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After An Emergency Or Disaster

The dangers associated with a disaster are not over once the flood waters have receded or the tornado has passed. Ensure you and your family are safe by following the advice below:

  • Do not visit the disaster area. You may hinder rescue efforts.
  • Monitor local media reports for when it is safe to return to your home. They can also provide other post-incident advice and assistance.
  • Drive carefully and watch for debris, dangling or broken wires, and damaged bridges and roads. Report problems to police or fire departments.
  • Use extreme caution. Wait until you are advised by authorities that it is safe to enter buildings that may have been structurally damaged.
  • Use only battery-powered lanterns or flashlights to examine your home for damage, which may contain flammable items. Do not use candles or matches.
  • Check for leaking gas pipes in your home. If you smell gas:
  • immediately open windows and doors;
  • turn off the main gas valve;
  • leave the house;
  • go to another location and notify the gas company, police and fire department;
  • do not re-enter the house unless you are advised by authorities that it is safe to do so.
  • If electrical appliances are wet (and you are NOT wet or standing in water), turn off the main power switch. Then unplug the wet appliances and let them dry before checking for visible damage. If there is no damage, reconnect the appliances and turn on the main switch.
  • If the fuses blow when the power is restored, turn off the main power switch again and look for short circuits in your home wiring, appliances and equipment. If a problem still exists, call your utility company.
  • Follow your local health authority's instructions concerning the use of food and water supplies. Any food affected by lack of refrigeration, chemicals, or flood waters should be discarded.
  • Check to see that sewage lines are intact before flushing toilets.
  • Report damaged water, sewage, and gas lines to the proper authorities.
  • Notify your insurance agent or broker immediately if your property was damaged.

The emotional impacts of disasters on those affected are well known. Pay attention to your feelings and those of your family members. Local mental health services are usually able to provide assistance in coping with trauma resulting from a disaster.