Many look forward to the change of seasons with anticipation and excitement. Floridians, however, have an extra season to look forward to – hurricane season.
From June 1 to November 30 is a six-month “season” of planning, preparation, and predictions. Although these months are marked by weather uncertainties, the first two P’s just mentioned – planning and preparation – can go a long way toward easing potential issues that may arise.
While ensuring that your emergency supplies, yourself, and your home are ready, doing it safely is essential.
Generator Maintenance and Safety
Generators can provide essential backup power during outages and are available in a variety of configurations. Selecting a generator includes evaluating cost, amperage, weight, fuel type, portability, and permanence. Generally speaking, you’ll want to select the model that offers the most convenience, a reasonable price, and the appropriate power needed for your household.
Portable gas generators are among the most popular and readily available options. If it is the right choice for your needs, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and learn how to prepare it before a storm, use it safely during an outage, and maintain it afterward. The American Red Cross also has recommendations on safe generator use to avoid hazards often associated with generators.
Other safety precautions include:
- Gloves: Using protective work gloves while handling the generator can keep hands dry and provide a barrier from being burned after it has been running and is hot. Never touch the generator with wet hands.
- Outdoor dry area: Set up the generator outdoors on a dry surface at least 20 feet from the home, with 3 to 5 feet clearance on all sides and the exhaust pointed away from the home. It can also run under an open canopy, such as a tarp held up on poles. Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space, such as a garage, shed, or crawlspace.
- Fuel: Many portable generators are powered by gasoline. Know where and how to store gasoline safely and in what type of approved containers. Do not store gas near a running generator and never refuel a running generator.
Gear Up with the Right Stuff
Whether it’s handling a portable generator, hanging window shutters, sorting emergency supplies, or cleaning up after a storm, proper protective clothing can help prevent scrapes, cuts, insect bites, and other injuries as well as provide cover against rain and sun exposure.
Essential protective gear items:
- Sturdy closed-toe boots or shoes, perhaps even watertight
- Long-sleeved shirts designed to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays
- Long pants. This suggestion may not win any popularity contests because of the heat, but they are essential to protecting legs from cuts and scratches when working.
- Heavy-duty, cut-resistant work gloves. Waterproof gloves under heavy gloves also can be beneficial.
- Large-brimmed sun hats with UV protection to shield head, neck, and shoulders
- High-visibility or reflective clothing
- Safety glasses/goggles to protect against flying debris
- Masks or N95 respirators for mold/dust/contaminated air
- Rain gear
Having proper protection and basic safety knowledge can play a vital role in preparing for and cleaning up after a hurricane. It is easy to get caught up in the energy and urgency of post-storm recovery. Safety should always be a main concern. Be sure to avoid overexertion or dehydration when working.
Practical Preparation this Season and Beyond
The availability of clean water is an essential consideration during a hurricane. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends stocking at least one gallon of water per day for each person and each pet for three days minimum. Knowing how to safely store tap water in advance of a storm can be a life saver.
Water is not the only thing to stock; food also is a necessity. Key food items to have on hand are hurricane safe non-perishable goods, such as canned foods, nuts, grains, dried fruits, etc. Think high energy, low salt items. Be sure to check that expiration dates will not expire during the time needed before storing.
For perishable, refrigerated, and frozen foods, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service offers helpful tips on how to properly handle these foods in a power outage or during a weather emergency.
During power outages, safe alternative cooking methods (grills, camping stoves, etc.) may need to be used. Establish a 3-foot safe zone around the cooking space zone so nobody gets injured or anything gets damaged. Keep children and pets out of the zone while cooking. Cook in open, outdoor areas and at least 10-20 feet from structures, trees, siding, railings, and windows.
Safety still is a concern when it comes to storing your kit. Create a dedicated space for supplies so they are “at the ready” when needed. Include a can opener in this area as well to easily open food when the time comes. Use proper food-grade water containers and place non-perishable items higher up on a shelf or in a storage container off the ground so that if flooding occurs, the items will not get wet or contaminated.
Think safety first and be prepared!
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