Checklists
After the Storm


  Checklists: Before the Storm, During the Storm, After the Storm
Many hurricane-related deaths result from accidents after the storm.
Among the dangers: fires from candles and gas canisters, carbon monoxide poisoning from generators, traumatic injuries from power tools, nails, chain saws and heat-related injuries from no air conditioning. Take these precautions:

Inside the home
Open all doors and windows so noxious smells and gases can escape.
Check for gas leaks.
Don't call police, emergency or utility officials unless you have a life-threatening emergency.
If you must call loved ones, be brief to keep lines free.
Use cellphones sparingly. They may be the only working phones, and a limited number of cells will be operating.
Expect to redial several times before completing a cell call. If you find regular phone service is unsatisfactory, try your cellphone's text messaging or walkie-talkie features.

In the region
If you stayed outside your neighborhood, do not return to it until you get the all-clear. Roads may be blocked.
You might have to show proof of residency, such as a driver license or insurance documents, before being allowed back in.
Law enforcement agencies likely will impose curfews; hours and extent to depend on damage. Anyone out would be subject to arrest.
Driving will be treacherous. Traffic lights likely will be out and streets will be filled with debris and downed power lines. When traffic lights are dark, intersections become four-way stops.
If flooding occurs, try calling local government or drainage districts before calling the water management district.
Don’t go to the coast or barrier islands until you get word that it’s safe to do so.

In the neighborhood
Do not leave your home or shelter until emergency officials tell you it's safe.
If your home is open to the elements or you fear it will collapse, get out. Secure it as best you can, get as many valuables out as possible and find another place to stay.
DON'T TOUCH POWER LINES. Watch for downed lines. Consider every power line energized. Call 911 or FPL at (800) 4-OUTAGE to report fallen power lines that present a clear danger to you or others. Do not attempt to touch any electrical power lines and keep your family away from them.
Watch your step. The area could be covered with broken glass and other debris.
Puddles may conceal dangerous debris or live power lines or contain sewage or chemicals.
Watch for insects, snakes and other animals - including alligators - driven out by high water.
If your neighborhood floods during the storm, listen to the radio for instructions.
Watch and listen for reports of storm-spawned tornadoes.
Be careful about letting your pet outdoors. Landmarks and scents might be gone, and your pet might get lost. It might also be attacked by animals let loose by the storm.

Insurance Tips
Don't call the Federal Emergency Management Agency unless the president declares a state of emergency.
After the storm, contact your insurance agency or look for news reports letting you know where to find your insurance company. Some will set up tents in the area to process claims.
   

Living without Electricity
Fumes
Don't smoke indoors until everything has dried.
Never use a charcoal grill inside the home.
Electrical
Don't use candles.
Do not touch an electrical appliance, wiring or tools while standing in water.
Do not use electrical appliances until they're dry. Replace any gas control valves, electric circuit breakers, ground-fault interrupters and fuses that have been in water.
When you put up satellite dishes or antennas, watch for power lines.
Be careful walking around your home. Loose electrical wires, ceilings and beams might fall.
Communications
Leave a phone number where you can be reached. Spray-paint it on wood or side of house. Also paint address and insurance company for adjusters cruising neighborhoods.
Print out important phone numbers, lists or information stored on computer.
Cleanup/Repairs
Assessing damage requires rubber gloves or work gloves, hammer, screwdriver, pen or pencil and paper.
Make only temporary repairs. Take photographs of the damage before any repairs.
Hose off wet upholstered furniture to remove dirt.
If plaster or plasterboard walls are wet, do not rub them. Let them dry, then brush off dirt and wash walls with a mild soap solution.
The toilet may back up. If necessary, use water from the bathtub to flush the toilet. Pour some bleach in the bowl after each use.
If water remains in your house, try to rent or borrow a pump or bail by hand. Then shovel out mud, sand or silt. Disinfect floors.
Wipe iron and steel furniture with a kerosene-soaked cloth to ward off rust.
Don't throw out damaged papers or art. Professionals might be able to restore them.
Soaked books also can be saved. Dry in an upright position with the pages spread open. Then dust with cornstarch and stack to prevent wrinkled pages.
Clean your pool and lower it to its proper level. Call gas company or a pool company to reattach gas line to heater. Don't reconnect electrical equipment until debris is removed and power restored. If pool area is dry, start pump. When draining pool, remove cartridge filter or bypass filter system. Super-chlorinate. Make sure timers are reset. Balance chemicals.
If your boat is in your yard, inspect it and document damage for insurance. Repair what you can. Pump water out. Check the fuel and electrical systems for damage.



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