Prepare for Sandy
Sandy may bring severe weather to the region
October 28, 2012 – As Sandy quickly approaches the area, State Farm’s first concern is ensuring everyone is safe. With its current unpredictable path and weather conditions, here are some tips to stay safe during the storm:
Before the Storm
- Stock a three-day supply of nonperishable food and three gallons of water for each person in your home.
- Listen for weather alerts and updates on a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
- Prepare alternative heat sources such as a wood-burning fireplace or stove, or a space heater certified by an independent testing laboratory.
- Purchase a generator.
- Check batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
- Check that your fire extinguisher is full.
- Know how to shut off water valves so that you can take action if a pipe bursts.
- Cover sidewalks with sand, rock salt or non-clumping cat litter.
- Bring pets indoors. Put horses and livestock in a protective shelter with food and water.
- Gather supplies, including batteries, blankets, flashlights and a first-aid kit. The Red Cross suggests additional supplies here.
During the Storm
- Stay inside.
- Listen for weather updates.
- Eat regularly to give your body energy to produce heat.
- Stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. (Caffeine accelerates the symptoms of hypothermia, and alcohol slows circulation; both cause dehydration.)
- Lower the temperature inside your home, and close off the furnace registers to unoccupied rooms (and then close their doors) to conserve heat.
- Allow a slow drip from hot and cold faucets to relieve pressure that may build up inside pipes and cause them to burst.
- Use flashlights instead of candles if you’re without electricity.
- Do not use a generator inside your home or close to your home’s exterior.
- Plug space heaters directly into wall sockets and unplug them when they’re not in use. Keep space heaters 3 feet away from flammable materials. Be sure to properly ventilate alternative heaters to avoid fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Periodically clear snow from around exhaust pipes or vents outside your home.
After the Storm
- Check on neighbors, friends and loved ones to make sure they are ok.
- Move to a public shelter if you’re without power or heat. Avoid travel until roads are clear. If you must go out, use public transportation.
- Wear proper clothing–a hat, gloves and warm layers of loose, lightweight clothing – when clearing sidewalks and driveways.
For Flooded Roadways
- If you can, simply avoid flooded areas – especially those with rapid water flow. Keep things safe and simple: reschedule your plans if you’re aware of flooding in the area.
- If flooding occurs when you’re on the road, stay on high ground. Experts also advise against driving in deep water, especially when the water could be fast-moving or the depth is not known.
- If your vehicle stalls, DO NOT attempt to restart it, as your engine may be damaged. Leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly when threatening conditions exist.
If Your Power is Out:
- If possible, use flashlights instead of candles for emergency lighting. Candles used in unfamiliar settings can be dangerous fire hazards.
- Turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment, or electronics that were on when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes”* that can damage equipment such as computers and motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer, or furnace.
- Leave one light on so you know when the power returns.
- Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. This will help keep your food as fresh as possible. Be sure to check food for signs of spoilage.
- Use generators safely. If you have a portable generator, only run it outdoors with adequate ventilation. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if inhaled.
- Listen to the radio for updates.
Contact
Amy Preddy, State Farm Public Affairs, (434) 872-5211
About State Farm®
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.
