Red Cross Offers Post-Hurricane Safety Tips

RETURNING TO YOUR HOME AFTER THE STORM
Safety Information from the Red Cross

Concord, NH, Sunday, August 28, 2011

As Tropical Strom Irene moves out of New Hampshire, people are starting to return to their homes, cleaning up debris and checking for flooding and wind damage.  offers important information to keep residents safe as they clean up after the storm and get their lives back in order.

First, follow the advice of local authorities in making sure it is safe to return your neighborhood or home. Have a map to help you re-route in case there is heavy traffic or impassable roads. Take with you an emergency kit of supplies in case utilities are still out, including flashlights, batteries, bottled water, a crank or battery-powered radio, and non-perishable foods. Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots. If possible, leave children and pets with a relative or friend. If not, keep them away from hazards and floodwater.

Before entering your home, look outside for damaged power lines, gas lines, foundation cracks and other exterior damage. It may be too dangerous to enter the home. If you find downed wires or power lines, do not touch them and immediately contact your utility company. If you smell natural gas or propane, or hear a hissing noise, leave the area immediately and contact the fire department.

If your home was flooded, assume it is contaminated with mold. Mold increases health risks for those with asthma, allergies or other breathing conditions. If the house was closed more than 48 hours, open doors and windows and let it air it out before staying inside for any length of time.

Turn the main electrical power and water systems off until you or a professional can ensure that they are safe. Check the ceiling and floor for signs of sagging. Water may be trapped in the ceiling or floors may be unsafe to walk on.

Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood waters and mud, including canned goods and containers with food or liquid that have been sealed shut. Throw out items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected (mattresses, carpeting, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys). Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters. When in doubt, throw it out.

Some cleaning solutions can cause toxic fumes and other hazards if mixed together. If you smell a strong odor or your eyes water from the fumes or mixed chemicals, open a window and get out of your home.

Caution: carbon monoxide kills. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate the unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

Use generators safely. If you need a generator, first get advice from a professional, such as an electrician. Make sure that the generator you purchase is rated for the power that you think you will need. When using a portable generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a portable generator to a home's electrical system.

Remember that recovery takes time. There will be time in the days ahead to complete the cleanup process. Focus on the positive and have patience. Others will have similar frustrations. Return to as many personal and family routines as possible.

Even though New Hampshire was not hit as hard by this storm as some East Coast states south of us, the American Red Cross mobilized a major disaster relief operation in the State, opened and staffing four shelters, and provided meals for shelter residents. The disaster teams will continue their work this week, assessing damage throughout the affected areas and responding to the needs of New Hampshire families and communities.

You can help others. If you would like to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief, please click, text or call to donate. Your gift brings hope to those in need. It enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.

Visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to the American Red Cross in New Hampshire at P.O. Box 2528, Concord, NH 03302.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Red Cross services are provided to all communities in New Hampshire. For more information about the American Red Cross or the services in your community, please visit www.nhredcross.org or call the NH office at 1-800-464-6692.