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| Working Safely After Storms |
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Follow these tips to protect yourself and others from utility hazards when working in storm-damaged areas. |
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| Use Generators Safely |
| To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, only use generators outdoors in open areas and at least 20 feet away from doors, windows and vents. If a CO alarm sounds, evacuate the structure and seek fresh air outdoors. |
| NEVER plug a generator into a wall outlet. Power can energize utility lines, making them unsafe for repair crews and possibly delaying power restoration. |
| Avoid Natural Gas Hazards |
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Confirm the location of natural gas piping with the property owner before working in or around any structure. |
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Make sure vent lines for dryers, water heaters or other gas-fueled equipment are properly connected and have not been blocked or compromised by floodwaters, storm debris, snow or ice. |
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Do NOT operate any gas appliance that has been affected by floodwaters until a qualified professional inspects it and any necessary repairs have been made. |
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| Avoid Electrical Hazards |
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Stay out of flooded basements. |
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Do NOT touch electrical appliances or equipment if you are wet or standing in water. |
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If you must work in wet conditions, use tools and extension cords that are suitable for outdoor use, and plug them into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for shock protection. |
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If you see a sagging or downed power line, always assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay far away from the line and anything it is contacting, and report it to 911. |
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Avoid walking and driving through floodwaters, as water may hide fallen power lines. |
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| Disconnect Utilities Before Major Repair Work |
| If the job involves demolition or major repairs or renovation to a structure with active electric or gas service, contact Duke Energy at 1-800-777-9898 well in advance of starting work to arrange for the utility lines and meters to be properly disconnected. Do not start work until Duke Energy says it is safe to do so. |
| Would You Like to Know More? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos and educational tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on Duke Energy's Worker Beware website. |
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For electrical emergencies, call 911 and
Duke Energy Carolinas: 800.769.3766
Duke Energy Florida: 800.228.8485
Duke Energy Indiana: 800.343.3525
Duke Energy Kentucky/Ohio: 800.543.5599
Duke Energy Progress: 800.419.6356
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