Safety important after the storm, too.

Hanna might have moved on, but its aftermath - in the form of anything from downed power lines to poisonous snakes - lingers.

Storms may force wildlife out of its normal habitat. Poisonous snakes can be the biggest animal problem after a storm, said Onslow County Emergency Director Mark Goodman.

"Snakes like to curl up with water hoses, so if you have a hose be careful right after a storm," he said, adding that high water might force snakes into basements and even homes.

The same applies to pets separated from their owners. Goodman said that Onslow County is a caring community and people want to help, but residents should be cautious of dogs and other pets that might be disorientated after a storm.

Animal bites have increased after past storms, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Animals may become frightened and act oddly, so state officials recommend caution when dealing even with domestic animals like dogs and cats after a storm.

A study of 2,090 hurricane-related emergency department visits during and after Hurricane Hugo in 1989, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, found that insect stings and wounds accounted for nearly half of the total cases.

Mosquitoes, caterpillars, bees and other stinging pests will be buzzing around after losing their homes in the storm. Health officials strongly suggest appling insect repellant according to label directions.

Once a storm has passed and residents spot a downed power line, they should take certain steps to ensure their safety, said Dan Oliver, a spokesman for Progress Energy.

"The thing about downed power lines is you can't tell by looking at them whether they're energized or not," he said. "Keep children and pets away from it."

Oliver said if the line is in a place likely to cause harm then whoever sees it should call 911.

"If it's in a place where the public could get hurt, then a first responder needs to keep the public away from it until we can fix the problem," he said.

Low hanging wires and poles present their own hazards and should be reported as well.

People who purchase generators are urged to follow safety rules, said Andy Wright, Operations Manager at Lowe's Home Improvement Store .

If the generator was stored with fuel for a long period of time, the spark plugs and air filters should be replaced.

Wright also said generator owners should:

clean all contact points where extension chords and other devices plug into it,

have two gas cans and two quarts of oil,

use at least a 14-gauge extension chord,

never use a generator inside - always use outside in a well ventilated area,

and be aware of run time, as generators can overheat causing the motor to seize up.