1. Listen for official information on designated radio or tv stations.
2. Be careful. Look out for debris and broken glass.
3. Avoid loose or dangling power lines; report them immediately to the power company, police, or fire department.
4. Enter your home with caution.
5. Beware of snakes, insects, and animals.
6. Open windows and doors to dry your home.
7. Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance claims.
8. Give first aid where appropriate.
9. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger. Get help.
10. Do not eat any food in damaged containers or containers that have come in contact with flood waters.
11. Do not use public water for cooking or drinking until you are notified it is safe.
12. Stay where you are; roads may be damaged or flooded.
13. Use telephones only for emergencies.
14. Evacuate severly damaged buildings.
15. Contact your insurance agent.

Inspecting Utilities In A Damaged Home

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• Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
• Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Do not step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker; call an electrician.
• Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.