EMERGENCY OFFICIALS STRESS SAFETY AS THE POWER COMES BACK ON

Contact: Jim Van Dongen, 603-223-3720
Sunday, December 14, 2008
From the State Emergency Operations Center

CONCORD, N.H. - Electric power is being restored across New Hampshire and state emergency officials are warning of potential safety hazards associated with buildings being re-energized.

With the cold temperatures that occurred over the weekend, some homes and business may have experienced frozen pipes. State Fire Marshal J.William Degnan said open flames should never be used to thaw pipes.

 "If pipes are frozen, the water should be turned off at the service entrance, faucets opened, and pipes defrosted with a hair dryer or space heater," Degnan said. "People should never use a torch or other open flame to thaw pipes because of the fire danger."

Degnan also said that electrical conduits or boxes may have water in them when ice thaws. He said any electrical equipment that has gotten wet should be checked by a licensed electrician before being switched on. Commercial buildings should have their sprinklers systems checked by a contractor or the local fire department, he said.

Another potential hazard facing homeowners is perishable food that may have gone bad. Director of Public Health Dr. Jose Montero said food may look safe and smell safe. But he said bacteria may have started to grow. He recommended throwing out any perishable food from refrigerators or freezers that had been without power for more than four hours.

He cautioned people not to taste food to determine its safety.

Anyone with questions about ice storm recovery should call the state information line at 1-888-330-6764.