Hi Folks,

My heart is with all of the folks impacted by Hurricane Sandy.   There are still many, many people without power.  A friend of mines brother was crushed by a tree and killed.

Here are some tips to help keep your family safe and to help with the clean up:

Property damage:  Contact your insurance company for any property damage.  Hire licensed contractors to perform structural repairs to your home.  Do not assume water-damaged buildings are safe to enter,

If walls, insulation or carpets were in standing water you need to dispose of them to avoid the risk of mold and mildew.  Walls can be cut just above the water line.  Dispose of house hold items and furniture if they cannot be thoroughly cleaned.

Portable Generators:  Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents. Read both the label on your generator and the owner's manual and follow the instructions. Any electrical cables you use with the generator should be free of damage and suitable for outdoor use. Ground your generator!!

Charcoal Grills and Camp Stoves:  Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Deaths have occurred when consumers burned charcoal or used camp stoves in enclosed spaces, which produced lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

CO Alarms:  Install carbon monoxide alarms immediately outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home to protect against CO poisoning. Change the alarms' batteries every year. 

Electrical and Gas Safety:  Stay away from any downed wires, including cable TV feeds. They may be live with deadly voltage. If you are standing in water, do not handle or operate electrical appliances. Electrical components, including circuit breakers, wiring in the walls and outlets that have been under water should not be turned on. They should be replaced unless properly inspected and tested by a qualified electrician.

Natural gas or propane valves that have been under water should be replaced. Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house, leave the door(s) open, and call 911. Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion. Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

Candles:  Use caution with candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.

Powermate Generators Recall to Repair by Pramac America Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Home Depot

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Powermate Sx 5500 portable generators

Units: About 7700

Importer: Pramac America LLC, of Kearney, Neb.

Manufacturer: Am Pride Chongqing Senci IMP & EXP Trade Co., of China

Hazard: The fuel filter on this generator allows gasoline to leak, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Pramac America has received 51 reports of fuel filter leakage. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled portable generators have "Powermate 5500" printed on the side of the black generator with wheels. These generators were sold under the model name Sx5500 and model number PM0125500. Both are printed on a plate on the rear of the generators with serial numbers of the recalled units ranging from K003xxxxxQ through K090xxxxxQ.

Sold exclusively at: Home Depot stores in northeast, mid-west and southeast United States from February 2012 through August 2012 for about $550.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Stop using these recalled portable generators and contact Pramac America to receive a free repair kit including a replacement filter, hose and hose clamps for fuel line.

Consumer Contact: Pramac America LLC at (800) 445-1805 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or www.powermate.com and click on the Generator tab and then the Expert Advice followed by the Service Notification link for more information.