side of the road; sound the alarm with intermittent horns, lift the hood or hang a bright cloth on the antenna, wait for help in the car.
In case of an emergency, please call 112.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/astana/press/news/details/921204