Escambia County Post-Storm Safety Information

Escambia County is beginning recovery efforts including damage assessments and debris clearing following Hurricane Isaias, which made landfall near Destin, Florida on Friday, Oct. 9 as a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 105 mph. Residents should follow the safety tips below when beginning their own recovery efforts.

Generator Safety

A generator is an important tool for families looking to restore power to their homes after a natural disaster. It can keep the lights and fans running and power essential appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, stoves, air conditioners, washers, and dryers.

However, it’s important to know how to operate a generator safely. Follow the safety tips below when using a generator after a storm:

• Portable generators run on gas (which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning), never operate a generator indoors, whether it’s in your home, garage, basement or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly.
• Install a portable generator outside and away from your home. That’s because carbon monoxide can accumulate in the attic or extra roof space of your home. Be sure to keep the generator dry. Only operate it on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Before touching the generator, make sure your hands are dry.
• Before refilling the gas tank, turn it off and let it cool. It should not be refilled while the generator is running. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite and cause a fire. Check your oil every time you re-fuel and store any extra fuel away from any fuel-burning appliances. 

Downed Power Lines

After a natural disaster such as a hurricane, several hazards may be present on the roads. several hazards may be present on the roads including downed power lines. It’s important to treat all downed power lines as if they are still energized. Downed power lines are among the most dangerous post-disaster hazards.

Safety Tips if you Encounter a Downed Power Line:

• Assume every downed power line is energized. Never assume a power line is safe to approach.
• Stay away. Downed power lines may be hidden in debris and can cause electrocution through contact with other objects.
• Avoid areas where downed power lines are in contact with water. Water increases the risk of electrocution.
• Never drive over a downed power line. Doing so can create a hazardous situation for everyone inside the vehicle.
• If a power line falls on your vehicle, call 911 and wait for first responders.
• If you exit a vehicle that has come in contact with a power line, jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time, as this could cause electrocution. Once clear, shuffle away with your feet close together without lifting them off the ground.

Cleaning Up Safely After the Storm

Hurricane Isaias has produced a large amount of debris and caused widespread damage. Sometimes, the debris left behind by the storms can carry hidden dangers and hazards. It’s important to know the steps to protect yourself and your property.

Safe Cleanup Practices:

• Always wear gloves and work boots when cleaning or removing debris.
• Discard unsafe food.
• Open windows to provide ventilation.
• Remove wet contents including carpet, furniture and building materials.
• Do not allow children to play in or around debris piles. Check play areas for hazards.
• Do not try to move any displaced propane tanks. Get in touch with fire officials to provide them with the location of these tanks.
• Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners; mixing can produce dangerous, toxic fumes. 

For more information about safety after a storm, visit myescambia.com/beready.