After the Storm

• Treat all downed power lines as energized and dangerous.
• Drive carefully, watching for dangling electrical wires and flooding.
• Notify the utility company of broken or damaged water and sewer lines.
• For safety reasons, report damaged or broken gas lines and downed electrical lines immediately.
• Use caution re-entering homes.
• If your home floods, have a qualified electrician inspect your electrical wiring before Entergy restores power.
• If high water has extinguished gas pilot lights, turn the gas off immediately. A licensed plumber should check those appliances and restore them to operation.
• Electricity and water do not mix. Never attempt to plug in or use an electrical appliance while standing in water or damp surfaces
• If traffic lights are out, treat each stop as a four-way stop.
• Check the food in the refrigerator and freezer for spoilage.
• Unless informed that the water is safe, drink bottled water or disinfect drinking and cooking water. To disinfect water, boil it for at least 5 minutes. Let water sit for 10 minutes before drinking.
• Be aware that high water will drive snakes, animals, and insects to high ground. Check behind appliances, and do not lift debris with your hands.
• Do not burn charcoal or wood in an enclosed space; it may produce deadly carbon monoxide.
• Use caution when cutting up debris with a chain saw.
• If there is a natural gas odor present, do not turn on any source of ignition and contact the gas company immediately.