Stay Safe After a Hurricane or Storm

The storm might be over, but that doesn’t mean the danger is. Keep your loved ones safe after the storm by following these safety tips.

Stay out of floodwater.

• Always follow warnings about flooded roads.
• Don’t drive in flooded areas—cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
• If you have to be in or near floodwater, wear a life jacket—especially if the water is rising.
• Wash your hands with soap and water if you have been in floodwater. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer. Floodwater can contain many things that may harm health, including germs, dangerous chemicals, human and livestock waste, wild or stray animals, downed power lines, and other contaminants that can make you sick.

Never use a wet electrical device.

• Turn off the power at the main breaker in your house if the device is still plugged in. Wait for an electrician to check the device before using it.
• If it is necessary to use a portable generator, manufacturer recommendations and specifications must be strictly followed. If there are any questions regarding the operation or installation of the portable generator, a qualified electrician should be immediately contacted to assist in installation and start-up activities. The generator should always be positioned outside the structure.
• When using gasoline- and diesel-powered portable generators to supply power to a building, switch the main breaker or fuse on the service panel to the “off” position prior to starting the generator. This will prevent power lines from being inadvertently energized by backfeed electrical energy from the generators, and help protect utility line workers or other repair workers or people in neighboring buildings from possible electrocution. If the generator is plugged into a household circuit without turning the main breaker to the “off” position or removing the main fuse, the electrical current could reverse, go back through the circuit to the outside power grid, and energize power lines or electrical systems in other buildings to at or near their original voltage without the knowledge of utility or other workers.

If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles.

• If you have to use candles, keep them away from anything that can catch fire. Always stay near lit candles.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and make sure your family knows how to use it.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fuel-burning equipment creates carbon monoxide (CO). This can include equipment like generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, and camp stoves. You can’t smell or see carbon monoxide, but if it builds up in your home, it can cause sudden illness and death.

• Never use portable gasoline or coal-burning equipment or camp stoves inside your home, basement, or garage. Keep it outside and at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
• Use a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector any time you use a generator or anything else that burns fuel.
• If you have a CO detector and it starts beeping, leave your home right away and call 911.

Be careful near damaged buildings.

• Do not enter a damaged building until local authorities determine it is safe. Hurricanes can damage buildings and make them unsafe.
• Leave your home or building if you hear shifting or unusual noises. Strange noises could mean the building about to fall.

Stay away from power lines.

• Watch out for fallen power lines that may be hanging overhead.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines. Call the electric company to report them.

Protect yourself from animals and pests.

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) with DEET or picaridin. Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when you’re outside.
• Stay away from wild or stray animals after a storm. Call 911 or your public health department to report them.
• Report dead animals to local officials.

Drink safe water. Eat safe food.

• Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Throw away perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; also discard foods with an unusual odor, color, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Listen to reports from local officials for advice on water precautions in your home. Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to make baby formula, make ice, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, or wash dishes.
• Bottled, boiled, or treated water are safe for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. Your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area.

Wash your hands.

Good basic personal hygiene and handwashing are critical to help prevent the spread of illness and disease. Clean, safe running water is essential for proper hygiene and handwashing. Hygiene is especially important after an emergency like a hurricane, but finding clean, safe running water can sometimes be hard.

Take care of any wounds or injuries to prevent infection.

The risk for injury during and after a hurricane and other natural disasters is high.

• Get first aid quickly to help heal small wounds and prevent infection.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, if possible.
• Avoid touching the wound with your fingers while treating it (if possible, use disposable, latex gloves).
• Remove obstructive jewelry and clothing from the injured body part.
• Apply direct pressure to any bleeding wound to control bleeding.
• Clean the wound after bleeding has stopped.
• Examine wounds for dirt and foreign objects.
• Gently flood the wound with bottled water or clean running water (if available, saline solution is preferred).
• Gently clean around the wound with soap and clean water.
• Pat dry and apply an adhesive bandage or dry clean cloth.
• Leave unclean wounds, bites, and punctures open. Wounds that are not cleaned correctly can trap bacteria and result in infection.
• Provide pain relievers when possible.
• Review the wound every 24 hours.

Clean up your home safely

Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during cleanup after a hurricane.

• Follow safety precautions before reentering your flooded home.
• Get the right safety gear - Hard Hats, Gloves, N95 Masks, Googles, Waterproof Boots...
• Have teams of at least two people work together to move heavy or bulky objects.
• Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).
• Rest when you need to.
• Decide which cleanup tasks are most important, and focus on those first. That way, you’re less likely to be overwhelmed.

Take care of your emotional health.

During and after a hurricane, it is natural to experience different and strong emotions. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community recover from a disaster.

• Connect with family, friends, and others in your community.
• Take care of yourself and each other, and know when and how to seek help.
• Take care of your body– Try to eat healthy well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
• Connect with others– Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships, and build a strong support system.
• Take breaks– Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Try taking in deep breaths. Try to do activities you usually enjoy.
• Stay informed– When you feel that you are missing information, you may become more stressed or nervous. Watch, listen to, or read the news for updates from officials. Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information like your local government authorities.
• Avoid too much exposure to news– Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible and check for updates between breaks.
• Seek help when needed– If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor, or contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990.