Get Ready Home About Hurricanes Preparation Homes and Property Elderly Residents Pets and Boats Tips for Businesses Operations Contacct Numbers Supply Kits Director's Letter

You'll encounter difficulties with telephone communications, dangers from downed power lines and potential hazards from contaminated water and spoiled food. Once a hurricane has passed, it may still be unsafe to go outdoors. Stay tuned to your local TV and radio stations to hear the official "all clear" from your county's Emergency Management Office, the American Red Cross or the police.

GOING HOME

  • If you have evacuated, do not return home until officials announce your area is safe. You may be required to present proof of residency in order to re-enter evacuation areas.
  • Re-enter your home with caution. Check for structural damage. Turn-off any outside gas lines and let the house air out for several minutes to remove leaking gas.
  • Don't use an open flame as a light source. Use a flashlight.
  • Make sure children are safe. Do not let them play in a damaged building or near piles of debris.
  • Make emergency repairs.
  • If your home has sustained structural damage, do not move back in until it is checked by local officials. Each county has plans to certify buildings for safety.

TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS

  • Do not use the telephone unless it is absolutely necessary, so that people with emergencies have access to the system.
  • Do not call 911 except for life-threatening
    situations.
  • Do not report individual interruptions in electric, gas, water or telephone service. Utility companies have emergency plans to restore service after the storm clears the area. Call only after full service is restored in your neighborhood.
  • Do call police or utility companies immediately to report hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas or water mains or overturned gas tanks.

    • FOOD

  • Before using any food from the refrigerator, be sure to check it for spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out!
  • Open your refrigerator, only when necessary, in order to conserve cold air.
  • Since the fumes can be deadly, use gas or charcoal grills outside the home only.
  • Throw out all wet foods, except those sealed in airtight containers.

    • For more information on food safety, call the USDA hot line at 1-800-535-4555 or the Florida Cooperative Extension Service in Dade at (305) 888-5010 or in Broward at (954) 370-3725.