Radio Exito 105.5 FM Assess the damage

Assess the damage

• Open all doors and windows so noxious smells and gases can escape. Don't smoke indoors until everything has dried.

• Check for gas leaks.

• Don't use candles.

• If your home is open to the elements or you fear it will collapse, don't stay in it. While you may be tempted to protect your belongings, it's just not safe. Secure it as best you can, get as many of your valuables out as possible and find another place to stay. Depending on the storm's severity, additional refugee shelters probably will open.

• Leave a telephone number where you can be reached; spray-paint it on a piece of wood. If your house is pretty damaged anyway, paint it right on the side of the house. Also paint your exact address and your insurance company for adjusters cruising neighborhoods. Don't write your policy number; that's an invitation for con artists to pose as you and get your money.

• The toilet will not work and may back up as the water level rises. If necessary, use water from the bathtub to flush the toilet. Pour some bleach in the bowl after each use.

• Do not use electrical appliances until they are dry.

• If water remains in your house, try to rent or borrow a pump or bail by hand. Then shovel out mud, sand or silt. Take soaked rugs and carpets outside to dry - you'll still probably have to throw them away - and disinfect floors.

• Hose off wet upholstered furniture to remove dirt. Remove drawers and let them dry, but do not put wet wood furniture in the sun; it might warp.

• If plaster or plasterboard walls are wet, do not rub them. Let them dry, brush off dirt and wash walls with a mild soap solution.

• Wipe iron and steel furniture or ornaments with a kerosene-soaked cloth to ward off rust.

• Don't throw out damaged papers or art; professionals might be able to restore them.

• Soaked books also can be saved. Dry in an upright position with the pages spread open. Then dust with cornstarch and stack to prevent wrinkled pages.

• The most deaths not directly linked to hurricanes are accidents after the storm. If you are using power tools, chain saws, generators or other power equipment, use common sense and follow basic safety rules.

• Clean your pool and lower it to its proper level.

• When you put up television or other antennas again, watch for power lines.

• Don't go to the coast to check on boats. If your boat is in your yard, inspect it and document damage for insurance. Repair what you can. Pump water out of it; the inside of boats can't withstand water for very long. Check the fuel and electrical systems for damage.

• If the storm has deposited salt on cars, boats and other exterior items and uncontaminated water is available, rinse the salt off.

• Don't throw away plants. Many can be saved.

• Right listing or uprooted trees, staking if necessary. Replace and firmly pack root soil, but don't apply fertilizer until tree has reestablished. Cut away jagged edges around damaged bark.

• Do not use pruning paint on spots where bark has been stripped. Tree will heal better naturally.