East Hillsborough News

Follow these tips to protect yourself and loved ones

When a storm passes, the danger is not immediately over. Residents need to be careful when venturing outside, surveying for damage, and using an alternative power supply for their homes. Keep the following in mind for after the storm:

• Inspect your yard for electrical hazards. Do not interact with any materials, such as water, tools, tree branches, etc., that may be in contact with a live power line.
• Stay away from downed utility lines, telephone or cable lines, and fence wires. Be alert for wires dangling in trees. Assume all power lines are energized, and do not touch.
• Watch out for broken limbs that are hanging or caught in other branches overhead that may fall. Broken or hanging branches, attached vines, or leaning trees are hazardous and should be approached with caution.

Generator Safety

Residents who lost power may be using a portable generator. Hillsborough County officials want to remind residents of important safety information to ensure they are using the generator properly.

Residents are reminded NOT to do the following, as it can be very dangerous or deadly:

• Do NOT place a running generator inside your home or garage. Keep it at least 15 feet from any enclosed structure. The odorless carbon monoxide exhaust fumes are deadly.
• Do NOT store fuel in your home or in your garage near potentially combustible appliances such as a furnace or water heater.
• Do NOT connect a generator directly to your home's electrical box. It can create a fire hazard and might energize area power lines that utility workers assume are not "live."
• Do NOT operate a generator in rain or damp conditions. If the electrical panel gets wet, it could cause electrical shock or damage the machine.
• Do NOT refuel a generator while it's running. Fuel spilled on a hot motor can spark an explosion or fire.

Drain Standing Water to Prevent Mosquitoes from Breeding

When it is safe to do so, drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Any debris or items that hold water can provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Original source can be found here.