WHAT TO DO

AFTER THE STORM

* Stay tuned to local radio for information.

* Help injured or trapped persons.

* Give first aid where appropriate.

* Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

* Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.

* Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police, or fire department.

* Enter your home with caution. Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.

* Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.

* Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.

* Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents for insurance claims.

* Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.

* Use telephone only for emergency calls.

* Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.

* 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. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

* Check for sewage and water lines damage.

DURING A FLOOD

* Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.

* Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.

* If local authorities instruct you to do so, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.

* If told to evacuate your home, do so immediately.

* If the waters start to rise inside your house before you have evacuated, retreat to the second floor, the attic, and if necessary, the roof.

* Floodwaters may carry raw sewage, chemical waste and other disease-spreading substances. If you’ve come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.

* Avoid walking through floodwaters. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

* Don’t drive through a flooded area. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. A car can be carried away by just 2 feet of flood water.

* Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.

* Look out for animals — especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods, too. (Source: FEMA)