Flood & Wind Safety Tips

Protect Yourself from Flooding Hazards

Flood waters often conceal hazards that are not immediately obvious—and some of them can be very dangerous. Most people are already aware that water and electricity don't mix. Rising water can increase your exposure to other kinds of hazards, too.

When the weather person is calling for stormy weather:

• Secure loose items.
• Know where your gas meter is located (outside, in the basement, etc.).

If you notice water rising outside of your home, or you are planning to evacuate your home:

• Unplug all of your electrical appliances.
• If you can do so safely, turn off the natural gas supply valve to any gas appliances.
• Establish a backup power or temporary relocation plan if someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered medical equipment.

If your home is flooding:

• Remember that pools of water may become electrically charged. Appliances in standing water may also become charged, so do not touch them after they have become surrounded by water.
• If you can do so safely, turn off air conditioners or major appliances that may have been running when the outage occurred. This will help avoid a sudden surge of power when electric service is restored. Stay away from the breaker box in a flooded basement.

If you must leave your home during a flood:

• Remember that downed power lines are dangerous and should be avoided. Stay at least 30 feet away from all downed wires and keep others from going near them as well. To report downed wires, call 911 immediately and then your electric utility to report them.
• In the event that an electric line or wire comes down on your vehicle, stay in the vehicle until professional help arrives to safely remove you from the vehicle.

After flood waters recede:

• If the natural gas service was turned off at the meter, do not try to turn it back on yourself. Call ETG at 1.800.242.5830.
• Appliances and equipment (heaters, water heaters, etc) that have been exposed to water may not operate properly and can be hazardous. Have your home and appliances inspected and make repairs before calling ETG at 1.800.242.5830 to restore your service.

Many towns or municipalities require inspection prior to restoring gas and electric services. After water has been cleared, contact your town to determine if this is a requirement.
 

Prepare Yourself for Windy Weather

Wind and powerful wind gusts can bring down trees and tree limbs and create other potentially dangerous hazards. Best plan is to have a plan.

Windy Weather Safety Tips

• Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them on the refrigerator or near every phone in your house. Program them into your cell phone too.
• Clear your yard and secure outside objects like garbage cans and patio furniture that could blow around.
• Create an Emergency Supply Kit and include:
  1. Battery-powered radio, alarm clock, flashlights and extra batteries
  2. Bottled water and nonperishable food. You can also fill containers with clean water.
  3. Hand-operated can opener
  4. First aid supplies
  5. Blankets
  6. Personal supplies including medicines, hand sanitizer and masks
• Charge your power backups, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
• Plan where and how you would evacuate and locate local shelters
• Stay away from downed wires; they should always be considered live.  Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines, and don’t go near the pole or anything touching the line. 
• Know how to open your garage door without electricity.
• Make sure your car is ready. Fill the gas tank.
• Take care of pets: Know shelter locations or an out-of-town friend or relative where you can take your pets in an evacuation. Local animal shelters may be able to offer advice on what to do with your pets if you are asked to evacuate your home.
• Review your plan with your family.
• Keep checking for storm updates.
• Stay inside if you can. Even if it looks calm, don’t go outside. Stay away from windows.