yale-tulane moc brief - hurricane sandy 29 oct
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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
FEMA
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HHS
Public Health Emergency – ASPR
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CDC
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DOD
NORTHCOM
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ARMY NORTH
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National Weather Service
National Hurricane Center
NOAA All Hazard Watch
NOAA Environmental Visual Laboratory
TRAVEL
FAA Flight Delays
AMTRAK Service Alerts
ORGANIZATION
American Red Cross
PROBABILITIES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
CURRENT SITUATION
YALE/TULANE ESF-8 PLANNING AND RESPONSE PROGRAM SPECIAL REPORT
HURRICANE SANDY
FEDERAL LINKS STATE LINKS
BACKGROUND Virginia
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
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D.C.
Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
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NWS – DC
Maryland
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
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NWS Baltimore/Washington
Baltimore
Baltimore Office of Emergency Management
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Delaware
Delaware Emergency Management Agency
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NWS- Delaware
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
Philadelphia
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NWS - Pennsylvania
New Jersey
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
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New York State
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
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NWS Office NYC
Hurricane Sandy News and Information
New York City
New York City Office of Emergency Preparedness
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NWS Office NYC
Connecticut
CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
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Hurricane Sandy Preparations
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
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Hurricane Sandy Preparations
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
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Boston
Boston Office of Emergency Management Agency
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STORM SURGE
FEMA REGION STATUS
PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES
PERSONAL CHECKLIST
PREVENTION OF INJURIES
AND ILLNESS AFTER A DISASTER
AS OF 11:00 AM EST
29 OCT 12
STATES
Our team is building slides for the
States listed on the right. As we
complete the slides we will issue
them.
BACKGROUND
• Hurricane Sandy is a late-season tropical cyclone that is affecting
Jamaica, Cuba, The Bahamas, Haiti and Florida, and threatening the
East Coast of the United States.
• The eighteenth tropical cyclone, eighteenth named storm, and tenth
hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, Sandy developed
from an elongated tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on
October 22. It quickly strengthened after becoming a tropical
depression and was upgraded to a tropical storm six hours later.
Sandy moved slowly northward toward the Greater Antilles and
gradually strengthened.
DEATH TOLL: At least 68 people were killed across the Caribbean,
Bahamas, and the United States.
THE PERFECT STORM
• Two atmospheric processes are counteracting each other at the
moment. Strong upper winds are trying to tear the storm apart, but a
split in the upper flow is causing, essentially, a strong suction from
above which is helping the storm keep going.
• Sandy, in terms of geographic size already the largest Atlantic
hurricane of the past quarter-century, has spent the majority of the last
few days as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane
Wind Scale, despite an impressively low central pressure. But despite
the lack of extreme triple-digit winds at any single point, the
huge breadth of Sandy's circulation promises widespread disruption to
the lives of tens of millions of Americans.
• Sandy will produce its greatest impacts in the Northeast and the Mid-
Atlantic Monday into Tuesday.
Hurricane Sandy on Thursday, Oct. 25, as the Category 2 storm
approached the Bahamas as seen from the International Space Station 240
miles above Earth. NASA
Beach goers watch waves generated by Hurricane Sandy along a
breezy Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island, S.C., Saturday
morning, Oct. 27, 2012. (The Island Packet, Jay Karr/AP Photo)
CURRENT SITUATION
• Sandy continues to be an extremely large and dangerous system with a track
and intensity that are without precedent in the era of modern weather
observation. To say the least, Sandy poses a major threat to the Mid-Atlantic
and Northeast. Residents from New England to New York, Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and eastern Ohio
should have completed their preparations.
