Use caution after storms during Hurricane Preparedness Week

Hurricane Preparedness Week Day Six reminds residents that danger often continues after a storm passes and that recovery requires caution and patience.

Hurricane Preparedness Week is observed annually by the National Hurricane Center, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state and local emergency managers to educate the public on risks before, during and after tropical storms and hurricanes.

After a storm, hazards can include downed power lines, flooded roads, unstable buildings and contaminated water. Officials generally advise people to avoid driving through floodwater, stay away from downed lines and follow local evacuation and safety guidance until authorities issue an all-clear.

The message for Day Six stresses that taking time to assess safety and to recover methodically is as important as preparing in advance. We will provide more information as it becomes available.