Storm Prep
Tips you and your family should practice to stay safe before, during, and after the storm.
HURRICANE TIPS
- Make sure flashlights, battery-powered lanterns and other sources of light are readily available and batteries are fresh.
- Have an adequate supply of medicine, first aid supplies and baby items.
- keep at least a two weeks supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, batteries and firewood on hand.
- Make sure to get prescriptions refilled in case of an extended power outage or extensive damage to the area.
- Have identification and documentation on hand, such as social security card, driver's license, birth certificate, and insurance information - home, car, and life.
- Have an evacuation plan for your family in case of an extended power outage.
- Listen to weather forecasts and predictions for possible hurricanes.
- Stay inside and away from windows.
- Don't leave candles unattended and keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.
- Don't open freezers and refrigerators any more than absolutely necessary.
- Turn off heating and air conditioning systems, as well as the electric range.
- Unplug sensitive electronics such as TVs, DVD players and computers - this will protect your appliances against power fluctuations that can occur when power is restored.
- After power is restored, be sure to wait five to ten minutes before turning on appliances and heating systems.
- If power lines and poles are down in your yard or in the street, always treat them as if they are energized and dangerous. Never touch them and stay away. Make sure to call Easton Utilities.
- Debris from the storm can hide power lines that have fallen. Fallen trees that contain energized power lines can electrocute any item it comes in contact with, such as a metal fence, a pond or standing water. Even the ground can be energized near fallen power lines.
For more information visit the National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov.
WINTER STORM TIPS
- Create an emergency kit with a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, blankets, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water and non- perishable food (be careful with matches and candles).
- Keep gas meter and appliance vents clear of snow and ice. If your meter or regulator - a small, circular device with a vent - freezes or is covered with snow or ice, the equipment may not operate properly. This could present a condition that temporarily stops the flow of natural gas or creates a potential safety hazard. Use your hands, a brush or broom to clear the snow. Do not use a shovel or other hard object.
- Avoid downed power lines. A downed electrical wire is dangerous - stay away, warn others and call 911 or (410) 822-6110 immediately. Always assume a downed wire is carrying electricity, which can severely injure or kill you.
- Report outages immediately by calling (410) 822-6110.
- Stay in your vehicle if power lines fall on it, call 911 or (410) 822-6110 and wait for help. When you are in the car you are not a part of electricity's path to the ground. Wait in the car until qualified electrical workers turn the power off and tell you it is safe to leave the vehicle.
- Seal openings around and under doors and windows.
- Lower thermostat settings serving unused rooms.
- To keep pipes from freezing in a cold house, open all the faucets slightly to keep them dripping.
- Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
- If you have a shut-off valve for outside faucets, turn it off and drain it for the winter.
- Wrap outside faucets with insulation if they aren't drained.
- Disconnect garden hoses and drain in-ground irrigation systems according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Unplug appliances with solid-state electronics, so they aren't damaged by a potential surge when the power comes back on. The greater the connected load, the greater the surge when power is restored.
- Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.