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.