City of St. Marys Ohio

Safety Tips

Downed Power Lines Electrical Cords Gas Leaks

Carbon Monoxide Portable Generators Sewage Backup

Returning Home after Storm Damage Water Line Break/Flooding

Snow Emergencies

DOWNED POWER LINES:

Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or possibly death. The following tips can help you stay safe around downed lines:

If you see a downed power line, move away from the line and anything touching it.
The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock. Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone - and it could do that through your body.
If you see someone who is in direct contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. Electricity travels through people and you could become the next victim. Call 9-1-1 instead.
Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even non conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and then electrocute you.
Be careful not to put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.
Do not drive over downed lines.
If you are in your car and it is in contact with the downed line, stay in your car. Honk your horn for help and tell others to stay away from your vehicle.
If you must leave your car because it is on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time. This way you avoid being the path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffle away from the car.

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ELECTRICAL CORDS:

Extension cords, with their ability to bring any appliance or lamp within easy reach of an electrical outlet, are one of the most convenient products in the home. But when they are misused, they can also be a source of potential danger.

Extension cords are generally rated in amps and volts. To determine if an extension cord is properly rated, add the total wattage of each bulb or electrical device, then divide by 120 to calculate the total number of amps. If the total number of amps is equal to or greater than the maximum rating of the cord, you must use a higher rated extension cord. If you were to use a thin cord for a device that draws a lot of current, such as an electric space heater, the cord could overheat and start an electrical fire.

Select the right cord for the job. Larger appliances and power tools use cords with three prongs, or conductors, one of which is the ground wire. Choose a replacement cord with the correct insulation. Electric space heaters, for example, are required to use cords with a thermosetting insulation to prevent the cord from melting. Look for the letter "H" on the cord.

Lamp cords are usually flat, and the individual conductors are parallel to each other. This type of cord is limited to indoor use and light duty. Appliance cords are usually round and have larger diameters because they are made using two layers of insulation over the copper conductors. The individual conductors are insulated and a second layer of insulation, called a jacket, is also applied.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that over 300 people are killed or injured each year as a result of fires caused by extension cords. The CPSC reports that improperly functioning extension cords cause 3,300 residential fires annually. To reduce extension cord hazards:

Never run extension cords through walls, under rugs or furniture, or across doorways.
Never try to repair a damaged extension cord with electrical tape; instead, replace it.
Never overload an extension cord. If any part of the cord feels warm to touch, the cord is drawing too much power and could present a fire or shock hazard.
Never cut off the ground pin to connect a 3-prong appliance cord to a 2-wire extension cord or receptacle. Always use a CSA, UL or ETL listed adapter for this purpose.
Replace older extension cords if one of the prongs in the plug is not "polarized". In a polarized plug, one prong will be wider than the other.
Avoid placing cords where someone could accidentally pull them down or trip over them.
Always plug an appliance into the extension cord before plugging the extension cord into a wall receptacle. Make sure the appliance is turned off before plugging it in.
When disconnecting an extension cord, always pull from the plug, never the cord itself.
Cover unused outlets on the extension cord to prevent children from making contact with a live circuit.
Before buying any extension cord, check the product to ensure that a nationally recognized laboratory, such as CSA, UL, or ETL, has certified the product.
Use special, heavy-duty extension cords for high-wattage appliances such as air conditioners, portable electric heaters and freezers.
When placing furniture or an appliance directly up against a wall where a cord is plugged into a receptacle, use a low-profile type of plug. These plugs will let the appliance or furniture get closer to the wall, and there is less chance of the plug coming loose.
Outside the home, use extension cords designed for outdoor use.
Make sure that you have not overloaded any circuit or extension cord. An extension cord is not intended to permanently extend a home's wiring system.

Before any work is done on your electrical system, always disconnect power from the circuit breaker panel or fuse box before attempting to replace a worn or damaged wall outlet, or call a licensed electrician to perform the work.

To help educate your children about electrical safety and have fun while they learn, visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFi) web site: www.electrical-safety.org. Click on: ESFi Library, scroll down to Mr. Plug Fun Books for free activity downloads.

GAS LEAKS:

If you suspect there is a gas leak, turn off any motorized equipment. Do not use a telephone or electrical switches as these are ignition sources and could ignite when turned on. If the odor is coming from inside your home, open doors and windows and leave the area. Call your local gas supplier from a neighbor's residence.

