Hurricane Recovery Tips and Safety Guide
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Houston ChronicleHurricane Recovery Tips and Safety Guide
Uploaded by
Houston Chroniclechron.
com |
Hurricane preparation guide
After the storm
Tips for recovering quickly from a hurricane
Stay tuned to radio for information. Help injured or trapped people; give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help. Return home only after authorities say that it is safe. Have valid identification; you might need proof of residency to return home. Stay at home and avoid sightseeing, which can interfere with officials doing rescue and recovery work. Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the electric company, police or fire department. Enter your home with caution. Beware of snakes, insects and animals driven to higher ground by floodwater. Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home. Take pictures of the damage for insurance claims. Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Be careful with fires, especially if gas leaks might be present. Avoid using candles, which might cause fires. Use a flashlight. Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the electricity fails, turn off or disconnect all power-driven appliances and fixtures to avoid damage from surges when electricity is restored. Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid water from the tap.