Hurricane safety tips from the Red Cross.
Our hearts go out to those on the East Coast affected by Hurricane Sandy. If you have friends or family who have been affected by the Hurricane, please share this article with them.
This article is from the Red Cross and contains helpful tips for Hurricane victims safety.
- Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates about the hurricane.
- Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
- If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
- Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
- Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
- Stay out of any building that has water around it.
- Use flashlights in the dark. Do not use candles.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you’re sure it’s not contaminated.
- Check refrigerated food for spoilage after a hurricane. If in doubt, throw it out.
- Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
- Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
- Watch your animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
- Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
- If your community has experienced a hurricane, or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website available through RedCross.org/SafeandWell to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636) to register yourself and your family.
Furthermore, flooding is a serious aftermath of a hurricane. The following are the things you and your family can do for any hurricane-related floods.
- Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
- Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
- When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
- Stay away from flood waters after a hurricane. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
- If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you’re caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgement about running water and contaminated water.- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
- Standard homeowner’s insurance usually doesn’t cover flooding. If you need more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program website at www.FloodSmart.gov.
Please feel free to share this very helpful information (via Twitter, Facebook, or email) to all of your family, relatives, friends and neighbors who may be affected by hurricane Sandy.