Signs of a natural gas leak are: gas odor, blowing or hissing sound, dirt being blown in the air, water being blown in the air at a pond or creek, fire coming from the ground, brown patches in vegetation near a pipeline right-of-way, or a dry spot in a moist field.

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CARBON MONOXIDE:

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is odorless, colorless, tasteless, nonirritating and can be fatal. When it is breathed into the body, it combines with the body's blood and prevents oxygen absorption. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion of common fuels, such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, and heating oil. It is found in the exhaust fumes from motor vehicles and malfunctioning heating equipment.

Ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning are:

DO NOT operate vehicles in an enclosed area.
DO NOT block vents and chimneys and keep clear of debris.
DO NOT operate charcoal or gas grills in an enclosed area.
DO NOT use a range, oven or clothes dryer for heating.
LOOK for signs of equipment problems, such as soot or water collecting near a burner vent. Natural gas and propane should produce a clear blue flame, not a yellow or orange flame.
INSTALL a certified carbon monoxide detector in your home and workplace and change the batteries on a regular basis.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are:

Dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, and other flu-like complaints.
The severity of the symptoms vary due to duration of exposure, age and general health.

If you are experiencing symptoms, leave the premises and immediately seek medical attention.

If you are not experiencing symptoms but carbon monoxide exposure is still suspected, ventilate the premises.

In both of these situations, contact your local Fire Department (St. Marys: 9-1-1 or 419-394-3396) to check the premises and all equipment for carbon monoxide.

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PORTABLE GENERATORS:

Portable electric generators are a good source of power for heat, light, refrigeration and cooking during electrical outages. But, if generators are improperly installed or operated, they can become deadly, notes the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). Safety awareness can prevent needless deaths.

Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, including homes, garages and basements. Generators produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly, a colorless, odorless, deadly gas.
Keep the generator dry. To protect it from moisture, operate on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure.
Plug appliances directly into the generator. Or, use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated in watts or amps at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
Do not connect your generator directly to your household wiring, as this can back feed along the power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including line workers making repairs.
Make sure the generator is properly grounded.
Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers, and away from fuel-burning appliances. And before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation and maintenance.
Keep children away from portable generators at all times.

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RETURNING HOME AFTER STORM DAMAGE:

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Following is a checklist of things to do and/or look for when returning home after a severe storm or disaster.

General Tips:

Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.
Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports.
Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect a damaged home. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
Watch out for animals. Use a stick to poke through debris.
Be wary of wildlife and other animals.
Use the phone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
Stay off the streets. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.

Before You Enter Your Home:

Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.

Do not enter if:

You smell gas.
Floodwaters remain around the building.
Your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.

Going Inside Your Home:

When you go inside your home, there are certain things you should and should not do. Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors. The following items are other things to check inside your home:

Natural Gas. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. Call the gas company from a neighbor's residence. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn it back on. Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles, or torches for lighting inside a damaged home until you are sure there is no leaking gas or other flammable materials present.
Sparks, broken or frayed wires. Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they're safe to use. You may want to have an electrician inspect your wiring.
Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks. If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.
Appliances. If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again. Also, have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.
Water and sewage systems. If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with local authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated. Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
Food and other supplies. Throw out all food and other supplies that you suspect may have become contaminated or come into contact with floodwater. Your basement - if your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of the water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged.
Open cabinets. Be alert for objects that may fall.
Clean up household chemical spills. Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage, bacteria, or chemicals. Also clean salvageable items.
Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.

For more information on what to do before and after a severe storm or disaster, go to www.fema.gov/ .

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SEWAGE BACKUP CLEANING PROCEDURES:

Sewage backing up into homes or on public streets is rare in the City of St. Marys. Most common causes of sewage backup are sewage line plugs/breaks or power outages. Our pump stations cannot operate without electricity so the City of St. Marys has backup generators for our pump stations to keep our sewage system operating. But suppose there is a major storm, such as a tornado, that destroys our pump stations or the sewer line coming into your home is plugged or breaks and there is sewage backing up into your home or on your street. Following are precautions and cleaning procedures to follow.

General Precautions:

Stay out of affected areas and keep children away.
If sewage backup has saturated your entire home, abandon your home until all affected areas (including carpets, rugs, sheetrock, drywall, baseboards) have been cleaned and disinfected.
Contact the City of St. Marys Utility Office (419-394-3303 x 1243) or Police Department (419-394-2325) to be sure the City is aware of the problem.

