DURING OR AFTER A DISASTER: TORNADOES OR
HURRICANES
Fire Safety Factsheet
A wide range of natural
disasters occurs within the United States every year. Natural
disasters can have a devastating effect on you and your home.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire
Administration encourages you to use the following safety tips
to help protect yourself, your family and your home from the
potential threat of fire during or after a tornado or hurricane.
You can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a fire casualty
by being able to identify potential hazards and following the
outlined safety tips.
SOME TYPES OF FIRE RELATED
HAZARDS PRESENT DURING AND AFTER A TORNADO OR HURRICANE
Leaking gas lines, damaged
or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas
tanks may explode or ignite.
Debris can easily ignite,
especially if electrical wires are severed.
Pools of water and even
appliances can be electrically charged.
Generators are often used
during power outages. Generators that are not properly used
and maintained can be very hazardous.
Alternative heating devices
used incorrectly create fire hazards. Proper use and
maintenance can decrease the possibility of a fire.
Appliances that emit smoke
or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
CHEMICAL SAFETY
Look for combustible liquids
like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may
have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place
containers in a well-ventilated area.
Keep combustible liquids
away from heat sources.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Assume all wires on the
ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV
feeds.
Look for and replace frayed
or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and
plugs.
Exposed outlets and wiring
could present a fire and life safety hazard.
Appliances that emit smoke
or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
Have a licensed electrician
check your home for damage.
GAS SAFETY
Smell and listen for leaky
gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak,
immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
Never strike a match. Any
size flame can spark an explosion.
Before turning the gas back
on, have the gas system checked by a professional.
GENERATOR SAFETY
Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions and guidelines when using generators.
Use a generator or other
fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are
odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
Use the appropriate sized
and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded
cords can overheat and cause fires.
Never run cords under rugs
or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may
go unnoticed.
Never connect generators to
another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow
of electricity or “backfeed” can electrocute an
unsuspecting utility worker.
HEATING SAFETY
Kerosene heaters may not be
legal in your area and should only be used where approved by
authorities.
Do not use the kitchen oven
range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard,
it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Alternative heaters need
their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
Make sure your alternative
heaters have “tip switches.” These “tip switches”
are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the
event they tip over.
Only use the type of fuel
recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested
guidelines.
Never refill a space heater
while it is operating or still hot.
Refuel heaters only
outdoors.
Make sure wood stoves are
properly installed, and at least 3 feet away from
combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor
support and adequate ventilation.
Use a glass or metal screen
in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting
nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.
AND REMEMBER…
Be careful when using
candles. Keep the flame away from combustible objects and
out of the reach of children.
Some smoke alarms may be
dependent on your home’s electrical service and could be
inoperative during a power outage. Check to see if your
smoke alarm uses a back-up battery and install a new battery
at least once a year.
Smoke alarms should be
installed on every level of your home.
All smoke alarms should be
tested monthly. All batteries should be replaced with new
ones at least once a year.
If there is a fire hydrant
near your home, keep it clear of debris for easy access by
the fire department.
