Once the hazardous weather has moved out of the area, follow a few basic guidelines to stay safe post-hurricane and tune into Okaloosa County’s social media channels for updates.
General Safety and Electrical Hazards
Be careful when entering damaged buildings and navigating areas with debris, being mindful of power lines and tree limbs
Keep children and pets away from affected storm areas until cleanup in complete
Wash your hands with soap and water if you have been in floodwater
If you suspect a gas leak, leave the building and contact emergency authorities right away
Never turn power on or off or use an electrical tool while standing in water
Generator safety
Generators do not belong indoors – They should be kept outside for use to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
Do not connect generators to your home’s electrical circuits without approved, automatic-interrupt devices and position generator outdoors and well away from any structure and dry
Before you operate your generator, disconnect your normal source of power – power from your generator could be sent back into the utility lines and create a hazardous situation for utility workers
Make sure your generator is properly grounded and do NOT plug generator into a wall outlet
Gasoline, fuel containers, and heat sources should be kept away from the generator
Chainsaw Safety
Wear appropriate protective equipment (hard hat, safety googles, hearing protection, work gloves, boots, and cut-resistant work pants)
Operate chainsaw according to manufacturer’s instructions and do not use a chainsaw if you are not experienced
Check for hazards such as nails, power lines, cables etc. and bystanders are at a safe distance
Use appropriately sized saw that is properly sharpened and lubricated and keep both hands on the handles
Cut at waist height or below to maintain control and only work from the ground
Beware of “spring poles” – trees or branches that have gotten twisted and may suddenly release
Do NOT operate a chainsaw while intoxicated
Snakes and Mosquitos
Snakes
Storm Conditions may displace snakes and they may seek shelter inside houses, storage shed, buildings, and within storm debris
Wear heavy work gloves and boots and watch where you place your hands and feet and always look carefully
If you encounter a snake outside, step back and allow the snake to proceed and if you encounter a snake inside, do not panic and try to confine the snake to a small area of the house to capture
If you are not comfortable capturing the snake please seek assistance
If you are bitten by a poisonous snake, don’t try to treat the bite yourself and go to the nearest hospital
Mosquitos
Flooding can cause mosquitoes to hatch post storm so use insect repellents when outdoors
Take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home:
Remove standing water where mosquitoes could lay eggs: Once a week empty and scrub, turnover, cover items like tires, buckets, toys, flowerpots – Don’t forget about mosquito spray, citronella and/or other holistic repellent
Tips to Clean up Mold
Protect yourself: Use personal protective equipment
Toss: Take out anything that was wet with water and can’t be cleaned/dried within 24-48 hours
Air it Out: Open doors and windows to vent space
Circulate: If electricity is safe to use, use fans and dehumidifiers
Scrub: Clean surfaces with water and detergent
Don’t Cover it, remove it: Painting or caulking over mold will not prevent mold from growing
Dry it Up: Dry your home and everything in it as quickly as possibly – 24-48 hours if you can
Food Safety
Food partially frozen you can refreeze such as frozen meat
Food kept in an unopened refrigerator for 24 hours should be cold and safe to consume
Milk should be discarded if unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours
Before you cook, assess the safety of your food: when in doubt throw it out!
Stormwater Pollution
Stormwater pollutants can include pesticides, chemicals, cigarettes, sewage, bacteria from pet waste, used motor oil, fertilizers, paint, and construction/storm debris
Stormwater carries bacteria and viruses, and it can make you sick
Illnesses associated with swimming in contaminated water include: earaches, sinus problems, diarrhea, fever and rashes
When water quality is affected, it can result in the closing of bodies of water – do not swim!
Stormwater pollutants may damage our local ecosystem
Here are simple steps you can take to prevent stormwater pollution:
Don't dump waste into storm drains and keep clippings out of the street
Dispose of household chemicals properly by following the directions and clean up oil spills
Use drip pans to catch engine oil and other pollutants while repairing cars
Sweep driveways clean instead of hosing them down
Water your lawn by hand, or adjusted sprinklers to avoid over-watering. If any water flows off your lawn, you're using too much water
Wash your car on an unpaved surface so the ground can absorb the excess water
Drain swimming pools and spas into a sanitary sewer outlet, never into a street
For more information on stormwater pollution on local impacts of stormwater pollution, here.