Safety Sunday: Don’t be that Guy… & 4 tips for venturing out after the storm

Sorry but I need to rant for a second… What is up with some reporters – now folks don’t do this, if you see X do Y, and most importantly do as I say, not as I do…

Standing in knee deep water with storm surge coming is not a good idea.

Standing in said water with live electricity still flowing is not a smart idea either.

Pointing out your stupidity by pointing out how the wind is battering said wires & lights does not make you smarter, braver, or increase your ratings.

But no worries, people have taken the hints & wouldn’t dare try driving in said weather – oops, maybe we spoke to soon… Maybe the reporter should perform a PSA for the TADD (Turn Around Don’t Down) program, as a mea culpa? Of course I have an issue with those that love to blow it out of proportion, which leads us to our laugh of the day… (See bottom of post) All right I am now stepping off the soap box, and would like to address a few issues many people returning or those venturing out – staying safe after the storm has passed.

4 Reminders for venturing out after the storm has passed

1. Expand your field of view – (1 Death) In school we were taught to look both ways before crossing a street and that is further ingrained in our psyche as we learned to ride a book, drive a car, etc… However, when stepping out into your yard or an area that has been damaged, you need to also look up for any items that come crashing down (like broken tree limbs aka widow makers), down at where you are stepping, and outward to where you are going & all around you.
2.  Collapse your field of view – I know I just told you to expand your field of view, but human nature is to try to take in everything in at once. While that is not bad, you need to make sure you address any immediate issues first by checking zones.
• Personal Zone – consider it as a 6’ bubble where you are checking for items that might cut you, fall on you, or you might trip over
• Danger Zone – a 25’ bubble, you are looking for widow makers, downed power lines, and other items that pose a danger. As a reminder on power lines, the higher the voltage, the further the danger zone extends out. While the first 3’  of a downed power line is the most dangerous, the power can still kill you up to 21’ out – thus the reason everyone advises you not to go near a downed power line or trying to rescue someone in a trapped car.
• Expanded Danger Zone – this one varies based on the terrain, and items around you
3. Driving – unless you have to be somewhere / check up on someone, please stay off the roads so First responders and others can help those that may require help. Don’t forget that you also need to expand your field of view and not drive faster than conditions allow. (4 Deaths)
4. Dress Appropriately – granted I feel a little hypocritical here as I am known for wearing tennis shoes when I should be wearing boots, shorts when I should be wearing jeans, but quite honestly after a storm many first responders are busy dealing with other issues & it may take a while for them to reach you if something does go wrong.

For all those of you impacted by Hurrican Irene – our thoughts and best wishes are with you. If you believe that laughter is the best medicine, well here is a doozy…

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