WHAT TO DO AFTER A HURRICANE

Safety is the primary issue, as are mental and physical health. Knowing in advance of the storm how to access available assistance from local and state agencies can make the recovery process faster and less stressful. Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster. Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring, and slippery floors. Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation, and dead animals.

RETURNING HOME AFTER A HURRICANE

Returning home after a hurricane can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution. Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately. Stay informed with our solar powered and hand-crank generator radio and flashlight to listen for emergency updates and to inspect your damaged home. BEFORE YOU ENTER YOUR HOME: Assess the damage by carefully walking around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.

DO NOT ENTER IF: You smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building, and/or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.

GOING INSIDE YOUR HOME

When you go inside your home, there are certain things you should and should not do. Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors. The following items are other things to check inside your home:

  • Natural gas - If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. If possible, call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence.
  • Sparks, broken or frayed wires - Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they’re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician inspect your wiring.
  • Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks - If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.
  • Appliances - If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again.
  • Water and sewage systems - If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with local authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated. Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
  • Food and other supplies - Throw out all food and other supplies that you suspect may have become contaminated or come in contact with floodwater.
  • Your basement - If your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of the water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse, and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged.
  • Open cabinets - Be alert for objects that may fall.
  • Clean up household chemical spills - Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage, bacteria, or chemicals. Also, clean salvageable items.
  • Call your insurance agent - Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.

SEEKING HURRICANE ASSISTANCE

DIRECT ASSISTANCE:

Direct assistance to individuals and families may come from any number of organizations, including: the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and other volunteer organizations. These organizations provide food, shelter, supplies and assist in clean-up efforts.

THE FEDERAL ROLE:

In the most severe disasters, the federal government is also called in to help individuals and families with temporary housing, counseling (for post-disaster trauma), low-interest loans and grants, and other assistance. The federal government also has programs that help small businesses and farmers. Most federal assistance becomes available when the President of the United States declares a “Major Disaster” for the affected area at the request of a state governor. FEMA will provide information through the media and community outreach about federal assistance and how to apply.

COPING AFTER A HURRICANE

Surviving a hurricane can cause severe emotional strain on survivors. Intense feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, and loss can be overwhelming following a devasting event. These feelings are perfectly normal but acknowledging them can help you recover. Accepting help from community programs and resources may be necessary and beneficial. Children and older adults' emotional states are of particular concern in the aftermath of disasters. Even individuals who experience an emergency "second hand" through exposure to extensive media coverage can be adversely affected.

Contact local faith-based organizations, voluntary agencies, or professional counselors for mental help. Additionally, FEMA and state and local governments of the affected area may provide crisis counseling assistance. You may be able to minimize the emotional and traumatic effects of a hurricane by taking action to prepare for a worst-case scenario.

SIGNS OF HURRICANE RELATED STRESS:

  • Difficulty communicating thoughts.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Trouble maintaining balance in their lives.
  • Low threshold of frustration.
  • Increased use of drugs/alcohol.
  • Limited attention span.
  • Poor work performance.
  • Headaches/stomach problems.
  • Tunnel vision/muffled hearing.
  • Colds or flu-like symptoms.
  • Disorientation or confusion.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Reluctance to leave home.
  • Depression, sadness.
  • Feelings of hopelessness.
  • Mood-swings and easy bouts of crying.
  • Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt.
  • Fear of crowds, strangers, or being alone.

HELPING CHILDREN COPE AFTER A HURRICANE

Children's reactions are influenced by the behavior, thoughts, and feelings of adults. Adults should encourage children and adolescents to share their thoughts and feelings about the incident. Clarify misunderstandings about risk and danger by listening to children's concerns and answering questions. Maintain a sense of calm by validating children's fears and perceptions and discussing concrete plans for safety.

Listen to what the child is saying. If a young child asks questions about the event, answer them directly without the elaboration needed for an older child or adult. Some children are comforted by knowing more or less information than others; decide what level of information your particular child needs. If a child has difficulty expressing feelings, allow the child to draw a picture or tell a story of what happened. Try to understand what is causing anxieties and fears. Be aware that after a disaster, children are most concerned that the event will happen again, someone close to them will be killed or injured, or they will be left separated from the family.

REASSURING CHILDREN AFTER A DISASTER:

  • Personal contact is reassuring. Hug and touch your children.
  • Calmly provide factual information about the recent disaster and your recovery plans.
  • Encourage your children to talk about their feelings.
  • Spend extra time with your children, such as at bedtime.
To top