Reference

Hurricane Preparedness - Assess And Report Damage

(CBS) After the hurricane has passed, keep listening to emergency radio to get official instructions and additional information. Authorities will let you know when it's safe to go home - do not return until you've been told to do so.

Even after the hurricane has weakened, additional storms and floods may pass through your area. Stay alert until an all-clear has been issued.

Keep clear of floodwaters, which can run swift enough to sweep people, cars and property away. Even what appear to be shallow streams of water can be dangerous - the water could be contaminated or electrified due to downed powerlines.

If there's water in or around your building, do not enter it. Call the power company if you see cut or downed power lines. Also contact your insurance agent.

If you are able to go into the building, wear sturdy, waterproof shoes and gloves and enter carefully, as the hurricane or flood waters can leave debris and unseen damage to the foundation.

Use battery-powered flashlights, and do not turn on electrical equipment as you look around. Check for signs that the building may be in danger of collapsing: cracks in the floor, walls or ceiling, or damage to doors, windows, stairs or the foundation. If the hurricane has damaged the foundation, your home may be uninhabitable.

Once you've established that your home is structurally sound, check for gas leaks, damage to the electrical system, sewer and water lines; and potential fire hazards, such as submerged electrical appliances or sparking wires. Only turn off electrical power at the fuse box or circuit breaker if there is no standing water around it. If there is water, call an electrician or the power company for advice.

If the sewer lines are damaged or broken, call a plumber and do not use the toilet.

If the water pipes are damaged or broken, call the utility company and do not use faucets - find an alternative source of safe, drinkable water. If there is none, as a last resort you can boil the water according to instructions from the Red Cross below. Note: Boiling water does not kill all organisms that could cause illness.

1. Filter the water using a piece of cloth or coffee filter to remove solid particles.



2. Bring it to a rolling boil for about one full minute.



3. Let it cool at least 30 minutes. Water must be cool or the chlorine treatment described below will be useless.



4. Add 16 drop of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water, or 8 drops per 2-liter bottle of water. Stir to mix. Sodium hypochlorite of the concentration of 5.25% to 6% should be the only active ingredient in the bleach. There should not be any added soap or fragrances. A major bleach manufacturer has also added Sodium Hydroxide as an active ingredient, which they state does not pose a health risk for water treatment.



5. Let stand 30 minutes.



6. If it smells of chlorine. You can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, add 16 more drop of chlorine bleach per gallon of water (or 8 drops per 2-liter bottle of water), let stand 30 minutes, and smell it again. If it smells of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.

Additional information on food and water safety can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.

The CDC recommends cleanup and drying out your home within 24 to 48 hours of returning to prevent mold from growth. If there is mold already, put on gloves and scrub surfaces with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Let the surfaces dry - open doors and windows and use fans to speed drying.

If you need to file an insurance claim, be sure to do so early. Consult your insurance agent for further details.

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