Criterium Engineers Offers Tips on Picking up the Pieces after a Natural Disaster.PORTLAND, Maine Portland is the largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, with a 2004 population of 63,882. Portland is Maine's cultural, social and economic capital. Tourists are drawn to Portland's historic Old Port district along Portland Harbor, which is at the mouth of the Fore River and part -- (Grassroots Newswire) -- Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes can strike with almost no warning, leaving little time to prepare for the catastrophe. "The physical and mental challenges that arise immediately after a catastrophic act of nature can cloud even the most levelheaded lev·el·head·ed adj. Characteristically self-composed and sensible. lev  el·head person's judgments," said H. Alan Mooney, president of
Criterium Engineers.
Before You Enter Your Home * Check for: gas leaks, serious structural damage, fallen debris that can create walking hazards, or downed power lines. * Look for roof, foundation, and serious porch/deck cracks. If there is a chance one of these items is in danger of collapsing, do not enter the building. * Always wear shoes with sturdy soles and proper safety wear, including sturdy eye goggles goggles, n the protective eyewear worn by dental personnel and patients during dental procedures. goggles see periocular leukotrichia. and a dust mask. * Turn on your battery-powered flashlight before you enter your damaged home, as the battery may produce a spark when the flashlight is initially lit. Your First Trip inside Your Home Be aware of the following: * Natural gas. If you smell gas or hear a hissing hiss n. 1. A sharp sibilant sound similar to a sustained s. 2. An expression of disapproval, contempt, or dissatisfaction conveyed by use of this sound. v. sound, open a window and leave immediately. Call the gas company and ask about the next steps to take. * Major appliances. If items such as your stove or refrigerator are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box immediately. Do not turn on the lights until after you've been assured of the electrical safety of doing so. * Water and sewage systems. "Turn off your main water valve," Mooney cautions. "You shouldn't flush the toilets or turn on the faucets until the local authorities have given region-wide permission." * Your basement. If your basement has flooded, pump the water out gradually. If the ground surrounding the basement is waterlogged wa·ter·logged adj. 1. Nautical Heavy and sluggish in the water because of flooding, as in the hold: a waterlogged ship. 2. , the walls and floor may crack if the floodwater flood·wa·ter n. The water of a flood. Often used in the plural. floodwater n → aguas fpl (de la inundación) floodwater n is pumped out too quickly. Cleaning Up * Before you start the clean-up process, assemble a bare-bones first-aid kit Noun 1. first-aid kit - kit consisting of a set of bandages and medicines for giving first aid kit, outfit - gear consisting of a set of articles or tools for a specified purpose first-aid kit first n → . * Damaged trees and large-scale debris are the major causes of homeowner injury during disaster clean-up. * Account for all hazardous materials and chemicals. * To prevent mold and mildew mildew, name for certain fungi and protists, for the diseases they cause in various crops, and for the discoloration (and sometimes the weakening and disintegration) they cause in such materials as leather, fabrics, and paper. : clean and thoroughly dry carpets, furniture, clothing, and other large household items immediately. powered by Grassroots Newswire(TM) (c) 2006 eNR Services, Inc. All rights reserved. |
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