Tips To Stay Safe and Prepared During Hurricane Irene

With Hurricane Irene approaching, make sure you’re prepared with our safety tips and up-to-date on how to use Patch throughout the storm. Here are ten tips for keeping in touch:

1. Stay informed on everything Danvers. 

• We’ll be posting updates, information about emergency situations in town, and more, throughout the storm. Connect with our Facebook and Twitter pages, and if power is lost, make sure beforehand that you’ve charged your cell phone and have installed our Patch App. If you have any information or news tips, e-mail molly.buccini@patch.com

2.  Use caution when using cooking appliances.

• Do not use a charcoal or propane grill, hibachi or camping stove inside of your home. This could pose a carbon monoxide or an explosion hazard.

3. Use generators outdoors only.

• Generators and other fuel-powered machines should be used outside the home and not near any openings such as windows or doors. Carbon monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors. 

4. Remember water and electricity do not mix! 

• Watch for downed wires. All downed wires should be considered “live” and can severely injure you. Be sure to explain this to children.

5. Do not venture into a flooded basement.

• If the outlets or fuse box in the basement are under water it could electrically charge the water and electrocute you. Flooded water may contain untreated sewage and cause serious health problems. If you fill the bathtub with water just in case, be sure to keep all electrical appliances at a safe distance.

6. Give your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fresh batteries.

• Working smoke and CO alarms can double your family’s chances of surviving a disaster and avoiding a tragedy. Make sure your smoke and CO alarms have fresh batteries.

7. Use flashlights and battery-operated candles if the power goes out.

• Candle fires have turned deadly during power outages when smoke alarms also may not work. Make sure to have plenty of extra batteries in case of prolonged power outages.

8. Gas Safety.

• Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak (it smells like rotten eggs) leave the house immediately, leaving the door open. Call the fire department from your cell phone or a neighbor’s house. Never strike a match. Any size flame or spark can cause an explosion.

9. Calling for help.

• Charge up your cell phone battery in advance. Fire alarm boxes may not work if the power is out. Do not be afraid to call for help in an emergency or if you think you may be in trouble.

10. Flooding Safety.

• If you live near the coast or in an area prone to flooding, be prepared to move to a safer location if necessary. Be alert to your local fire, police or emergency management departments for evacuation warnings. A battery powered radio and spare batteries are important to get information about the changing events during and after a hurricane.

This tips were supplied by the Massachusetts State Fire Marshall

Share and Enjoy