These safety tips are from a release by Alabama Power:

• Stay clear of flooded areas or areas with fallen trees or debris where downed lines may be hidden. Stay away from areas where repair crews are working.

• Stay away from downed lines. Do not drive over lines or under low-hanging lines. Keep children and pets away from downed lines. Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or anything else caught in power lines.

• Read and follow carefully the manufacturer’s instructions before using a generator.

• Do not plug in portable generators to your household wiring. This can cause serious injury to you and to Alabama Power employees working on the lines in your neighborhood. Connect essential appliances – such as freezers and refrigerators – directly to the generator.

•To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, operate generators outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area that is away from air intakes to the home, including window air conditioners. A good location is an open shed. Never use a portable generator indoors or in attached garages.

If your power is out or you see a hazardous situation, such as a downed line, call Alabama Power’s automated reporting system at 1-800-888-APCO (2726).