The aftermath of a severe storm also poses dangers. Never leave your storm shelter until the official "all clear" is given, or when it's obvious the danger has passed.
Make sure the people around you are safe.
Check for injuries and call for help. Do not move a seriously injured person unless there's danger of further injury in that person's location.
When
outside, take these precautions:
Watch for broken glass, gas leaks and downed power lines.
Stay out of damaged buildings. You could be injured by collapsing walls, ceilings or roofs.
Enter
your home cautiously.
Be sure that walls, ceiling and roof are in place. Don't enter if the home is too badly damaged.
If you can't perform emergency repairs safely, seek help from your insurance company or a professional repair service.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, open a window and quickly exit your home. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.
If you're properly prepared for a storm, you can
react from practice, not panic. You can also greatly increase your chances
for weathering the storm safely. Remember, if you're insured by Foremost,
you can file a claim by calling 1-800-752-2461,
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The aftermath of a severe storm also poses dangers. Never leave your storm shelter until the official "all clear" is given, or when it's obvious the danger has passed.