Safety After the Storm

Safety does not stop after the storm has passed. Everyone should be aware of the many dangers that might exist after bad weather has moved out of the area.

• Remain calm and try to deal with immediate problems such as care for injured people until professional help can arrive.
• Do not light matches or turn on electrical switches if you suspect damage to your home or business.
• Carefully check for damage around your home or business. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone out of the structure quickly.
• Stay away from downed lines. Do not attempt to touch or move them. Keep children and pets away from downed lines. Report downed wires to your local power company.
• People should know where to find the main electrical fuse or breaker box, water service main, and natural gas meters. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Have a professional turn utility service back on.
• Clean up or rope off dangerous areas such as near broken glass.
• Trees and tree limbs may be weakened and could fall unexpectedly, so use caution when walking through treed areas where high wind or tornadoes have gone.
• Locate your emergency supply kit with essential documents and materials for taking care of yourself after a storm damages your home.
• Avoid using candles. While inexpensive, candles are open flames that can start fires. And in a disaster, response agencies are already overloaded.
• Be sure not to forget about caring for pets after a disaster has occurred.