Information and Resources
Q&A: Riding Out the Storm Safely
Sandy is being called a "once in a generation" storm that’s
unfortunately living up to its title. Millions are without power and may be for
some time. Others have evacuated, or will, escaping the torrential rains and
winds that have gusted up to 90 miles per hour. For those in the storm areas,
and those watching and waiting from afar, here are some important safety tips.
Q: How do I
contact someone in the affected area?
A: You can of course try calling. Many landlines will be down, but some
are operating. If you use your mobile phone, you may get a busy signal because
mobile bandwidth may be overloaded in the storm areas, or some cell towers may
be damaged. If you can’t reach someone by phone, try texting. All of the
wireless carriers are recommending people text because it has a greater chance
of getting through and will use less battery power of the person you’re trying
to reach.
If that doesn’t work and you’re trying to contact someone in the area
who may be housebound or evacuated, contact FEMA (800-621-FEMA) or the American
Red Cross (800-RED-CROSS). Both have Internet locators where people in the
storm areas can register their names to let their loved one(s) know where they
are, and if they are safe. FEMA’s site is called the National Emergency Family
Registry and Locator System.
The Red Cross has a site called “Safe and Well” that offers the same service.
Q: Once the power is out, how long will refrigerated foods last?
Refrigerated foods, once the power is off, will stay cold for about four
to six hours. To increase the time, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors
closed. If a freezer is full, the temperature will be maintained for about 48
hours. If it's half full of food, figure 24 hours.
Q: What foods should be eaten first, after power is off?
Start by eating leftovers, meat, poultry, and any foods with milk, cream,
soft cheese, or sour cream. If frozen foods still contain ice crystals, they
may still be safely cooked and eaten (or re-frozen, if power is restored). Fruits
that were frozen can be eaten if they still taste and smell good. Vegetables
that are completely thawed shouldn't be eaten, since bacteria multiply quickly.
If meat or poultry has thawed and has been warmer than 40 degrees F for two
hours, discard it. Discard melted ice cream. Some foods typically refrigerated
keep at room temperature for a few days. Among them: butter, margarine, hard
cheese, fresh fruit, and vegetables (except sprouts or fresh, sliced fruit),
fruit juice, dried fruits, or coconut. Opened jars of vinegar-based salad
dressing, jelly, relishes, taco sauce, and barbecue sauce are typically also OK
to eat. Mustard, ketchup, and olives generally keep at room temperature for a
few days, too.
Q: What about water? If we run out, what supplies can we tap?
Use ice, soft drinks, and fruit juices as water substitutes. Remember
that older adults, nursing mothers, and children need more water than others. Check
hidden sources of water: the hot water tank, water in the plumbing, the
reservoir toilet tank (not the bowl). These water supplies need to be
disinfected, however. To disinfect by boiling, bring water to a rolling boil
for one or two minutes, then cool. If you have no power, disinfect with bleach.
Bleach will kill some but not all organisms that could be in the water. Add
eight drops to a gallon. Stir, then let stand for 30 minutes. If the water is
cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the
clear water for disinfection. If you have iodine tablets, follow package
directions. Be sure their expiration date has not passed.
Q: What precautions do I need to take for medications that need
refrigeration, such as insulin or reconstituted drugs?
If power has been out for a lengthy period, thrown them out. However, if
you have no way to obtain new supplies and the medicine is crucial, such as
insulin, continue to take it until you can get fresh supplies.
Pills that have gotten wet from flood waters should be discarded, as
they could be contaminated.
Q: What about the risk of hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature?
If you are without heat and the temperature drops, first close off rooms
you don't need. If you have a fireplace, or wood stove, be sure it is
adequately vented to the outdoors. Don't use propane in the house to stay warm.
Dress in layers. Use blankets. Wear a hat to keep body heat up. Be especially
sure elderly family members and infants follow these measures. They are more
vulnerable to hypothermia.
Q: If water gets into my house, how do I avoid electrocution?
If flooding is likely, turn off natural gas and electricity. If you
don't have a chance to do that and the basement floods, do not enter the
basement. If any electrical wires are in contact with the water, electric shock
can occur. Call the electric company immediately.
Q: Is it OK to use a portable generator?
Generators should only be operated outdoors, as carbon monoxidecan
build up and cause lethal poisoning if used indoors. Only use the generator in
a dry outdoor location, which may be impossible in the hurricane's aftermath.
Q: What about reducing the risk of mold?
As soon as possible, get standing water out of your house. Remove
standing water by using a mop, pail, or a wet/dry shop vac, if you have power.
Open the windows. If you have a fan and power, use it to help reduce remaining
moisture. Discard materials that don't dry out -- mold can cause severe
allergic reactions. If water is in the walls, call a professional water damage
service.
Q: When evacuating, how can I stay safe in a car?
Be on the lookout for live wires in the roads and do not drive over
them.
Bypass streets submerged in water. Your car could be carried away, even
in what looks like low water levels. Be aware of the threat of the road
collapsing. Drive as slowly and steadily as you can. If your car becomes
trapped in the water, abandon it if possible.
WebMD
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