• As of 8:00 a.m. EDT 29 OCT 2012
265 miles SE of Atlantic City, NJ; 310 miles SSE of NYC
Moving NNW at 20 mph
Turn NW expected later this morning
Max sustained winds 85 mph
Expected to transition into a frontal or wintertime low pressure system
prior to landfall; a little strengthening is possible but expected to
weaken after moving inland
Will move over Mid-Atlantic coast this evening or tonight
Hurricane force winds extend 175 miles; Tropical Storm force winds
extend 485 miles
TS Warning in effect north of Surf City to Duck, NC; Pamlico and
Albemarle sounds
High Wind Watches/Warnings in effect for the Mid-Atlantic States &
New England
WINDS
• Gale force winds are forecasted to reach Long Island and southern New England by
early Monday (October 29).
• Hurricane-force winds, at least in gusts, are likely over the warning areas and
sections of the Mid-Atlantic region north of the warning areas by late Monday
(October 29).
STORM SURGE: A storm surge is possible along the track, with the largest wave heights
of between 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3.0 m) from Long Island Sound to Raritan Bay.
RAIN: Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches (76 to 150 mm) are expected over far northeastern
North Carolina, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches (200 mm) possible. Amounts of
4 to 8 inches (100 to 200 mm) are expected over the Mid-Atlantic states, including the
Delmarva peninsula with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches (300 mm) possible.
Amounts of 1 to 3 inches (25 to 76 mm) with isolated maximum amounts of 5 inches (130
mm) are possible from the southern tier of New York through New England.
National Hurricane Center- Hurricane Sandy
The Weather Channel
POTENTIAL STORM SURGE
National Hurricane Center- Hurricane Sandy
Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the
surge, the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short
distances. Given the large wind field associated with Sandy,
elevated water levels could span multiple tide cycles
resulting in repeated and extended periods of coastal and
bayside flooding.
Elevated waters could occur far removed from the center of
Sandy.
These conditions will occur regardless of whether
Sandy is a tropical or post-tropical cyclone.
For information specific to your area please see products
issued by your local National Weather Service Office.
COASTAL FLOOD ALERTS: N.Y. | Conn | R.I. | Mass.
| N.H. | Maine
ACTIVE WATCH / WARNINGS
National Weather Service
Hurricane Force Wind Warning
Hurricane Warning
Blizzard Warning
Winter Storm Warning
High Wind Warning
Tropical Storm Warning
Storm Warning
Coastal Flood Warning
Lakeshore Flood Warning
Flood Warning
Gale Warning
Winter Weather Advisory
Flood Advisory
Lakeshore Flood Advisory
Coastal Flood Advisory
Small Craft Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory
Low Water Advisory
Flood Watch
Rip Current Statement
Special Weather Statement
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Short Term Forecast
DESTRUCTIVE FORCES
• The American Red Cross mobilized hundreds of disaster workers, readying shelters and coordinating efforts with community partners in potentially affected states. To find an open Red Cross shelter, download the Red Cross Hurricane app or visit www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter.
• To support potential pre- and post storm hospital evacuations, in coordination with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through Emergency Support Function 8, FEMA has the capability to activate ambulance contracts to support state requirements to evacuate patients if needed and requested.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed temporary emergency power teams, consisting of planning and response teams and resource support staff to assist with critical infrastructure.
• The Department of Energy continues to work with states and local partners to pre-mobilize storm and field personnel to assist in power restoration efforts.
• FEMA and the Department of Defense are establishing Incident Support Bases in Westover, Mass. and Lakehurst, New Jersey to position supplies including water, meals, blankets and other resources closer to potentially impacted areas, should they be needed.
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is monitoring the storm and will take steps to prepare and protect FAA facilities and equipment that are in the projected path of the storm, including control towers, radars and navigational aids. The FAA's top operational priority is to quickly re-establish air traffic service to support disaster relief efforts.
