If phones are out of order, Town workers and police will have access to communication. Car telephones and personal cellular phones also continue to function when lines are down. Loose, dangling electrical wires can pose a serious threat, as can downed wires covered by debris. Do not use any electrical outlets or appliances until you are sure they are dry and free of water. Do not drink water from the faucet until officially notified that it is safe from contamination.
Refrigerated food spoils rapidly when power is lost.
Frozen foods may begin to defrost. Once defrosted, do not re-freeze foods. When returning to your community following the storm, avoid driving through streets flooded with salt water. If you must, be sure to immediately hose under the car or take it to a car wash for a chassis wash. Salt water corrodes and destroys auto mechanisms.