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Hurricane Isaias Shows Why Storm Fire Safety Matters

Hurricane Isaias Shows Why Storm Fire Safety Matters Homeland Security TodayOn Aug. 3 around 11 p.m., Hurricane Isaias made landfall at Ocean Isle Beach as a Category 1 hurricane. Local authorities issued voluntary evacuations two days earlier. Residents knew that flooding would be a concern, but no one expected the fires that occurred over the next few days.

As the storm came ashore with 85 mph winds, residents reported that an electrical transformer exploded. Wind-driven flames from two separate fires resulted in the destruction of seven houses. Flood waters up to 4 feet delayed the response from fire departments in the surrounding area.

Storm surge damaged many vehicles parked underneath structures. At 1 a.m. on Aug. 6, another fire started, this time caused by a car battery flooded with salt water that ignited under a house. One person was injured and airlifted to a hospital. Three houses were destroyed in the fire and three others were damaged.

Following the second fire, the mayor requested that residents remove all vehicles affected by flooding from underneath structures. She also recommended disconnecting vehicle batteries.

Before a storm

If your coastal community is threatened by a tropical storm or hurricane, encourage residents to evacuate. Before they leave, ask them to remove combustible items near electrical transformers and to disconnect batteries from vehicles—including those in golf carts and lawn mowers—parked in flood-prone areas.

When it’s safe to return home

Ask residents and property managers to:

  • Remove debris from around electrical transformers.
  • Push or tow flood-damaged vehicles from underneath structures.
  • Disconnect vehicle batteries, and never start an engine if a vehicle is submerged.
  • Arrange for a licensed electrician to check flooded homes for electrical damage.

Help to make sure that your community is ready for severe weather events and members understand the fire risks that come with them. Visit our Severe Weather Fire Safety page for outreach resources on fire safety before, during and after a severe storm.

Read more at U.S. Fire Administration

Hurricane Isaias Shows Why Storm Fire Safety Matters Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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