FEDERAL ACTIVITIES
FEDERAL DECLARATIONS
October 29th, 2012 - President Obama Signs Connecticut Emergency Declaration
October 29th, 2012 - President Obama Signs Rhode Island Emergency Declaration
October 29th, 2012 - President Obama Signs New Jersey Emergency Declaration
October 29th, 2012 - President Obama Signs Pennsylvania Emergency Declaration
October 29th, 2012 - Hurricane Sandy Public Advisory (NOAA)
October 29th, 2012 - Connecticut Gov. Malloy Declares State of Emergency
October 28th, 2012 - President Obama Signs Maryland Emergency Declaration
October 28th, 2012 - President Obama Signs Massachusetts Emergency
Declaration
October 28th, 2012 - President Obama Signs New York Emergency Declaration
October 28th, 2012 - President Obama Signs District of Columbia Emergency
Declaration
October 26th, 2012 - Maine Governor Declares Limited Emergency to Help Restore
Power
October 26th, 2012 - North Carolina Governor Perdue Declares State of Emergency
for Eastern Counties
October 26, 2012 - Governor O’Malley Signs Executive Order Declaring State of
Emergency in Maryland
October 26, 2012 - Governor Cuomo Declares State of Emergency in New York in
Preparation for Potential Impact of Hurricane Sandy
October 26th, 2012 - Virginia Governor McDonnell Declares State of Emergency in
Preparation for Hurricane Sandy
DECLARATIONS
• ASPR Regional Emergency Coordinators are deployed to the Regional Response Coordination Centers in Regions 1, 2, and 3 and are deployed to Regions 1 and 3 to serve as public health and medical services liaisons for FEMA incident management assistance teams.
• An Incident Response Coordination Team is pre-staged to provide command-and-control to all HHS teams requested in affected states. Two 50-person Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are pre-staged in the mid-Atlantic, prepared to deploy quickly along the East Coast if needed. One team is from the Orlando, Florida, area (known as FL-6) and the other draws on medical personnel from across Tennessee (known as TN-1).
• Federal medical stations and caches of medical equipment and supplies are poised to affected states quickly after the storm and can be deployed north or south, depending on the storm’s impact.
• Applied public health teams from the U.S. Public Health Service are prepared to support state health agencies if needed after the storm.
• Two liaisons and a pharmacist are being pre-staged in New Jersey to provide support should for the FEMA national ambulance contract should states request ambulances through the contract.
• CMS is prepared to provide waivers under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act if needed by affected states so healthcare providers can continue to provide services to beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program during the severe storms and floods affecting the state. Providers and States should contact their CMS Regional Office for information or refer to the CMS website at www.cms.gov.
• The Administration for Children and Families is maintaining situational awareness on the status of ACF-supported human services programs in affected states.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE
HHS - Public Health Emergency
FEMA REGION STATUS
20121028 FEMA Daily Ops Briefing_830.pdf
FEMA REGION STATUS
20121028 FEMA Daily Ops Briefing_830.pdf
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
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Governor Bob McDonnell declared a State of Emergency at 0950 hours on 26 October due to the anticipation of severe weather impacting the Commonwealth as a result of Hurricane Sandy to include a limited mandatory evacuation for low lying areas along the Virginia coast and Chesapeake Bay. Federal and State Government Offices are closed Monday, 29 October.
For shelter locations
see Google Map
• Current road condition information: www.511Virginia.org . Call 511 or the Hampton Roads Traffic Line at 757-361-3016
• Highway Helpline at 1-800-367-ROAD ( 1-800-367-7623) or 1680 AM Highway Advisory Radio (in Hampton Roads)
• The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is at Level 4 wind restriction. Sustained winds are currently at 60 MPH. Only cars, trucks, pick-up trucks, and SUV's with no cargo are allowed.
• The Jamestown Scotland Ferry is now operating at reduced capacity due to high tides.
• The Metro rail system will be closed on Monday 29 October.
• All Metrobus service is suspended until further notice.
• All Metro Access service is suspended until further notice.
• Road Closure Report: 19 roads are closed in the
Hampton Roads Region.
TRANSIT SITUATION
WEATHER • Hurricane Sandy has strengthened as expected with winds now at 85 mph as she
transitions to a strong Nor’Easter.
