Please note the following suggestions on staying safe during a hurricane event:
Floodwaters:
Floodwaters should be avoided – both driving and walking through them, especially on highways and roads. They could be mixed with sewage or other dangerous contaminants or covering other dangers such as exposed electrical wires or sharp objects.
Neighbors:
Neighbors and friends should be checked on safely, by giving them a call rather than paying them a visit.
Generator Safety:
- If misused, a generator can be deadly. Portable generators should be kept outdoors, more than 20 feet away from the home, and away from windows, doors and air vents. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless gas that kills without warning.
- Appliances should be plugged directly into a generator or a heavy duty outdoor extension cord could be used. The entire cord should be free of cuts or tears and have all three prongs, with a grounding pin. A generator should never be plugged into a wall outlet.
- It is important to keep a generator dry.
Dealing with disasters:
Dealing with disasters can cause stress and strong emotions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is natural to feel anxiety, grief and worry. Coping with these feelings and getting help when needed will help a family and community recover. The Keep Calm hotline offers trained, compassionate counselors who can offer support and direction to mental health and substance abuse counseling services. Call 1-866-310-7977.