Safety tips for returning home
Print
Email
Save
Reprints
Twitter
Share
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
As eager as you may be to go back, returning home directly after a hurricane can be just as dangerous as sticking around during the storm. Here are some recommendations:
- Return home only after authorities advise it is safe.
- Avoid loose or dangling power lines. Report them immediately to the local power company or to the police or fire department.
- Enter your home with caution. Beware of snakes, insects and animals driven to higher ground by floodwaters.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
- Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.
- Photograph damage to your home and its contents for insurance claims.
- Check for gas leaks: Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
- Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
- Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.
- Look for electrical-system damage. Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable-V feeds.
- Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs and plugs.
- Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life-safety hazard.
- Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
- Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.
- Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage-line damage, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber.
- If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap.
- Obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
Click "Report Abuse" to notify our moderators that a comment may contain objectionable content.
Your comment appears to contain objectionable content and must be reviewed by a site moderator. If your comment is deemed objectionable, it will not appear on the site.
 | ||||
| Most Popular | Most Emailed | Hot Topics | ||
