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Megamenu

Do's & Don'ts

Do’s & Don’ts

Landslide
Landslide Safety
Do’s
  • Follow weather advisories.
  • Move away from slide paths.
  • Stay alert during heavy rain.
Don’ts
  • Don’t stay near slopes.
  • Don’t block drains.
  • Don’t ignore warning signs.
Earthquake
Earthquake Safety
Do’s
  • Drop, Cover, Hold.
  • Stay indoors.
  • Move to open areas.
Don’ts
  • Don’t use elevators.
  • Don’t run outside.
  • Don’t panic.
Forest Fire
Forest Fire Safety
Do’s
  • Report fires immediately.
  • Move to safe zones.
  • Cover nose & mouth.
Don’ts
  • Don’t light campfires.
  • Don’t throw cigarettes.
  • Don’t enter smoke.
Cold Wave
Cold Wave Safety
Do’s
  • Wear warm clothes.
  • Drink warm fluids.
  • Check elderly.
Don’ts
  • Don’t stay outdoors long.
  • Don’t use open fires.
  • Don’t ignore symptoms.
Flash Flood
GLOF / Flash Flood
Do’s
  • Move to higher ground.
  • Follow alerts.
  • Disconnect power.
Don’ts
  • Don’t cross flood water.
  • Don’t ignore sirens.
  • Don’t return early.
Avalanche
Avalanche Safety
Do’s
  • Check avalanche warnings.
  • Carry safety equipment.
  • Travel with guides.
Don’ts
  • Don’t travel alone.
  • Don’t ignore alerts.
  • Don’t panic.
Heavy Rain
Heavy Rain Safety
Do’s
  • Check weather updates.
  • Stay indoors.
  • Secure loose items.
Don’ts
  • Don’t drive in floods.
  • Don’t touch wet wires.
  • Don’t ignore warnings.
Chemical Hazard
Chemical Hazard Safety
Do’s
  • Wear PPE.
  • Label chemicals.
  • Follow SDS.
Don’ts
  • Don’t mix chemicals.
  • Don’t inhale fumes.
  • Don’t ignore spills.

Earthquake

Sikkim is located in the high-risk seismic zone IV of the Indian seismic zoning map. Positioned along the Himalayan range, the region is crossed by two major thrust faults— the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and the Main Central Thrust (MCT). The continuous movement of the Indo-Australian plate against the Eurasian plate makes Sikkim moderately active seismically.

Poor design and construction practices contribute heavily to damage during earthquakes. There is scientific consensus that major earthquakes are likely in the future. Therefore, earthquake-resistant construction, trained manpower, awareness programmes, strict enforcement, and community preparedness are essential.

Forest Fire

Forest fires are common in Sikkim, particularly during dry months when forests accumulate dry leaves and twigs. Fires occur due to natural causes such as lightning, and human activities like unattended flames, cigarettes, or sparks. Forest fires damage vegetation, wildlife, biodiversity, and ecological balance.

Landslide

Landslides are frequent in Sikkim due to fragile geology, high rainfall (3500–5000 mm), steep slopes, and unplanned development. Heavy monsoons from April to September increase landslide occurrences, damaging property and blocking key connectivity routes like NH-31A. Road blockages disrupt essential supplies and cause inconvenience and losses every year.

Flash Flood

Flash floods occur within 2–6 hours of triggers such as intense rainfall, dam failure, landslides upstream, or rapid snowmelt. They result in sudden high water flows, carrying debris and causing severe damage to homes, roads, and property. Due to Sikkim’s heavy monsoon rain and frequent landslides, flash floods are a common risk.

Avalanche

Higher-altitude areas in Sikkim receive heavy snowfall throughout the year, especially from January to March. Avalanches frequently affect army personnel, mountaineers, and tourists in remote regions. Lack of communication and difficult terrain worsen the impact, making proactive hazard management necessary.

Chemical Hazard

Chemical hazards arise from the handling, transport, and storage of hazardous materials. While Sikkim has limited industrial activity, chemicals are used in laboratories, medical facilities, fuel transport, and various government operations. Accidents may cause harm to people, environment, and water sources, requiring monitoring and safety protocols.