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 Storm
Survival
Center
Here's what to do - and what not to do - first:
- Stop, don't move. Take a good look around. There are all sorts of hazards around. Don't get hurt.
- Check your family and neighbors. Treat injuries with your first-aid kit. Try to call for help if injuries are beyond your expertise to treat.
- Call police or utility companies immediately to report any sparking or downed power lines. Stay away from trees touching power lines. Stay out of puddles. Don't bother now to report interruption in electric, gas, water or telephone service. Report individual problems with your utility service only after neighborhood service has been restored.
- Don't touch any electrical appliances, wires or equipment unless they're in a dry area & you are standing on a dry piece of wood while wearing rubber gloves and rubber footwear. Don't turn on anything electrical, not even the main power source in your house, until you are sure the wiring is all safe. You may need an electrician to check the house.
- Don't strike matches until you're sure no gas is leaking.
- Be careful of sharp objects. Wear heavy boots and gloves when working in debris. There probably will be lots of broken glass, and possibly metal shards around.
- Don't use the water until the local water utility, through the media, says it's safe to do so. Use only bottled or disinfected water.
- Monitor the storm and government officials on radio or television. Pay attention to emergency workers.
- Notify one, out-of-town friend or family member that you are safe, and ask that person to tell everyone else. Otherwise, stay off the phone; it's needed for emergency workers.
- Make temporary repairs necessary to stop further losses from the elements or looters. Keep any receipts.
- Be aware that walls and ceilings may have been weakened and could fall at any time.
- After determining that the house is structurally sound, open all windows to air out the house.
- Do an inventory of your supplies. How much food is left? How much water? How much more will you need in the next week?
- Check food for spoilage. Don't open the freezer, refrigerator or ice chest often.
- Find insurance documents and other important papers.
- Find the closest place to get relief or help.
- Beware of snakes, insects and frightened animals that may take up lodging in your place.
- Avoid driving. Roads may be littered with tire-damaging nails. Traffic lights may not be working and signs may be blown down, increasing the risk of accidents.
- When putting up a TV antenna, make sure it doesn't touch power lines.
- Don't overexert yourself.
- Obey all curfews.
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Last Revised: November 01, 2006 01:12 PM. |
