Results: The Residual Damage After A Natural Disaster
Published on 09/25/2018
QUESTIONS
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Comments
1.
1.
With recent hurricanes, tornadoes and wind damage causing wide spread damage to many of our communities recently, with more to come, our communities are left picking up the pieces and repairing structural and emotional damage. When these disasters cause power failures (some of which last days, even weeks), the residual damage can cause big issues. How prepared are you in the event of a wide spread power failure?
Very prepared
11%
222 votes
Somewhat prepared
52%
1086 votes
Not prepared at all
37%
778 votes
2.
2.
Recently a tornado touched down near the Ottawa/Gatineau area of Canada, severe hurricanes affected the east coast of the U.S. and countless other natural disasters have hit, all causing severe wide spread power outages. How prepared are you? In the event of a power outage, the Department of Homeland Security suggests you do the following--which of these key things do you know about?
Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
4%
78 votes
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
4%
78 votes
Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
11%
232 votes
Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
4%
86 votes
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
2%
45 votes
Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
2%
48 votes
Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
8%
176 votes
Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
2%
36 votes
Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
13%
262 votes
All of them
31%
653 votes
None
19%
392 votes
3.
3.
During a power outage, there are several things you can do to protect your home, family and others. How many of these do you know about?
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
43%
894 votes
Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.
41%
854 votes
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
28%
579 votes
Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
31%
656 votes
Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme
24%
509 votes
Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can cause damage.
29%
603 votes
All of them
37%
766 votes
None
15%
323 votes
4.
4.
After power has been restored, this is a list of things you should do to protect yourself. How many of these do you know about?
When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
39%
821 votes
If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug's label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.
21%
439 votes
Restock supplies in preparation for a future power outage. Make sure you have fresh batteries and restock any food items that you may need.
31%
654 votes
Once again, if you have an elderly neighbor, do the same for them, so that they can be prepared too
23%
485 votes
All
37%
777 votes
None
17%
353 votes
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