When a storm approaches, keeping you and your family safe is the highest priority. Yet, many accidents happen after a storm has passed. Remember to always use caution, and follow county directives.
In this three-part blog series, we will focus on key areas for keeping healthy after a storm: safety, re-entering your home, and avoiding fraud.
The following items share the basics of how to stay safe by staying aware and on top of personal health needs.
Safety Basics
- Be Patient!
- Stay tuned to your local media for the most current emergency information.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid downed or dangling power lines.
- Supervise your children.
- Avoid using candles. Use battery-operated lanterns and flashlights.
- Avoid driving, as road debris can puncture tires. If you do drive, treat any intersection with inoperable traffic signals as a four-way stop.
- If going outdoors, wear appropriate safety equipment, such as heavy boots, long-sleeved shirts, pants, hat and sunscreen.
- Do not wade in flood waters.
- Be aware that snakes, insects, alligators and other wildlife displaced by the storm will seek high ground.
- Keep your pets on a leash while outside.
- If possible, hire professionals to remove large, downed trees or limbs. Use extreme caution if using a chainsaw.
Food Safety
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. If the temperature rises above 41 degrees Fahrenheit, discard the food.
- A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours if it remains closed and approximately 24 hours if it is half full and remains closed.
- If food is not sealed and comes into contact with flood water, discard the food.
- When in doubt throw it out.
In the next post, we will cover re-entering your home.
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