Keep yourself and your family safe with these quick and easy steps after a hurricane has made landfall. Immediately after a hurricane: - Watch for downed power lines outside your home.
- Keep your utility companies’ phone lines open by only calling to report an emergency, such as a downed power line.
- Contact your insurance company to determine the extent of coverage and what records, photos, or examples may be needed.
If your home has been flooded: - Use battery-powered flashlights when examining homes or buildings. Battery-powered lighting is the safest and easiest power source when water is around.
- Pay close attention to potential fire hazards. There may be broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces or electrical appliances. Fire is the most common hazard following floods.
- Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician for advice before doing so.
- Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service. Replacing equipment and wiring damaged by flooding is always the best option as these devices can fail prematurely causing fire or shock hazards
- A working knowledge of electrical systems and the equipment in question is needed to evaluate damage due to contact with water. Contact the original product manufacturer if questions arise or recommendations are needed.
- In many cases of water damage, replacement may be necessary. However, some larger electrical appliances and equipment may be able to be reconditioned by properly trained personnel.
|
