What to do After a Tropical Storm or Hurricane

Believe it or not, more deaths occur after a tropical storm or a hurricane than during. These deaths come from people being too anxious to get outside and survey the damage. This is where they come into contact with downed power lines or unstable trees, etc.




Drimaxx suggests that you follow these suggestions for staying safe after the hurricane:

• Remain indoors until an official "all clear" is given.
• Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires of any kind under any circumstances. Stay away from puddles with wires in/near them. Do not touch trees or other objects in contact with power lines.
• USE PHONES ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES. Call 911 only for life-threatening situations.
• Call police or utility companies immediately to report hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas or water mains, overturned gas tanks, etc.
• Watch for weakened roads, bridges, tree limbs or porches which could collapse unexpectedly.
• After power is restored, check refrigerated food for spoilage. (Spoiled food is the cause of much sickness two days to a week after the storm.)
• When reinstalling a CB, TV or satelitte antenna, check in all directions to be sure no power lines are nearby. The same goes for climbing trees to clear debris.
• Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors.

Staying at a Public Shelter

Area public shelters are for the people who have no other place to go. If you must stay in a shelter, be sure to listen to news broadcasts for announcements of shelter openings. Shelter volunteers will do their best to make you comfortable, but a shelter is not a very comfortable place. Try to stay with friends or relatives, if at all possible.

• Those with special medical needs (oxygen, etc.) should go to special needs shelters only. Special needs shelters do not provide hands-on medical care, only medical monitoring. Bring a caregiver with you if needed.
• Only service animals are permitted in public shelters.
• Eat before you arrive. Meals may not be available during the first 24 hours. Bring snacks.
• Bring your identification, valuable papers and medications in their original containers.
• Bring baby supplies.
• Bring blankets/sleeping bags, pillows. Those are either not provided or limited in supply.
• Bring cards/games/books to pass the hours.
• Bring flashlights and a battery operated radio or TV with extra batteries for all.
• Stay inside and follow directions that are given for your comfort and safety.
• You will not be allowed outside until the official "all clear."

Have a safe and Happy Holiday season.

Brian S. L'Hommedieu
Owner, Drimaxx and After the Storm Emergency Management
www.drimaxx.com
www.helpafterthestorm.com