12 Deaths Caused by Hurricane Sandy in Pennsylvania: Dangers Still Present after the Storm
The devastation left in Hurricane Sandy’s path has taken its toll, causing 74 deaths in the U.S. and 5.6 million power outages affecting homes and businesses. With twelve people reported dead in Pennsylvania in connection with the storm as of November 1, 2012, it is one of other areas, particularly New York and New Jersey, which have not come out of it unscathed.
News sources report that some of the causes of death associated with Hurricane Sandy include carbon monoxide poisoning caused by generator fumes in separate incidents; an electrical home fire; hypothermia; tree limbs falling; tree falling on top of a home; and other tragedies.
Individuals across Pennsylvania without power went from 1.2 million to 612,000 as of Wednesday night. Efforts are underway to prevent the power outages from standing in the way of the election next week. With about 450 people reported to be in shelters throughout PA on Tuesday and considering the overwhelming losses, we wish everyone courage and strength as they recover and stay safe with their loved ones.
To help prevent further harm befalling those throughout the Northeast, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) have released Survival Tips After The Storm to warn of the potentially deadly dangers that are still a threat:
- Do not use a portable generator inside a home, basement, shed, or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
- Do not use charcoal grills or cap stoves indoors.
- Be sure that you have carbon monoxide alarms outside of each sleeping area on each level of a home and change the batteries every year to help prevent CO poisoning.
- Do not go near any downed wires, including cable TV feeds. These wires may be live and contain deadly voltage.
- Do not handle or operate any electrical appliances if you are standing in water.
- Do not turn on any electrical components (e.g. circuit breakers, wiring in the walls, outlets) that have been under water.
- Check for gas leaks and replace natural gas or propane valves that have been under water. Do not strike a match and have the system checked professionally before turning the gas back on.
- Be extremely careful when using candles and use flashlights instead if you can. Never leave burning candles unattended and do not burn them on or near something that could catch on fire.
For more information regarding safety after Hurricane Sandy, visit the CPSC website.
We send all of your prayers to the families who have lost loved ones in Hurricane Sandy and are wishing the best for those recovering after the storm. Please be safe and use extra care.
