⚠️ SAFETY BULLETIN: WIND STORM & DOWNED POWER LINES
Severe wind conditions can cause significant hazards, including fallen branches, damaged structures, and downed power lines. Follow the guidance below to stay safe and prepared—especially if extended power outages occur.
🌬️ DURING THE WIND STORM
Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors.
Avoid unnecessary travel; debris and falling branches can be unpredictable.
Secure loose outdoor items (furniture, trash bins, decorations) if it’s safe to do so.
Keep a battery-powered radio or weather app available for updates.
⚡ DOWNED POWER LINES: STAY AWAY
Assume ALL downed lines are live and dangerous.
Stay at least 30 feet away from any fallen power line.
Do NOT touch anything in contact with the line (trees, fences, puddles).
Report downed lines immediately to your utility company or call 911.
If a line falls on your vehicle, stay inside until help arrives.
🌳 FALLEN BRANCHES & DEBRIS
Use caution when walking or driving—roads and sidewalks may be blocked.
Avoid standing under damaged trees or hanging limbs.
Wear gloves and sturdy shoes when clearing small debris.
Leave large branches or trees near power lines to professionals.
🔋 PREPARING FOR POWER OUTAGESBefore or early in the storm:
Charge all phones, laptops, and backup batteries.
Set refrigerators/freezers to the coldest settings.
Fill containers with water (drinking and sanitation).
Gather flashlights, extra batteries, and a first aid kit.
Have cash on hand (ATMs and card systems may be down).
If power goes out:
Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed (food stays cold longer).
Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
Use generators outdoors only, far from windows and vents (to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning).
🧊 FOOD & WATER SAFETY
Refrigerated food is safe for ~4 hours without power; frozen food up to 48 hours if unopened.
When in doubt, throw it out.
Drink bottled or previously stored water if supply is disrupted.
📞 EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
Report outages or hazards to your local utility provider.
Check on neighbors, especially elderly or vulnerable individuals.
🧭 STAY INFORMED
Monitor local news, weather alerts, or emergency notifications.
Follow guidance from local authorities.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and avoid unnecessary risks during high winds and power outages.
Severe wind conditions can cause significant hazards, including fallen branches, damaged structures, and downed power lines. Follow the guidance below to stay safe and prepared—especially if extended power outages occur.
🌬️ DURING THE WIND STORM
Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors.
Avoid unnecessary travel; debris and falling branches can be unpredictable.
Secure loose outdoor items (furniture, trash bins, decorations) if it’s safe to do so.
Keep a battery-powered radio or weather app available for updates.
⚡ DOWNED POWER LINES: STAY AWAY
Assume ALL downed lines are live and dangerous.
Stay at least 30 feet away from any fallen power line.
Do NOT touch anything in contact with the line (trees, fences, puddles).
Report downed lines immediately to your utility company or call 911.
If a line falls on your vehicle, stay inside until help arrives.
🌳 FALLEN BRANCHES & DEBRIS
Use caution when walking or driving—roads and sidewalks may be blocked.
Avoid standing under damaged trees or hanging limbs.
Wear gloves and sturdy shoes when clearing small debris.
Leave large branches or trees near power lines to professionals.
🔋 PREPARING FOR POWER OUTAGESBefore or early in the storm:
Charge all phones, laptops, and backup batteries.
Set refrigerators/freezers to the coldest settings.
Fill containers with water (drinking and sanitation).
Gather flashlights, extra batteries, and a first aid kit.
Have cash on hand (ATMs and card systems may be down).
If power goes out:
Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed (food stays cold longer).
Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
Use generators outdoors only, far from windows and vents (to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning).
🧊 FOOD & WATER SAFETY
Refrigerated food is safe for ~4 hours without power; frozen food up to 48 hours if unopened.
When in doubt, throw it out.
Drink bottled or previously stored water if supply is disrupted.
📞 EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
Report outages or hazards to your local utility provider.
Check on neighbors, especially elderly or vulnerable individuals.
🧭 STAY INFORMED
Monitor local news, weather alerts, or emergency notifications.
Follow guidance from local authorities.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and avoid unnecessary risks during high winds and power outages.