Identify in advance safe travel routes and official shelters.
Fill your vehicle's gas tank and keep it as full as possible.
If you are in the hurricane zone, cover all windows and doors with permanent storm windows or plywood. (Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.)
Install a generator for emergencies, but never use it indoors — even with a fan — because deadly levels of odorless carbon monoxide can build up and linger.
If you evacuate, turn off gas, electricity, and water.
Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water for sanitary purposes, such as flushing toilets.
Turn off propane tanks.
Unplug small appliances.
Adjust the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest temperature.
Find alternate ways, such as ice chests, to keep food cold.
Be aware of downed power lines as they may be charged. Report downed lines to Cherokee County Electric Cooperative (CCECA) or 911.
Check for gas leaks around your home.
Avoid drinking or cooking with tap water until you know it is not contaminated.
Make sure the electric circuit breakers or fuses are clearly marked for each area of your home or business.
If high water is approaching and the floor is dry, turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker or fuse box.
Unplug appliances — but again, only if you don't have to stand in water. If possible, move larger appliances such as washing machines to a higher floor, or place them on concrete blocks.
If you use a generator, only connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electric system.
Don't go into any room or basement if water is covering appliance cords that are plugged in or if water has reached the wall outlets.
Don't enter a room if you hear popping or buzzing, or if you see sparks.
If you see downed power lines, call Cherokee County Electric Cooperative (CCECA) or 911. Be careful around downed tree limbs. They can conduct electricity from wet or broken power lines.
Remain a safe distance from all ground-level electric boxes to avoid a hazard.
Before entering a flooded building or basement, make certain the electricity is off.
If the electric panel is covered by water, the resident or business should contact an electrician to determine the safety of the unit.
Have your heating system inspected by a qualified service professional once a year. This inspection should include cleaning and lubrication, replacing filters, checking belts and thermostats, and clearing vents of obstructions, as necessary.
Turn off and unplug electric blankets if not in use. Never tuck in electric blankets.
Use electrical products only for their intended purposes. Hair dryers and space heaters, for example, aren't intended to thaw frozen pipes, dry clothing, or warm bedding.
Keep flammable materials, such as bedding, clothing, drapes, furniture, or rugs, a minimum of 3 feet from portable electric heaters, even ones with safety features such as cut-off switches or heating element guards.
Don't use space heaters where children may be unsupervised.
Turn off and unplug space heaters when they're not in use.