Cleanup Procedures - Inside Home:

Wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and waterproof gloves.
Clean walls, hard-surfaced floors, and other household surfaces with soap and water. Disinfect with a bleach solution (1/4 cup of bleach to each 1 gal. of water). Dry out affected items to prevent mold.
Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry clean.
Discard items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned (mattresses, carpeting, wall coverings, upholstered furniture).

Outside Home:

Contact the City of St. Marys or a registered septic tank contractor for cleanup.
Minor spills can be disinfected with regular garden lime. Follow the lime containers label instructions for personal protective equipment needed.
Sprinkle the lime onto the spill so the spill is dusted mostly white on the surface. If the spill is thicker in some areas, use a rake to mix the lime and the spill.
After 24 hours, rake up the thicker spill and place it in a trash bag for disposal with other trash. Use a sprinkler or hose to water the lime and spill into the soil.
Let the area dry in the sun for 1 day before allowing anyone to walk on the area. If there is still white lime dust visible on the property, water it until the white dust disappears.

Hygiene Procedures:

DO NOT put your hands or fingers near your nose, mouth, eyes or ears.
ALWAYS wash your hands with soap and water immediately after cleaning the infected areas and before eating or drinking.
USE a stiff brush to remove dirt and foreign material from your fingernails.
DO NOT place your used work clothes near clean work clothes.
SHOWER as soon as possible after each work day.

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WATER LINE BREAK/FLOODING:

A water line break or severe storm can cause flooding in our homes or on our property. If you experience a water line break in your home, you will need to contact a Licensed Plumber to repair the damaged line. Also contact the City of St. Marys so we can disconnect the water service to your home until the repairs are made. If there is a water main break in the street, please contact the City of St. Marys.

During heavy storms flood conditions are possible when water leaves the normal course of creek beds and washes over the surrounding area. When the water comes into contact with farm lands, manure piles, refuse heaps, and other sources of disease, flood waters become heavily contaminated and create potential health hazards. Following are procedures for cleaning your home and property after flooding occurs.

Cleaning a flooded home:

All movable furnishings should be taken outside to dry in the sun.
All woodwork should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water.
Floors and surfaces in the home that were flooded should be thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed as soon as possible after the water has receded.
After surfaces have been cleaned of mud and silt, wash them with a sterilizing chloride of lime solution (1 lb. of chloride of lime to 6-10 gals. of water). Household laundry bleaches containing 5 to 6% chlorine may be used as an alternative.
All water standing in a flooded basement should be disinfected. Remember to wait until the flood waters have left the surrounding area. Mix 2 qts. of laundry bleach in a pail of water, distribute evenly over the basement water, and stir as much as possible. Repeat this procedure every 4 - 5 days for as long as the water remains. When pumping basements, be sure not to pump the basement too quickly, water in the surrounding soil may cause the collapse of basement walls or lift up the basement floor.
When the water has left the basement, immediately remove all the accumulated silt and mud. Remove all movable items (furniture, storage boxes, etc.) Open windows to help dry out the basement. If possible, apply heat by using a furnace or stove. All surfaces exposed to the flood water should be disinfected by brushing on a chlorine solution.

Cleaning your yard:

All combustible material should be raked up and burned as soon as possible.
Incombustible items should be collected into piles for removal by the City Solid Waste Department.
Be sure to remove all filth that might be a breeding place for flies and rodents. Such areas should be sprayed with suitable insecticides.

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SNOW EMERGENCIES

When the Mayor declares a Snow Emergency the following procedure shall be utilized:

Level 1 - Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, and/or ice. Drive very cautiously. All residents should remove their vehicles from the street, if possible, so that crews may maintain the streets as best as possible.
Level 2 - Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, and/or ice. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Vehicles should be removed from the street so that crews can maintain the streets as best as possible. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
Level 3- All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is an emergency. Those traveling could be subject to a minor misdemeanor. Vehicles should be removed from the street so that crews can maintain the streets as best as possible. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.

When the Mayor declares such an emergency, the following agencies will be contacted:

Notify the Police and Fire Departments;
Contact The Evening Leader and The Daily Standard;
Contact the local radio stations - WCSM and WKKI in Celina;
Contact TSC and Time Warner cable companies; and,
Notice shall be listed on the City's web site.

If the Mayor does not identify a specific time frame upon declaring an emergency, the above contacts shall be notified again when the emergency is lifted.

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