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March 5, 2025

What to know when returning home after evacuating

What to know when returning home after evacuating
# Returning Home
# Evacuate

Tips to help your residents return home safely after they evacuate

Joseph Porcelli
Joseph Porcelli
What to know when returning home after evacuating

If you have evacuated, please only return home when officials say it is safe. Do not enter your home if:

⛽️ You smell gas.

🌊 Floodwaters remain around the building.

🚨 Authorities have not declared it safe to enter.

Also, watch out for these fire hazards:

✔️ Leave immediately if you smell gas or hear a hissing sound.

✔️ Appliances or vehicles exposed to water.

✔️ Exposed electrical outlets and wiring.

When returning home after a power loss, follow these food safety tips:

🤢 Don't taste the food.

🌡️ Use a thermometer to check food temperature.

🗑️ Throw away food that is 40+ degrees Fahrenheit for more than 2 hours.

If there is damage to your home or belongings, document it before you clean it up:

📸 Take photos before you begin to clean up. 

📝 Make a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts. 

⚡ Do not touch or cut power lines as they may be live.

Tips to clean up safely:

🌞 Wait until daylight to clean up.

⚡️ Don't touch or cut any downed lines.

🌊 Stay away from flooded areas.

🪑 Be sure to take lots of breaks to avoid straining your body. 

🪚 Be very careful with chainsaws and other power tools. 

💧 Stay hydrated and take breaks in the A/C ❄️ (if available).

For more tips, visit www.ready.gov

If you have additional tips, share them in the comments and 'Repost' to ensure everyone in our community is informed. 

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