Be prepared for the 2004 Hurricane Season

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• You may or may not have been ready for the storm, but are you ready for the aftermath? If your home is damaged, if the power is out, if trees are down, or the streets in your neighborhood are flooded, here's some advice:
  
• Wait for the all-clear from authorities before returning to your neighborhood if you were evacuated.
  
• If you use a generator, operate it outside and connect appliances to it, rather than wiring it to your breaker box or fuse box, which could cause a dangerous backfeed.
  
• Don't go outside barefoot or in flip-flops. Yards and streets may be full of broken glass, nails, sharp debris and other material that will puncture your feet. Wear hard-soled, closed toe shoes.
  
• The same goes for the kids: no bare feet. A storm-ravaged area is not a playground. Don't let kids climb on fallen trees, splash in flooded areas or enter damaged homes.
  
• Don't stand in pools of water.
  
• Keep pets inside or on a short leash outside. They can easily become disoriented in flooded areas. Snakes and wild animals my seek shelter in your yard from floodwater or wind. Fences that kept pets in the yard may no longer be secure.
  
• If you see downed power, cable or phone lines, treat them as if they were energized and dangerous. Stay at least 20 feet away. Progress energy recommends, and call the utility company to report the downed lines.
  
• Metal fences, ponds or standing water may be energized by lines touching them. Debris may hide fallen lines. Even the ground can be energized near fallen lines.
• If the power is out, think twice before you light candles inside. They're a fire hazard. Battery-powered lamps and camping lanterns are a safer choice.
  
• If you must cook on a grill, do so outside, never in the house or garage. Never burn charcoal inside. It can generate carbon monoxide.
  
• If the power is out, turn off the power at the main and unplug your appliances. If every appliance is plugged in when power comes back on, the power surge is enormous, and appliances may be damaged. The demand for power puts burden on an already struggling utility. A freezer will keep items frozen for about 48 hours. Keep the freezer doors closed.
  
• Resist the temptation to drive around looking at storm damage. If you must go out, drive with care. Streets may be flooded. Broken glass, nails and other debris can puncture tires.
  
• Don't inspect your home at night. Wait until daylight. If your home looks unsafe, it probably is. Enter carefully.
  
• Don't be victimized by strangers who show up with a chain saw offering to help clear your damaged property or repair your roof or windows. If you sustained major damage, your insurance company will want to have the damage appraised and the work authorized. With that in mind, take pictures before work is done. Make temporary repairs to avoid further damage, and keep receipts for your insurance claim.
  
• Although it's tempting to hire the first worker who shows up at your door, exercise the caution you would under normal circumstances. Seek referrals from family and friends. Ask contractors for references. Make sure they are licensed and bonded, and have current workers' compensation insurance. Check with your local building department and county construction licensing board.
  
• Don't pay in cash, and don't pay in full before the work begins.
  
• Get a written contract, and make sure it covers everything you expect.
  
• The contractor should pull the permits and arrange for inspections.

• If using a portable generator during power outages, please be aware of the potential dangers if used improperly. Be cautious! Make absolutely certain you follow the directions.
  
• Use drop cords to connect appliances to portable generators. Do not connect generators to the directly to the electrical system of your home. The electricity you generate can back feed through the electrical system causing deadly voltages to PWC utility lineman or the general public.
  
• Be sure to operate in a dry, open, well-ventilated area and make sure your hands are dry.
  
• Never exceed the rated capacity of your generator; overloading can cause serious damage to the generator or appliances.
  
• Be sure your generator is properly grounded, if not a generator may become electrically charged and cause electrocution.
  

• Never empty your pool. It could experience structural problems and even pop out of the ground.
  
• If your pool is properly equipped with adequate drains and skimmers and the surrounding area is properly drained, the water level probably can be left as is.
  
• Add extra chlorine to prevent contamination.
  
• If the water supply fails, the pool can be a handy source of water for washing or flushing toilets.
  
• If you can’t store patio chairs, tables and pool equipment inside, put them in the pool.

• In a full freezer, food will stay frozen for about two days. In a half-full freezer, food will stay frozen for about one day.
  
• Perishable foods in the refrigerator that have been kept above 40 degrees for more than two hours should be thrown out.
  
• Cover the freezer with blankets, but be sure to keep the air vent uncovered. Food will stay cold four to six hours.

• Two important things to have on hand are a corded landline phone and a car charger for your cell phone.
  
• A power outage won’t directly affect landline phone service, but it will knock out electrically powered cordless phones.
  
• Similarly, cell towers are less vulnerable to storm winds than utility poles. But a power outage will make it impossible to keep your cell phone charged without extra, charged batteries, or a car charger.
  
• If you run into network congestion on your cell phone, try sending a text message, which requires less bandwith and has a better chance of getting through.

• Shut off power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box BEFORE water enters your home.
  
• Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands or while standing on a wet or damp surface.
  
• Steer clear of all downed power lines and anything in contact with a downed line. A downed wire doesn’t have to snap or spark to be dangerous.
  
• Don’t drive over a downed power line. Don’t get out of your car anywhere near a downed power line, because water on the ground can conduct electricity.

• To purify water, add quarter-teaspoon of unscented liquid chlorine laundry bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. Boiling water for 10 minutes is the best purification.
  
• For drinking, before the storm arrives freeze as much water as you can in any container you can find. Store 1 gallon of water per person per day. A three-day supply of water (3 gallons) should be stored for each family member.
  
• For washing and flushing, store water in bathtub or sinks. Sponge the tub with a solution of liquid bleach and water. Use a shower curtain to cover the drain or caulk the drain.

