Anyone without power in their home or business should shut off the circuit breakers so a fire doesn't start when power comes back on, according to Point Pleasant Borough Office of Emergency Management.

Shutting off breakers prevents a surge when power is restored and it's the surge that can start a fire, said Kiel Arnone, Deputy Coordinator of the Borough Office of Emergency Management.

Arnone said the Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office approved this message to be released to the public.

A related concern was expressed this morning by Borough Mayor William Schroeder who wrote on his Facebook wall: "Emergency Management and the National Guard are knocking on doors warning of fire hazard due to power coming back on with water still in crawl spaces and some water soaked areas of homes. BE AWARE OF THIS DANGER!"

For additional updates related to cleaning up after Sandy, see the mayor's letter (attached PDF).