Post-Disaster Guidelines

Aiding the Injured

• Don’t attempt to move him unless a threat of further injury exists.
• If you have to move him, stabilize his neck and back.
• Maintain his body temperature with blankets.
• If he is not breathing, perform CPR.
• Monitor him for signs of shock and exhaustion.

Safety Issues

• Road damage: Drive only on recommended routes. Look for washed-out roads and downed power lines.
• Fires and chemical spills: Alert the authorities if you happen upon either of these scenarios.
• Damaged electrical wiring: If you didn’t turn off the electricity before the disaster, turn it off at the main fuse box. Never check the electricity if you are wet or standing in water. Don’t turn on the lights unless you’re sure they’re safe to use.
• Gas leaks: Never use an open flame as a source of light inside your home—if there’s a gas leak, it will cause an explosion. Use a battery-powered flashlight that you turn on outside—the spark created when you switch the flashlight on can be a hazard if combined with gas. Never enter your home if you smell gas.
• Damaged water and sewage systems: Turn off the water at the main valve. Check your pipes. Don’t flush any toilets. Don’t drink your tap water until the authorities have informed you that it’s safe to do so.
• Roof, chimney, and foundation damage: Check for fires on the roof, cracks in the chimney, and damage to the foundation. Make sure that your home is structurally sound before you set foot in it.
• Flooding: If your basement is flooded, pump the water out gradually. Your floors and walls, which will most likely be waterlogged, could collapse if you do it all at once. Floodwater can be contaminated with chemicals or raw sewage, so try to stay away from it. Throw away anything that has come in contact with floodwater.
• Animals: Beware of snakes and rodents that may have sought refuge in your home during the flood.
• File an insurance claim: Take pictures or video, and keep detailed records of all the damage caused by the disaster. Call your insurance agent for instructions on how to file a claim.
• Shock and recovery: Disasters are stressful, and the aftermath can be frightening. Contact your local relief organizations—they can be an enormous source of support during the recovery process.