Virginia Cooperative Extension
Serious injury can result for anyone dealing with the aftermath
of a major storm, tornado, or other disaster, so it's wise to
be overly cautious.
- Beware
of outdoor hazards. Watch out for loose or dangling power
lines, and report them immediately to proper authorities.
It is not unusual in a disaster such as this for more people
to be killed by carelessness in the aftermath than were
killed by the event itself.
- Be
sure all electric and gas services are turned off before
entering buildings for the first time.
- Disconnect
main switch and all circuits.
- Remove
covers from all outlets and fuses or multibreaker boxes
and flush with clean water. Let dry and spray with contact
cleaner/lubricant.
- Watch
for electrical shorts or live wires. Don't turn on any lights
or appliances until an electrician has checked the system
for short circuits.
- Electric
motors in appliances that have been flooded should be thoroughly
cleaned and reconditioned before they are put back into
service.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
Based on
information developed by Clemson Cooperative Extension following
Hurricane Hugo. Revised for Virginia audiences by Virginia Cooperative
Extension.
For
more information, contact your local office of Virginia Cooperative
Extension.
Publication
Number
490-304
,
August 1996
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