• Don’t start it. Wait to have it towed to a mechanic.
  
• If it was built after the late 1980’s, the mechanic should check out the engine management system, the computer black box that controls most functions.
  
• The exhaust system and brakes may need attention. If water entered the brake fluid system, the brakes could fail. The oil pan is the lowest part of the engine, and water may have seeped into it; change the oil and filter.
  
• If water got into the interior, remove all carpeting and let it dry thoroughly. Leaving damp carpet inside could lead to rust problems years down the road. Most car insurance covers flood damage. If the water reaches the dashboard, your insurance company probably will declare the car a total loss.

• Wet upholstered furniture resting on carpet should be elevated or moved to a covered patio or carport to dry.
  
• If upholstery was soaked, rent a machine to extract the water.
  
• Wet draperies and area rugs should be taken outdoors to dry.
  
• Soaked wall-to-wall carpeting should be lifted up and the padding removed; it acts like a sponge. Get rid of the padding and rent a special vacuum to extract water from the carpet.

• If you evacuate, take insurance papers and your adjuster’s phone number with you. Write down the name, address and claims-reporting telephone number of the insurance company.
  
• Make emergency repairs, document the damage and repairs in writing, with receipts and with photos.
  
• Immediately report damage to your insurance company.

• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
  
• Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days (non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking tools / fuel, paper plates / plastic utensils)
  
• Blankets / Pillows, etc.
  
• Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
  
• First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
  
• Special Items - for babies and the elderly
  
• Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
  
• Flashlight / Batteries
  
• Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
  
• Cash - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.
  
• Keys
  
• Toys, Books and Games
  
• Important documents - in a waterproof container (insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.)
  
• Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
  
• Vehicle fuel tanks filled
  
• Pet care items (proper identification / immunization records / medications, ample supply of food and water, a carrier or cage, muzzle and leash)

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Storing Water for Emergencies

Disaster can strike at any time and in any community. PWC takes extraordinary measures to protect both the availability and quality of your water supply. Although no amount of preparation can prevent a disaster, effective planning can limit its effects. One of the most important supplies to have on hand in the event of a disaster is safe drinking water.

How much water should I have on hand?

• One gallon of water per person per day.
  
• Store enough water for at least three days.
  
• Store more water in hot temperatures and for strenuous activities.
  
• People with special needs such as nursing mothers, young children, and family members with illnesses also require more water.
  
• If you have advance warning of a disaster or other possible disruption of your water supply, fill bathtubs, sinks, and all available containers with water to supplement the water you have stored.
  
• If you are caught unprepared, the drain on your hot water heater can supply you with a good amount of water in an emergency.

How long can I store tap water safely?

• As long as disinfected tap water is stored in a clean, airtight container and in a cool location, the water should remain safe indefinitely.
  
• Change your emergency water supple at least every six months to ensure freshness.
  
• Store the water in quality plastic containers instead of glass to minimize breakage. Avoid using paper containers such as milk cartons.
  
• Make sure the container has been washed well with a non-toxic soap and rinsed well before filling.
  
• Do not use containers that once contained chemicals or toxic material.

What is a Boil Water Order?
Public health officials issue a Boil Water Order when there is a concern that a disaster or other event has the potential to contaminate the water supply.

• Boiling your water is an effective way to ensure that your water is safe to drink.
  
• Make sure that any water used for drinking is boiled for at least three minutes to make sure that the water is safe.
  
• If you still have power, refrigerate the water after boiling.
  
• The Boil Water Order will be lifted when the water is safe to drink. Listen to your local news for status and updates.
  

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Flash Floods

A flash flood occurs when a body of water overflows its banks with little or no warning. Flash flooding usually occurs when a thunderstorm stalls over an area quickly filling up creeks, rivers, and lakes. Flash floods can also happen where there is a dam break or there has been heavy rain from a hurricane.

Flash floods can happen up to six hours after a storm or other event takes place. Flash floods are very dangerous. They have enough power to demolish buildings and bridges and to move boulders.

Be Prepared

• If you live or work in an area prone to flooding have the following ready.
  
• Purchase flood insurance.
  
• Plan on where to gather and/or call family and coworkers.
  
• Plan what to do with pets. Shelters will not accept pets.
  
• Plan where to move cars, motor homes, campers, trailers, ATVs, equipment, and livestock.
  
• Prepare a disaster supply kit.

During a Storm - When a flash flood alert has been issued:

• Never attempt to cross water by vehicle or on foot. Waters can rise as high as 10 feet in a matter of seconds. Also there may be hidden debris that could cause injury or damage.
  
• If you get trapped in a building, home, or car get out as fast as possible and get to higher ground.
  
• If you have to be evacuated bring your disaster kit, and a cell phone and charger.
  
• Be especially careful at night, when it's harder to see flood dangers.

After a Flood

• Check with local authorities to make sure it is safe to go back.
  
• Report any broken utility lines to PWC.
  
• Take photographs and videos as soon as possible.
  
• Have well water tested. Boil or use bottled water until this is done.
  
• If you have to make repairs or clean up, wear a mask so as not to inhale mold spores and sturdy shoes to protect the feet.
  
• Always throw away any items that have been touched by the floodwater.
  
• Be aware of scam artists who overcharge or ask to be prepaid for services. Contact your local Better Business Bureau.
  
• Think about floodproofing your home. Your county Cooperative Extension or state FEMA office can help.
  
• Cleaning up after a storm is a stressful time for you and your family. Find ways to relieve stress
  
• Help your neighbors. Offer to give them a ride, run an errand, or to help clean up.
  

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