Tips for recovering from Hurricane Sandy

With Hurricane Sandy behind us, it’s time to begin cleaning up the mess it left behind in the Lehigh Valley Area. Putting your life together after a disaster is never easy, and it can seem like an overwhelming task. LCA has assembled a list of tips and links to help with the process.

Health and safety should be foremost on your mind.

  • Look out for downed electrical lines. Even if the power is out in the area, assume the line is energized. Stay a minimum of 10 feet away, and keep other people and pets away from the area, too. If someone has been injured by or near a downed line, don’t try to help them or you may also become a victim. Call 911, and then contact your electric utility. For PPL, dial 800-342-5775. For Met-Ed, call 888-544-4877.
  • If you spot broken gas lines, or smell natural gas, call UGI at (800) 276-2722.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, and watch out for broken glass, nails and other sharp objects.
  • Stay away from floodwaters. Too often, people underestimate the force and power of water. The Centers for Disease Control report that more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into floodwaters. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near floodwaters.

In addition, you should conduct a Post-Hurricane Review of your household’s response, and develop an action plan for future events like this. Your review may include the following questions:

  • Were you ready for initial the power outage? Did you have enough batteries, flashlights, candles, etc. readily available?
  • Were you ready for a prolonged power outage? Did you have a place set up to go, or did you have a generator fueled, tested and ready to go?
  • Did you have enough drinking water available for a prolonged water service outage?
  • Did you have key phone numbers listed on paper?
  • Did you have your phones, laptops or other communications devices fully charged?
  • What would you do differently to address these (or other) items in the future?

For more assistance with disaster recovery, please click the following links:

 American Red Cross

Federal Emergency Management System

Floodsmart.Gov

Ready.gov