Heading Back Home after a Hurricane
The hurricane may leave your area without the necessities your family is accustomed to: water, electricity, phone service, trash removal...even food. Be prepared to "rough it" for a few weeks. Live off the food items you had stored and utilize your Emergency Supply Kits.
Before you arrive back in your neighborhood, make sure that you are legally allowed to re-enter and above all: be patient. Re-entry may be controlled by local law officials. Search and rescue units, city engineers, electricians and other emergency personnel may be busy removing fallen trees and debris, repairing power lines, searching for victims and performing other important tasks. It might seem chaotic -- curfews may even be enforced. The cleanup process could take several days and it may be weeks before utilities are functioning regularly again. Below are some things to consider when you return home:
Continue to monitor your radio (1630 AM) for updates and instructions
Do not inundate the Avalon Police Department with non-emergency calls
Keep your identification handy -- you may be asked to provide proof of residence
Drive only when and where necessary -- do not drive just to assess the area
Drive with care -- there is likely to be debris scattered on roads that can damage your tires
Be cautious, the area might be congested with construction traffic, emergency vehicles, residents etc
Stay clear of all downed power lines
Visually inspect all fences, buildings or downed trees to ensure no electrical wires are present
Take care when removing large debris such as boards, siding or plywood -- you could be disturbing the temporary residence of snakes, animas or insects driven there by the storm (particularly after flooding)
Upon entering your home, open all the doors and windows to help ventilate and dry the area
After flooding, do not attempt to turn on your power at the breaker. Call an electrician for assistance
Do not light matches or use candles inside until gas lines have been inspected -- use flashlights and battery powered lanterns
Keep grills and cooking stoves outdoors in a well ventilated area
Use your telephone as little as possible. Telephone lines are needed for emergency conditions and must be kept open. Call one relative and ask that he or she update other family members and friends of your status
Before you begin cleaning the area, take photos and video footage of the damage to your home and property. Keep receipts for repairs - you will need these for insurance purposes
For removal of large debris, call a professional
Wear protective eyewear, long pants, long sleeved shirt, rubber boots, gloves and a hat when removing debris or repairing your home
Don't pick up anything you can't identify
Never lift anything too heavy or cumbersome without assistance
When lifting heavy items use your legs, not your back
Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Do not burn your trash
Adhere to all safety warnings and read directions before using saws and other dangerous machinery
Only hire licensed contractors for repairs
Make sure you have all required building permits before attempting any repairs
Report any suspicious dumping or draining of large quantities of liquids. Many local ordinances do not permit dumping liquids into the storm drainage systems as they can stain the system and cause back ups