The Tribune

THERE is plenty to do after the storm has hit. If your area has been without electricity, check for food spoilage when power is restored, says the Bahamas Meteorology Department. If ice crystals are still visible in frozen meats, the meat can sometimes be safely refrozen, they say. Most other foods can normally be refrozen if they have only partially thawed, but there will be some reduction in quality. If food has warmed to room temperature for an indefinite period of time, it is most likely unsafe to eat. Colour, appearance, and odour are not always good indicators of whether foods are safe to eat. If your stove, washer, dryer, microwave or other appliances become wet, be cautious because there is a danger of electrical shock. Let the unplugged appliance dry completely. This may take a week or two. Then have a technician check for damage. Make sure that both the equipment and the surrounding area, cabinets, floors, etc, are completely dry before attempting to unplug or move the item. When lines from a utility pole fall to the ground, assume they are energised and dangerous. Don't touch them! Warn others to stay away. Never run from a fallen power line. A live wire touching the ground causes electricity to fan out in a pool. Voltage decreases as it travels away from a line. The action of running will cause your legs to bridge current from higher to lower voltage and you may receive a shock. Instead, keep your legs together and shuffle away with both feet on the ground. A fence or guardrail touching a downed line can be energised for several thousand yards, and this poses a danger to anyone coming into contact with these structures. If someone is touching a fallen line, don't try to rescue him or her because you risk becoming a victim yourself, says the Meteorology Department. In all power line-related emergencies call for help by dialing 911. If a power line falls on a car while you are in it, remain where you are, if possible, and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or some other hazard, jump free of the car so that your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground.