Be patient. It may take awhile for emergency crews to reach your neighborhood. Restoring utilities could take several weeks. Use extreme caution. There may be dangerous situations all around you.

• If your house is damaged, do not return until it has been officially inspected.
• Find the fire extinguisher before turning on the power.
• Avoid all downed power lines and water puddles.
• Report downed or sparking power lines, broken gas lines and water mains.
• Always supervise children.
• Avoid piling debris near power poles. This may hinder repairs.
• Avoid driving because of debris and road blockage.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate your home.
• If flooding has occurred, have an inspection before turning on the breaker.
• Let your out-of-town emergency contact know you are alright.
• Have valid ID. It may be required to re-enter your neighborhood.
• Don’t sightsee, especially at night.
• Do not drink the tap water until officials have announced it is safe.
• If filing a claim, notify your insurance agent as soon as possible of an address and phone number where you can be reached.
• Inspect your home for damage. Take photos of damaged areas and possessions.
• Read the safety manual for your chain saw. Wear at least the following: a helmet system; cotton or leather gloves; chain saw protective chaps or pants and protective work boots with steel toes. Carry the saw with the engine off. Cut fallen tree limbs into pieces 4 feet or less. 
• Place garbage in tied heavy plastic bags and limit weight to 50 lbs.