Post Disaster Recovery Safety Tips

Returning Home

  • If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
  • Communicate your travel plan and destination to family members outside affected area.
  • Fuel vehicles before returning to affected area as fuel may be limited.
  • Do not drive through flooded streets or areas with washed out roads.
  • Be mindful of downed powerlines and poles.
  • Street signs may not be visible or gone — know your route.
  • Have non-perishable food and a first aid kit on hand.
  • Once home, drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects in the road; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks that might collapse.
  • See this helpful checklist from the American Red Cross.

Floodwater

  • Always follow warnings about flooded roads.
  • Don't drive in flooded areas — cars or other vehicles won't protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
  • If you have to be in or near floodwater, wear a life jacket — especially if the water is rising.
  • 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.

Damaged Buildings

  • Walk carefully around the outside of your home to check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
  • Stay out of any building if you smell gas, if floodwaters remain around the building, if the building or home was damaged by fire, or if the authorities have not declared it safe.
  • Do not enter a damaged building until local authorities determine it is safe.
  • Leave your home or building if you hear shifting or unusual noises. Strange noises could mean the building is about to fall.

Power Lines and Electrical Safety

  • Watch out for fallen power lines that may be hanging overhead.
  • Never use a wet electrical device. Turn off the power at the main breaker in your house if the device is still plugged in. Wait for an electrician to check the device before using it.
  • If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

  • Never use portable gasoline or coal-burning generators, equipment or camp stoves inside your home or garage. Keep them outside and at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
  • Use a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector any time you use a generator or anything else that burns fuel.
  • If you have a CO detector and it starts beeping, leave your home right away and call 911.

For More Information

See the CDC’s website for more information on safely re-entering flooded or damaged homes, clean-up safety, and other post-disaster safety information.

 

Back to top