Cactus Village Community

MONSOON TIPS

Jul 14, 2003

As the calendar moves us closer to mid-summer, it?’s time to get ready for the monsoon season. Here are some electric tips to combat summer storms:

?• Use surge suppressors to help protect electronic equipment.
?• If the power goes out, keep refrigerators or freezer doors closed. Food in a filled freezer will stay frozen for two days, and in a half-full freezer one day.
?• Make sure to have several flashlights and a battery-operated radio in a spot that is easy to find.
?• Store non-perishable foods such as cereals, canned fruits and breads.
?• Always stay away from downed power lines; treat them as if they were energized. Never assume that a fallen wire is safe.
?• Never try to remove someone trapped by a downed power line. When you see someone in need of help immediately, call 911.
?• During lightning storms, avoid taking a bath or shower or running water because metal conducts electricity
?• Move indoors. If you hear a storm, you are in danger of being struck by lightning.
?• If you are caught in your vehicle during an electrical storm, stay there unless you are in danger from flooding, high winds or a tornado. A vehicle offers good protection from lightning as long as you do not touch any metal.
?• If your hair stands on end or you feel a tingling sensation in your skin, you are about to be struck. Immediately crouch near the ground. Do not lie flat, but stand with your feet together, placing your hands on your knees.
?• Do not use a telephone unless it is an emergency. Lightning can travel through phone lines.
?• Do not use a plug-in appliance.
?• If someone is struck, start first aid immediately, including CPR if necessary. . . ☻