UTILITY TIPS
WATER
Locate
the emergency water shut-off valve for your residence and remove any shrubbery
or obstructions. Test the water shut-off
valve to be sure that it is operational.
If the shut-off valve is not operational, have it repaired or replaced.
Turn
the emergency water shut-off valve to the off position if you are leaving your
residence prior to a storm. This will
help minimize damage to the interior of your home should a pipe burst inside.
Follow
the manufacturer’s recommendations on turning off your hot water heater and
unplug it. Some hot water heaters may be
damaged if the water supply is turned off for an extended period of time.
Locate
your sewer clean-out lid and remove any shrubbery or obstructions in case the
clean-out needs to be accessed.
Due
to power outages, water treatment plants will be operating under limited
conditions. Water pressures will be
reduced!
Because
of reduced pressures and the limited operations of lift stations, WATER CONSERVATION
IS A MUST! Just because power
has been restored to your home, does not mean that power has been restored to
all lift stations or water and wastewater treatment plants.
Turn
off all sprinklers. Remember to reset
your irrigation timer once power has been restored.
Abstain
from running dishwashers and clothes washers.
Limit
the amount of water used during a shower or the amount to fill the bathtub.
Limit
the amount of toilet flushing.
Abstain from any other outdoor use of
water that is not absolutely necessary.
ELECTRICITY
A strong storm or
hurricane can cause significant damage, resulting in widespread power outages.
Restoration efforts must be prioritized, starting with facilities that provide
the most critical services:
- Damaged power plants and power lines from the
plants, since these must be fixed before service can be restored anywhere.
- Organizations that provide critical infrastructure
functions to the community, such as hospitals, police, and fire stations.
- Major power lines that serve large numbers of
customers.
- Smaller power lines such as service to a single
street.
- Individual homes or businesses still without
power.
KEEPING SAFE DURING A POWER OUTAGE
When a power
outage occurs, safety is a very important concern. Here are some basic tips
that will keep you, your family and your employees safe while the power is out:
- Assume all cables and wires are energized and
stay away.
- Keep away from flooded and debris-laden areas
because they may be hiding downed lines.
- Run your portable generator outside your house or
building, and connect appliances or equipment directly to it.
- If you leave your home, turn off appliances that
may have been on when the power went out, or turn off your main breaker.
- Avoid driving in damaged areas. You might
interfere with rescue or restoration efforts, as well as jeopardize your
own safety.
Help keep telephone lines
clear for emergency calls. Only call to report downed power lines, or if your
neighbors' power has been restored and you are without electricity.
Don't trim trees or remove
debris located near downed power lines. If you must remove debris from your
home, don't pile it under or near electrical lines or equipment.
Any damage to your home's
electric system must be repaired by a licensed electrician and inspected by a
designated agency before power can be restored.
Check your weather-head
(located on the roof where your service connects to the pole) and your meter
box to make sure it is not damaged.
If you suspect there is
water in the walls or ceiling, stay away from electrical outlets and contact a
licensed electrician to repair the damage.
If you need to live in
temporary quarters on your property, a licensed electrician can install a
temporary service pole. After the pole
is inspected by a designated agency, your electric utility can provide power.
