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The hurricane Idalia made landfall early Wednesday on Florida's Gulf Coast as a powerful Category 3 storm. It was reportedly the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Big Bend region in more than 125 years, and the storm is causing flooding in some areas, leaving more than 217,000 people were without electricity in Georgia, more than 214,000 in Florida, and another 22,000 in South Carolina, according to poweroutage.us. Here's what you can do to stay safe during a power outage:
Disconnect electrical appliances
Make sure all electrical appliances are disconnected from the power supply to avoid injury or damage due to power failure.
Avoid using wet electronic equipment
When wet, electronic devices become electrically conductive and may increase the risk of electrocution. If a device is plugged in and you touch it while it's wet, you could get an electric shock, which could be life-threatening.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
When in operation, generators emit carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and deadly poisonous gas. Therefore, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by using your generator outdoors and placing it more than 20 feet from doors and windows.
Don’t consume contaminated food
Eating food that has been soaked in floodwaters can be extremely dangerous because it can be contaminated with a variety of harmful substances. The floodwaters can carry bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, and sewage waste, all of which can pose serious health risks if consumed.
Be careful when using candles
Be careful when using candles and don't leave them near anything that could catch fire or leave them unattended. If possible, use a flashlight instead of candles.
Stay away from floodwater
Although it is unavoidable when dangerous flooding occurs, stay as far away from it as possible.
Check on people around you
Reach out to those around you to make sure they are doing well.
Protect your pets
During a hurricane, don't forget to protect your pets. As the storm approaches, bring your pets indoors and keep them in a safe place in your home.
Save as much electricity as possible
Unplug all electronic devices and appliances that are not being used. It is important to conserve electricity and use it efficiently to make the most out of limited resources. Remember, safety should always be the top priority during a hurricane or power outage.
In addition, don’t venture into the water that still filled the streets. This can pose a threat to your safety as floodwaters in the streets can hide debris, sharp objects, power lines, and other dangerous items. Additionally, floodwaters often contain sewage and bacteria, and exposure to this water can lead to serious illness or infection.
We hope the storm ends soon and everyone is safe!
Post time: Aug-31-2023