You and your family were prepared ahead of the storm and stayed safe during it but now you’re faced with the aftermath. Knowing what to do in the wake of a severe storm or disaster is often as important as following precautions before the storm. Possible repercussions include:
- Property damage
- Downed trees and power lines
- Utility outages
- Gas leaks
- Blocked roads
- Flood water
General storm safety tips
- Listen to the radio for advisories and other directives
- Be aware of hazards from exposed nails and broken glass
- When you’re inspecting damage to your home in the dark, always use a flashlight instead of candles to avoid the risk of fire or explosion
- Don’t venture outside until it’s officially safe to do so, unless your home is hazardous (e.g. gas leak or flooded)
- Before flushing toilets, make sure your sewer system is working
- Don’t eat perishable food that has warmed to over 40° F
Utility safety tips
Any storm that damages power/gas lines or electrical systems presents the potential risk of fire, electrocution, or an explosion.
- Stay away from downed power lines and notify us as soon as possible at (800) 227-9187
- Stay away from metal objects near downed wires
- Don’t stand near or drive through standing water with downed power lines
- If you smell or hear a gas leak, leave your home, and call 911 and Avista at (800) 227-9187 from a neighbor's phone.
- If you see frayed wiring or sparks, plugged-in wet electric devices, or smell a burning type odor, immediately shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker
- Don’t touch or use any wet electrical devices until they’ve been checked by an electrician
Floodwater safety tips
Unknown dangers lurk in floodwater and standing waters, making people vulnerable to injury, electrocution, drowning, infectious diseases, and chemical hazards. Follow these steps to protect you and loved ones from potential hazards.
- Follow all warnings about flooded roads
- Never drive in flooded areas because your vehicle won’t protect you – it can be swept away or stall in moving water
- Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles, and a life jacket if you must be in or near floodwater, especially when water is rising
- Never swim or wade in floodwater because it poses a serious drowning risk, regardless of your swimming ability
- Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer if you’ve been exposed to floodwater
- Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent before wearing them