After-Storm Safety Checklist: Essential Steps to Ensure Your Safety

Experiencing a storm can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps afterward is crucial to ensure your safety and well-being. Here's a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the post-storm period:

1. What Immediate Actions Should You Take After a Storm?

• Stay Informed: Listen to local authorities for updates on weather conditions and safety advisories.

• Avoid Floodwaters: Stay out of floodwater, as it can contain contaminants that may harm health, including germs, dangerous chemicals, human and livestock waste, wild or stray animals, downed power lines, and other hazards. (cdc.gov)

• Inspect Your Surroundings: Be cautious of damaged buildings and downed power lines. Do not enter damaged buildings until local authorities determine it is safe. (cdc.gov)

2. How Can You Ensure Home Safety Post-Storm?

• Check for Structural Damage: Before re-entering, ensure your home is structurally sound. If you hear shifting or unusual noises, leave immediately. (cdc.gov)

• Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Never use portable gasoline or coal-burning equipment or camp stoves inside your home, basement, or garage. Keep them outside and at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. (cdc.gov)

• Handle Electrical Hazards: If you suspect electrical damage, turn off the power at the main breaker and wait for a professional to inspect your system. (cdc.gov)

3. What Health Precautions Should You Take After a Storm?

• Ensure Safe Drinking Water: If you suspect or have been told that your water is contaminated, do not use it 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. (cdc.gov)

• Safeguard Food Supplies: Throw away food that may have come into contact with flood or storm water. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. (cdc.gov)

• Practice Good Hygiene: 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. (cdc.gov)

4. How Should You Approach Cleanup and Recovery?

• Use Appropriate Safety Gear: Wear hard hats, goggles, N95 masks, heavy work gloves, waterproof boots with steel toes, and ear protection when cleaning up debris. (cdc.gov)

• Handle Chemicals Safely: Be alert for leaking containers and reactive household chemicals, such as caustic drain cleaners and chlorine bleach. Keep children and pets away from stored, leaking, and spilled chemicals. (cdc.gov)

• Monitor for Health Symptoms: Be aware of signs of illness, such as fever, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues, which may indicate exposure to contaminants. Seek medical attention if symptoms arise.

5. How Can You Support Your Community Post-Storm?

• Stay Connected: Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with special needs, to ensure they are safe and have necessary supplies.

• Volunteer Wisely: Offer assistance through local organizations coordinating recovery efforts. Ensure your help is needed and that you're following safety guidelines.

• Stay Updated: Keep informed about community resources, shelters, and recovery programs available to assist those affected by the storm.

By following this checklist, you can navigate the aftermath of a storm with greater confidence and contribute to a safer, more resilient community.

Highlights:

• Stay Safe After a Hurricane | Natural Disasters | CDC, Published on Wednesday, February 07