Foresthill2023

EMERGENCY & SAFETY GUIDE

Telephone Safety The telephone is one of the safest appliances in your home or office. There are, however, a few situations where a telephone user needs to be cautious. Use of the Telephone Near Water The telephone should not be used while you are in the bathtub, shower or pool. Immersion of the telephone or handset in water could cause electrical shock. Use of the Telephone During an Electrical Storm You should avoid using a telephone during an electrical storm in your immediate area; calls of an urgent nature should be brief. Although the telephone industry

uses protective measures to limit abnormal electrical surges from entering your home, absolute protection is impossible. There is a remote risk of a dangerous electrical shock from lightning when using the telephone

during a nearby electrical storm. Use of the Telephone to Report a Gas Leak

If you think you have found a gas leak, you should not use a telephone in the vicinity of the leak until the leak is repaired. The telephone contains electrical contacts that could generate a tiny spark when you lift the handset and dial. While unlikely, it may be possible for this spark to trigger an explosion if the gas concentration is high enough.

Fire Immediately get everyone out of the house. Notify the fire department. Until assistance arrives, if personal safety permits and the fire is small, use your fire extinguisher(s) or fill containers with water for fire fighting. Always be sure that you have a clear escape route. Power Outage

• Check to see if circuit breakers have tripped or fuses have blown. • C heck to see if neighbor’s lights are on or if they have electricity. • Call the electric company to report the outage or downed power lines. Keep people and pets clear of downed power lines. • T urn off all major appliances, and other heavy-duty motors. • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to retain cold air and minimize thawing. • If you use a portable generator, plug appliance directly to generator and do not attach generator to house current. Smoke or Gaseous Emergencies In the event of a chemical release you will be instructed by authorities to either evacuate the area immediately or to “shelter in place.” You will be notified on the EMERGENCY BROADCAST SYSTEM or by the police or fire department. If You Are Told To Evacuate You will be instructed to leave the area immediately. You should then get your family and leave the area. You will be instructed to go to a shelter, or a friend or family’s house that is out of the danger area.

Checklist:

• Gather friends and/or family • Leave the area immediately • Close all windows in your vehicle

• Turn off the air conditioning in your vehicle • Do not try to call for information or assistance • Tune in your radio for information

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