• Moderate to potentially severe tidal flooding is forecast for coastal VA during periods of high tides today. The moderate to severe tidal flooding along the Eastern Shore is forecast thru Tuesday.
• Coastal Virginia and eastern shore localities remain under a high wind warning until midnight tonight for sustained winds of 35/45 mph and wind gusts to 60 mph. In general, winds will be less severe further inland, with gusts to 40 to 45 mph expected across much of the Interstate 95 corridor including Richmond, with 35-40 mph gusts west of this region.
• Five to seven (5-7) inches of rain is expected in Hampton Roads and eight to ten (8-10) inches along the Eastern Shore. The heaviest rainfall is expected today, Monday, and Monday night, with highest amounts over eastern Virginia near the Bay and the coast (these areas are under a Flood Watch).
• Blizzard Warning Dickenson &
Buchanan Counties from Noon today until 4AM Wednesday. Snow accumulations up to 6 inches (below 2,000 feet). Snow accumulations up to 1 to 2 feet in higher elevations . Wind gusts up to 50 mph
• Winter Storm Warning & Watches far
Southwest VA until 8AM Wednesday
• High Wind Warning until Wednesday Morning for areas along & west of the Blue Ridge & Northern Virginia. Winds from 25-35 mph, Gusts to 45 mph
SHELTERS
VIRGINIA
Water-Borne Disease Vector-Borne Disease Rodent-Borne Disease Molds/Allergens Infections Infectious Diseases Food safety HAZMAT Exposure
Patient Evacuation Patient Care Drowning Waterborne Illnesses Foodborne Chronic Diseases Infectious Disease CO Poisoning
Acute Respiratory Infections Meningitis Measles Dehydration Diarrhea Chronic Disease
Hurricane
Environmental
Infrastructure
Socio-Economic
Loss of Assets
Contamination of Drinking Water
Sanitation
Health Facilities
Utilities
Road Networks
Loss of Employment
Essential Services
Displacement
Loss of Shelter
Surveillance
- Water Quality
- Air Quality
- Spills/Releases
- Breeding Sites
- Harborage Areas
- Health Services
- Shelters
- Food Service
- DNBI
- Animal
Assessment
- Operational Risk
Coordination
- Who
- What
- Where
- When
- How
Fill Gaps
- Health Services
- Vet Services
- Immunizations
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Supplies
- Vector Control
- Rodent Control
- Sanitation Inspections
- Outbreak Response
- Transportation
- Evacuation
Build Capacity
- Education
- Training
Airports/Sea Ports
Loss of Access To Food/Water
Government
Emergency Services 911 Public Health Homecare Animal Control
HEALTH THREAT FROM HURRICANE
Increased Morbidity & Mortality
TIC/TIM
Debris and Waste
Flooding
Services
Command and Control
Info - Communication
Coordination
PERSONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES
DEVELOP / UPDATE / REVIEW PERSONAL PLAN STOCK DISASTER SUPPLY KIT
Know your home’s vulnerabilities to Storm Surge, Flooding and Wind
Locate a safe room or safe area in your home or community for each hazard
Determine escape routes and places to meet
Have an out-of-state friend or family contact as a single point for all persons in the home
Have a place to go for evacuations
Be aware of traffic considerations
If using a hotel/motel, make reservations first
Ensure that destination is pet-friendly ,if necessary
Plan for what to do with pets if you need to evacuate
Post emergency phone numbers and ensure children know how and when to call 9-1-1
Review insurance coverage – flood damage may not be covered
Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit
Ensure First Aid Kits are stocked
Water (1 gallon per person per day)
Food for 3 to 7 days
Non-perishable food items
Foods for infants/elderly
Snack foods
Non-electric can opener
Cooking tools/fuel
Plates/utensils
Blankets/Pillows
Medications
Ice Chest
Matches
Clothing
First Aid Kit
Toiletries
Special Items – Babies/Elderly
Flashlight/Batteries
Radio (Battery Operated NOAA)
Phones – Fully Charged w/Extra Batteries
Keys
Toys/Books/Games
Important Documents (In Waterproof
Container)
Tools and Tape
Pet Care Items
Identification and Photos
Ample food and water
Medications
Immunization Records
Muzzle, collar, leash
Crate
PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR HOME FOR THE STORM
Bring in everything not attached to the house (plants, wind chimes, patio furniture, etc.)
