Tips on Safe Storm Recovery
After the storm subsides, consumers must take additional safety precautions. Underwriters Laboratories, the independent product safety testing and certification organization, recommends families keep the following tips in mind when recovering after a storm:
After power outages, check the refrigerator for spoiled foods. When in doubt, toss it out. If a boil order is issued for water in your community, boil at a roiling rate for 10 minutes. Never use a stove for warmth. Stoves are designed for cooking. And, never operate a grill indoors—it's both a fire and a CO hazard. Space heaters should be UL-Listed and have automatic shut-off switches. Be cautious of floodwater—it's frequently contaminated with septic waste, oil and/or construction debris. To avoid electrical shock, never plug in a wet or damaged appliance. All water-damaged residential equipment should be replaced.