Hurricane Irene’s recent impact on the shores of New England left behind several injured people and millions of dollars in property damage. Most New Hampshire residents were prepared for the dangers, since we know what kind of injuries severe weather can cause. However, it’s also important to consider dangers that linger even after a hurricane has passed. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) offer the following tips for post-hurricane safety and injury prevention.
- Use generators cautiously. If you’re using a generator for power, never run the generator indoors. Instead, choose an outdoor location with good air circulation. Generators create carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can quickly kill or severely injure people and pets.
- Keep grills and camp stoves outside. Like generators, charcoal grills and camp stoves produce carbon monoxide when burning. They are also a fire hazard, so keep them well away from buildings. Do not wear loose clothing or let children or pets play on or near charcoal grills or camp stoves.
- Check utilities before using them. Electrical lines, gas lines, and telephone or cable lines should be checked by a qualified technician if they’ve been underwater. Stay away from downed electrical, telephone, cable, and other lines, since they may contain live electricity.
- Take care with candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, keep them away from any flammable materials, and always put them out before leaving the area.
Living after a hurricane often changes our routines, which can make it harder to spot everyday dangers. By using emergency equipment safely, you can protect yourself and those you love from injuries even after Irene has come and gone. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, the experienced New Hampshire personal injury attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. can inform you of your legal rights and options. For a free and confidential telephone consultation, call us today at (888) 332-5855.