Fill clean 2 liter bottles with water and place in freezer
Make and store ice (if possible)
Refill medications
Ensure vehicles are fully fueled
Charge all cell phone batteries
Board windows
Place changes of clothing in plastic bags
Fill trash can or tub with water
Turn refrigerator and freezer to their lowest setting (coldest)
Unplug valuable electronics and turn off gas/electricity to house
Place memorabilia in plastic bags
Detach propane tank(s) from gas grill(s)
Cover pools and super-chlorinate
Tie down any boats that are on trailers or move into a garage
Get extra cash, ATMs will not work without electricity
Gather additional radios, verify battery needs (batteries should be changed every 6 months)
Gather lanterns and extra oil (do not use in high wind conditions)
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
DURING THE STORM AFTER LANDFALL
Listen to the radio or TV for information. Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor
objects or bring them indoors. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the
refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Turn off propane tanks Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies. Moor your boat if time permits. Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning
and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency. YOU SHOULD EVACUATE UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow
their instructions. If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelter
are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground.
If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway.
READ MORE ABOUT EVACUATING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EVACUATE, GO TO YOUR WIND-SAFE ROOM. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE, FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES: Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and
glass doors. Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors. Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull;
it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the
lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object. Avoid elevators.
Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates. Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the storm has ended. If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact
FEMA or the American Red Cross. FEMA has established the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS),
which has been developed to help reunite families who are separated during a disaster. The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family. Contact the local
American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for information. If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe. If you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to
43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345). For those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers several types of assistance,
including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing. Apply for assistance or search for information about housing rental resources
Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed¬ out bridges. Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines. Report them immediately to the power company. Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and
structural damage before entering. Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home
was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe. Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents,
for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated. Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out. Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury. Use the telephone only for emergency calls. NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when
using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
Ready.Gov
PREVENT ILLNESS AFTER A DISASTER
Avoid wild or stray animals and biting or stinging insects.
Call local authorities to handle animals.
Get rid of dead animals, according to local guidelines, as soon as you can.
For more information, contact your local animal shelter or services, a veterinarian, or the humane society for advice on dealing with pets or stray or wild animals after an emergency.
For information on specific animal and insect issues, see protect yourself from animal- and insect-related hazards after a natural disaster.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ANIMAL - AND INSECT-RELATED
HAZARDS
PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if you breathe it. Never use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper—or even outside near an open window, door, or vent.
Don't heat your house with a gas oven.
If you are too hot or too cold, or you need to prepare food, don't put yourself and your family at risk for co poisoning—look to friends, family, or a community shelter for help.
If your co detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.
Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect co poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.
For further guidance on avoiding co poisoning, see protect yourself from carbon monoxide CLEAN UP SAFELY AFTER FLOODS
To prevent illness, disinfect and dry buildings and items in them. This will prevent growth of some bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew that can cause illness.
For more information, see flood water after a disaster or emergency.
KEEP FOOD AND WATER SAFE
Food may not be safe to eat during and after an emergency. Water may not be safe for cooking.
Water may not be safe to drink, clean with, or bathe in after an emergency, such as a hurricane or flood. During and after a disaster, water can become contaminated with microorganisms (for example, bacteria), sewage, agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals, and other substances that can cause illness or death.
Listen to and follow public announcements. Local authorities will tell you if water is safe to drink or to use for cooking or bathing. Follow local instructions to use bottled water or to boil or disinfect water for cooking, cleaning, or bathing.
For more information, see keep food and water safe after a natural disaster or power outage.
WASH YOUR HANDS
Always wash your hands with soap and boiled or disinfected water before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating in cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated by floodwater or sewage. Use warm water when available. Wash children's hands frequently (always before meals).
