Downed power lines, standing water, damaged buildings--hurricanes continue to be dangerous well after the last rain band has moved on.
Now that Hurricane Irma blows through, there will be a new set of hazards to watch for. Here are some ideas of what not to do from the American Red Cross, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes and the Everglades Foundation:
- Don't use a generator indoors, even in garages or crawlspaces. Generators release carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless, tasteless and deadly.
- Don't use matches until gas lines have been checked for leaks. The risk of a fire could be high. Instead, use a flashlight.
- Don't walk around after the storm. Fallen wires, floods and debris could still cause damage. Wait until officials give the all clear.
- Avoid using tap water for drinking and cooking. Wait until official confirm it's not contaminated.
- Don't drive through moving water. Six inches of flowing water can cause a car to float.
- Don't touch metal fences after the storm. It made be touching downed power lines.
- Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them to the power company.
- If your area is experiencing flooding, wear knee-high rubber boots to protect against electric shocks.
- Try not to touch contaminated water with your face or hands. More than six hours of exposure could lead to infection.
- Avoid standing water since it may be charged by downed power lines.
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