Columbus, IN is one of the most exciting communities to live in for aging adults, with a lot of interesting and amusing sights. However, there might be times you would have to take extra care to stay safe during severe weather conditions.
While trying to protect yourself from severe weather in Columbus, here are some mistakes you should avoid. Therefore, pay attention to these expert tips to make sure you stay safe at home.
- Using Candles
As much as you want the house to be well-illuminated, ensure that you avoid using candles. This is mainly to prevent fire hazards. Because in case of fire accidents, there might not be phone service in reaching the fire department. Another case is that the fire hydrant might not be working. Instead, you can use flashlights. Interestingly, flashlights produce more light and will not burn your house down.
- Running a Generator Indoors While There Is a Power Outage
Just like using candles, running a generator indoors could also be very hazardous. This is because generators produce gases that are not healthy to be inhaled into the body. Like any internal combustion engine, a generator engine exhausts carbon monoxide gas, which can cause headaches, and other serious health problems. To avoid this, do not run generators indoors or in places that are too close like garages or porches. It must be kept at least 10 ft away from the house.
- Talking on the Phone
While this might appear inevitable, it must be done with extra care during severe weather conditions for you to stay safely at home. This is because lightning from outside can still pass through the conductive paths of the house like your wiring, your plumbing, and water. Hence, talking on a corded phone, taking a shower or bath, working on a desktop computer, or handling power tools during an electrical storm is not much safer than standing outside. Therefore, stay away from all water and appliances until the storm passes.
- Not Getting Acquainted with Where You Can Hide during Emergencies
You must know where you can easily run to for safety during severe weather. If you do not have access to an underground shelter, move to the interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture in order to stay safe until the severe weather subsides.
- Using Electronic Appliances
To avoid home hazards, you should avoid using anything electric or making an attempt to plug in power cords.
- Running a Charcoal Grill Indoors during a Power Outage
Although having a charcoal grill running indoors could be very comforting during severe weather conditions, it could also be very hazardous. This is because charcoal grills emit deadly carbon monoxide if they are run inside. Therefore, avoid this mistake. Just like your generators, keep your charcoal grills outside, even if it’s uncomfortably cold, and would be far more convenient if they were indoors.
- Not Staying Informed
It is important you stay informed and aware of any potential hazards, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or a tornado so that you can take appropriate action to maintain your safety as soon as possible. If you live in a retirement community, this might not be so hard because most retirement communities have amenities/services that make that easier to keep up with.
