Prevent and Treat Other Illnesses
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an
odorless, colorless gas that is produced by many types of equipment and is
poisonous to breathe. Don't use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or
other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or
garage or near a window, door, or vent. Don't run a car or truck inside a
garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open. Don't heat your
house with a gas oven. If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, leave your home
immediately and call 911. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect carbon
monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.
Avoid floodwater and mosquitoes. Follow all warnings about
water on roadways. Do not drive vehicles or heavy equipment through water. If
you have to work in or near floodwater, wear a life jacket. If you are caught
in an area where floodwater is rising, wear a life jacket, or use some other
type of flotation device. Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks,
and long-sleeved shirts and by using insect repellents that contain DEET or
Picaridin. More information about these and other recommended repellents can be
found in the fact sheet
Updated Information Regarding Insect Repellents.
Avoid unstable buildings and structures. Stay away from
damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as
safe by a building inspector or other government authority. Leave immediately
if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure is about
to fall.
Beware of wild or stray animals. Avoid wild or stray animals.
Call local authorities to handle animals. Get rid of dead animals according to
local guidelines.
Beware of electrical and fire hazards. NEVER touch a fallen
power line. Call the power company to report fallen power lines. Avoid contact
with overhead power lines during cleanup and other activities. If electrical
circuits and equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the
power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not turn the power
back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified
electrician. Do not burn candles near flammable items or leave the candle
unattended. If possible, use flashlights or other battery-operated lights
instead of candles.
Beware of hazardous materials. Wear protective clothing and
gear (for example, a respirator if needed) when handling hazardous materials.
Wash skin that may have come in contact with hazardous chemicals. Contact local
authorities if you are not sure about how to handle or get rid of hazardous
materials.
Clean up and prevent mold growth. Clean up and dry out the
building quickly (within 24 to 48 hours). Open doors and windows. Use fans to
dry out the building. To prevent mold growth, clean wet items and surfaces with
detergent and water. To remove mold growth, wear rubber gloves, open windows
and doors, and clean with a bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of
water. Throw away porous items (for example, carpet and upholstered furniture)
that cannot be dried quickly. Fix any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing.
Pace yourself and get support. Be alert to physical and
emotional exhaustion or strain. Set priorities for cleanup tasks, and pace the
work. Try not to work alone. Don't get exhausted. Ask your family members,
friends, or professionals for support. If needed, seek professional help.
Prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Use teams of two or more
people to move bulky objects. Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than
50 pounds (per person).
Stay cool. When it's hot, stay in air-conditioned buildings;
take breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms; drink water and nonalcoholic
fluids often; wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; and do
outdoor activities during cooler hours.
Treat wounds. Clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and
clean water. Apply an antibiotic ointment. 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.
Wash your hands. Use soap and water to wash your hands. If
water isn't available, you can use alcohol-based products made for washing
hands.
Wear protective gear for cleanup work. Wear hard hats,
goggles, heavy work gloves, and watertight boots with steel toes and insoles
(not just steel shank). Wear earplugs or protective headphones to reduce risk
from equipment noise.
For more information, see
Prevent Illness after a Natural Disaster and
Prevent Injury after a Natural Disaster. Page last modified October 25,
2005