After the Storm
The hours and days immediately following a hurricane or flood can be especially dangerous due a number of reasons. Hidden debris in floodwaters, no electricity, and structural damage due to winds can pose safety risks to people as they begin to return home. Always follow the recommendations of local officials. Below are general
General Precautions and Recommendations
- Return to your home during daylight hours.
- Before entering your home, check for any structural hazards that might make it unsafe to go in the house. Enter your home with caution. If you can go inside, open all the doors and windows to increase ventilation.
- Fire is a risk following a storm, often caused by the use of candles. Use battery-operated flashlights and lanterns instead of candles, though be careful of having batteries come into contact with water.
- Electrical power should be shut off until it's determined there is no risk of fire, explosion or electrocution. If you smell something burning when the electricity is turned on but can find no visible source of fire or smoke, immediately turn off the electricity at the main breaker.
- All appliances and other equipment and lighting must be completely dry before using them. Even if you are able to turn on the power, do not plug in any item which is not completely dry.
- Use generators or gas pumps in well-ventilated areas. They can generate deadly carbon monoxide gas. Don't plug generators into house outlets; plug appliances directly into the generator.
- Contact your utility company before connecting an electric generator to your home's electrical system. This is almost always against the law and prohibited by fire code unless you have approved automatic interrupt devices.
- Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. If using a generator, be extra aware of your carbon monoxide detector.
- If you boarded your windows and doors before you left home, be careful of nails and broken glass when you remove the boards.
- Avoid wading in water since there may be broken glass, nails, or other objects in the water along with chemicals and sewage.
- Don't use lithium-ion battery vehicles or equipment that have been under water until they are checked out by an expert (mechanic or electrician). These batteries contain flammable chemicals that can ignite and cause an extremely hot fire when damaged.
Precautions to Take When…
Smelling Gas:
- If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main valve, open all windows, and get out of the house immediately.
- Don't turn on the electricity, light matches, smoke, or do anything that could cause a spark.
- Immediately notify the gas company as well as your local fire and police departments.
- Do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so.
Handling Electrical Damage:
- If you see frayed wiring or sparks when you restore power, or if there is an odor of something burning but no visible fire, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker.
- You should follow the instruction provided by your utility company or emergency preparedness agency about using electrical equipment, including power generators. Be aware that it is against the law and a violation of electrical codes to connect generators to your home's electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices.
- Make sure all electrical equipment and appliances are completely dry before returning them to service. It is advisable to have a certified electrician check these items if there is any question.
- Don't use lithium-ion battery vehicles or equipment that have been under water until they are checked out by an expert (mechanic or electrician). These batteries contain flammable chemicals that can ignite and cause an extremely hot fire when damaged.
Possible Impacts to Septic Systems
The large amount of rain and flooding that occurs with a hurricane may cause some problems with septic systems. The problems you might experience include slow-draining toilets and sinks or wastewater bubbling up from the ground. Follow these steps to help limit any potential problems:
- Limit the use of water.
- Do laundry at the laundromat.
- Don't flush the toilet every time it's used.
- Wash dishes by hand.
- Don't park on or drive over the septic tank or field area.
- Limit walking or playing in that area.
- If water is bubbling up from the ground, don't let children play in that area.
- If sewage is backing up into the house, use gloves and wear rubber boots and clean with a disinfectant such as diluted bleach.
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