ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

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DANGER DOESN'T END AFTER A FLOOD

OCTOBER 2---In addition to high winds, Hurricane Georges brought much rain to Alabama and surrounding states this week. People in many Alabama counties, were forced to leave their homes due to flooding.

Remember danger doesn't end with the storm. Nearly 150 people lost their lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew because they didn't follow simple safety rules.

The American Red Cross lists these tips to help avoid injury and illness:

  • Always wait until authorities tell you it's safe to return to your home. Then exercise extreme caution when you enter the property.
  • Avoid any flood situation. If you encounter flood waters, don't try to cross them. Most flood deaths happen to people in vehicles. Two feet of fast moving water can float a bus, and it only takes six inches to knock you off your feet.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing, including heavy gloves, when walking through or sifting through debris.
  • Watch for downed power lines and give them a wide berth.Also, check for structural damage before entering the house.
  • Watch for snakes and other animals forced into your home by flood waters.
  • Don't take lanterns, torches or any kind of flame into a damaged building. There may be leaking gas or other flammable materials present. Use battery-operated flashlights for light unless you smell gas. If you smell gas, don't use any kind of light until you turn off the main gas valve at the meter.
  • If appliances are wet, turn off the main electrical power switch before you unplug them. Dry out appliances, wall switches and sockets before you plug them in again.
  • Check refrigerator and cabinets for food spoilage and water supplies for contamination. Flood waters can carry contaminants such as silt, raw sewage or chemical waste. Bacteria in the water can contaminate any food it touches.
  • Discard any of the following foods if they have been exposed to flood waters: meat, poultry, fish and eggs; fresh produce; preserves sealed with paraffin; all foods in cardboard boxes, paper, foil cellophane or cloth; any opened containers or packages; flour, grain, sugar, coffee and other staples in canisters; unopened jars with waxed cardboard seals such as mayonnaise and salad dressing; home canned foods; and dented, leaking, bulging or rusted cans.
  • If your home was spared, keep children and pets inside. Walk pets on a lease if they have to be walked outside.

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