Prepare Your Home For A Natural Disaster

It’s important to prepare for a natural disaster before it happens. No matter where you live, you can be impacted by a natural disaster like a flood, heavy winds and down wires at any time. Below you will find a list provided by The American Red Cross to help you weather a storm:

Prepare

Have these items ready to go:

• Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers) – as needed
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl) - as needed
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of damage

Down Wires

What should I do if I encounter a downed power line?

If you see a downed power line, move at least 10 feet away from the line and anything touching it. You should shuffle away with small steps, if you are close and always keeping your feet together and touching the ground at all times.

What can I do to help someone who has come in contact with a downed power line?

If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. Call 911 instead and have the person remain still until emergency support arrives.

Can I use something that is not metal to try to move a downed power line myself?

Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and cause harm. You should have someone call 911 and ask for emergency help.

What should I do if I see a downed power line in the street while I am driving my car?

Do not drive over downed power lines. Avoid coming into contact with downed power lines.

What if a power line comes down onto my car or I didn’t see it until I’ve driven into it?

If you are in your car and it is in contact with the downed line, stay in your car. Tell others to stay away from your vehicle.

If you must leave your car because it’s on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time. This way you avoid being the path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffle away from the car.

Is a downed power line still dangerous if it has come down in water, like a pool or pond?

Water is a good conductor of electricity. Any amount of water, even a puddle could become energized. Be careful not to touch water or anything in contact with the water near the downed power line.

In all cases, when you find a downed power line report it immediately to protect yourself and others from getting injured.

For more informative information regarding home safety and energy saving ideas visit Discount Power at www.discountpowerinc.com