Tampa airport will reopen to inbound flights on Wednesday afternoon
Mia Horton There are more than 330,000 customers without power in both Florida and Georgia as Hurricane Idalia cuts across the Southeast.
Here’s what you can do to stay safe if you’re without power:
The basics: It’s crucial to ensure electric appliances are disconnected to avoid any harm or damage from power surges, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA also recommends keeping freezers and refrigerators closed to help maintain cooler temperatures for food preservation.
For good measure, turn off the main power breaker in your house and do not use any devices that are wet.
Watch out for carbon monoxide: Generators should only be used outdoors and placed more than 20 feet away from doors and windows, even if they are closed.
The devices emit carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas that can be deadly.
The CDC also recommends ensuring battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors are placed near sleeping areas.
Discard flooded and too-warm food: Food that has been comprised by floodwater should not be consumed and should be thrown away, officials advise.
Refrigerated food that reaches at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit should be discarded, FEMA says.
If you have medications that require refrigeration, find out how long they can be without it before their safety expires.
Use flashlights instead of candles: Avoid using candles during a blackout if possible. If you must use them, keep them away from anything that could catch fire and do not leave them unattended, the CDC says. Ensure a fire extinguisher is available and those around you know how to use it.