What to Do after a Hurricane

Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, create storm surges along the coast and cause
extensive damage from heavy rainfall. When returning to damaged homes, apartments
or businesses, you must take extra precautions to avoid accidents and injury.

Return home only when authorities say it is safe:

 Stay tuned to local radio/television stations for information. The NOAA

Weather Radio (NWR) also broadcasts hazard information 24 hours a day.
 Dress for safety - consider wearing a specialized mask with changeable filters to
filter contaminants. Wear safety glasses, leather or rubber gloves, protective
shoes (avoid rubber-soled athletic shoes), hard hats, long sleeves and pants.
 Beware of water on the road; it could hide potholes or washed-away sections of
road.
 Never drive around barriers; cars are buoyant and can begin to float in less than
24 inches of water.
 Stay away from debris in the water; it may pose a safety hazard to boats and
people.
 Check the foundation for cracks or other damage, and porches and overhangs to
be sure they are adequately supported. If you find obvious damage, ask that a
building inspector check the building first.
 Enter the building carefully - if the door sticks at the top as it opens, it could
mean the ceiling is ready to cave in. Do not walk under a sagging ceiling until it
has been checked.
 Do not use any lights, candles, gas lanterns, or torches; use battery-powered
flashlights and lanterns.
 Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance
purposes.

Cleaning up a building:

 Beware of waterborne health hazards - throw out flooded items, such as

wallboard, mattresses, spoiled food, cosmetics and medicine.
 Have tap water tested by the local health department before drinking or using it.
 Shovel as much mud and debris as possible out of the building, then hose it
down, inside and out. The walls, floors and any other parts of the building that
have been flooded should be washed and disinfected.
 Drain the basement no more than one foot per day to minimize further damage;
groundwater creates enormous pressure on basement walls and floors.
 Remove any mold or mildew that has developed on the dry wall, upholstered
furniture or wooden fixtures.
 Avoid carbon monoxide exhaust - do not use generators, gasoline-powered
machines, camp stoves or charcoal grills indoors.

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