Staying Safe after a Natural Disaster

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Mennonite Disaster Service

(Reprinted, with permission, from Look for other Lowe’s home improvement, decorating, and landscaping books along with all the tools and materials

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July 2005

Natural disasters are devastating in many ways, not least of which is the clean-up process that inevitably follows. Disaster clean-up can be not only costly and time consuming, but there can also be dangers lurking in the mess and debris.

Get Connected

After any type of disaster, it's important to listen to battery-powered local radio or television reports regarding the emergency situation, and to obey requests to stay out of certain areas that may be blocked by debris or damaged. Communication is key following a disaster, since there could be imminent danger or disaster services that you might not readily know about. To ensure you are always connected, stock up on ample batteries for radios or portable televisions, as well as flashlights to use if the power is off.

Survey the Scene

Following a disaster, there is usually a lot of work to do in repairing homes and yards. It is very important to leave the larger and more complicated jobs to professionals, such as a cracked foundation, downed power lines, gas leaks and other major damage. You can do more of the minor home improvement projects, such as those listed below, and do them safely.

Before beginning any post-disaster home improvement projects, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Check the home's exterior and hose down debris and mud left by floodwater. Mud can seep into the exterior and cause mildew and wood damage. Shovel out as much mud as possible and remove water quickly with a mop or squeegee. If your home has been flooded, pump out water slowly—about one-third per day. If you pump out the whole basement all at once, the basement walls may collapse due to water pressure exerted on the outside.

Enter at Your Own Risk

Once you can enter your home, take inventory of damage. However, it's important to be cautious opening doors to each room. Doors that stick at the top could be a sign of a ceiling ready to fall. If it's necessary to force a door open, wait a few seconds outside the doorway after opening the door in case debris falls.

Access to Electricity

You may choose to run generators during a power outage, but it's important to exercise extreme caution. Under no circumstances should generators be used indoors, including a garage. For added safety, be sure to install extra battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms to monitor the level of poisonous gases in your home.

Generators are useful, but they have to be used correctly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Never connect a generator to the home's electrical system. Instead, plug what you want to power directly into the generator.

If you don't have a generator, be sure to use battery-powered flashlights and lamps. Candles and oil lanterns are not recommended, since they can ignite flammable substances in your home. Additionally, children often mistake candles or lanterns for playthings.

Wash Away Poisons

Following a disaster, be careful of poisons in and around your home. Floodwater can contain poisonous debris, so use a mop or heavy sponge to thoroughly wash and disinfect walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and other flooded parts of the home. When in doubt, throw it out—don't risk injury or infection. Also, clean up spilled medicine, bleach, gasoline and other flammable items immediately. Be sure to wear protection, such as rubber gloves, goggles and a dust mask.

Be Prepared for the Future

Disasters tend to happen in specific zones, so they are likely to strike again sometime in the future. After the clean up and recovery process is complete, it is important to plan ahead for the next disaster. Right now is the best time to assemble a disaster supplies kit, containing:

  • Battery-powered radio or TV
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • One change of clothing and footwear per person
  • Non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day) to last three days
  • First aid kit with medications
  • Extra set of car keys, credit card, cash or travelers' checks
  • Sanitary supplies

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