Disinfect water for washing by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of household bleach per 1 gallon of water). Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
If water isn't available, use alcohol-based products made for washing hands.
For more tips on washing your hands, see hand hygiene after a disaster.
PROTECT MENTAL HEALTH
The days and weeks after an emergency are going to be rough. Some sleeplessness, anxiety, anger, hyperactivity, mild depression, or lethargy are normal and may go away with time. If you feel any of these symptoms acutely, seek counseling. Your state, local, tribal health departments will help you find local resources, including hospitals or health care providers that you may need.
Seek medical care if you are injured, feel sick, or have acute stress and anxiety.
Keep as many elements of your normal routine incorporated into the disaster plans as possible, including activities to calm children's fears.
Be aware that you may have fewer resources to attend to your day-to-day conflicts, so it is best to resolve what you can ahead of time.
Turn to family, friends, and important social or religious contacts to setup support networks to deal with the potential stressors.
Let your child know that it is okay to feel upset when something bad or scary happens. Encourage your child to express feelings and thoughts, without making judgments.
For additional resources, see disaster mental health resources.
PREVENT ILLNESS AFTER A DISASTER PREVENT ILLNESS FROM SEWAGE
PREVENT TEMPERATURE-RELATED ILLNESS
PREVENT OR TREAT WOUNDS
AVOID WILD OR STRAY ANIMALS
If there is flooding along with a hurricane, the waters may contain fecal material from
overflowing sewage systems and agricultural and industrial waste. Although skin contact with floodwater does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, there is risk of disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated with floodwater.
If there has been a backflow of sewage into your house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected, such as wall coverings, cloth, rugs, and drywall.
If you have any open cuts or sores that will be exposed to floodwater, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and applying an antibiotic ointment to discourage infection.
Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent and separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas and do not allow children to play with floodwater-contaminated toys that have not been disinfected. Disinfect toys by using a solution of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water. Some toys, such as stuffed animals and baby toys, cannot be disinfected; they should be discarded.
When standing or working in water that is cooler than 75 f (24°c): Wear rubber boots.
Ensure that clothing and boots have adequate insulation.
Take frequent breaks out of the water.
Change into dry clothing when possible.
Immediately clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Keep wounds covered with clean, dry bandages that are large enough to cover the wound and contain any pus or drainage.
Change bandages as needed and when drainage can be seen through the bandage. Contact a doctor to find out whether more treatment is needed (such as a tetanus shot).
If a wound gets red, swells, or drains, seek immediate medical attention.
If you are bitten by any animal, seek immediate medical attention. If you are bitten by a snake, try to identify it, so that if it is poisonous, you can be given the correct anti-venom.
Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck the venom out. (See also the CDC rabies website, rat-bite fever: frequently asked questions, and medical problems and treatment considerations for the red imported fire ant [PDF, 658 KB/8 pages].)
CONTACT WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
If your skin or eyes may have come in contact with hazardous materials, such as acid from a car battery, wash thoroughly with decontaminated water and seek medical attention as needed.
If you have wounds, you should be evaluated for a tetanus immunization, just as you would at any other time of injury.
If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva, have a doctor or health department determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary based on individual records.
For further guidance e, see emergency wound care after a natural disaster.
TETANUS IMMUNIZATION
Short bouts of diarrhea and upset stomach and colds or other breathing diseases sometimes occur in developed countries, such as the united states, after a natural disaster, particularly among large groups of people in a shelter. Basic hygiene measures like frequent hand washing or use of an alcohol hand gel, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers and before eating, can help prevent these diseases.
Diseases like cholera or typhoid are rare in developed countries and do not typically occur after a natural disaster.
For information on infectious disease, see infectious disease after a disaster.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
IMMUNIZATIONS
For information on immunizations for evacuees, relief workers, emergency responders and travelers, see immunization after a natural disaster.
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