Disaster Preparedness at Home: Filter Out the Damage
Are you
prepared for a natural disaster? While it may seem like you're not at risk, the
statistics indicate that most people will be affected in some way by a natural
disaster in their lifetimes, either indirectly or directly. Between 1994 and
2013, 6,873 natural disasters occurred around the world, claiming around 68,000 lives each
year
and affecting 218 million people. No matter where you live in the world, you
can be affected by a natural disaster, and most likely will be exposed to one at
some point in your life.
Natural
disasters are disasters that occur due to some force of nature. They may come
with plenty of prior warning, or they may strike without warning. Regardless,
the effects are far-reaching, and can disrupt your family and your health
significantly. Those effects extend beyond the tragic loss of life that can
occur when the disaster strikes.
Even after
the initial wave of acute devastation and casualties ends, there can be risks
that continue to mount over time, including disease, insect infestations, toxic
mold, ongoing problems with properties, and even mental health concerns. In
fact, the CDC warns of how common outbreaks
and epidemics of infectious diseases are following major disasters,
contributing to additional deaths and suffering. Add to this the fact that
healthcare facilities and other essential infrastructures are often compromised
in a natural disaster and you have a serious problem that must be addressed.
This damage
extends through to daily life at home, as structures – while intact – might be
compromised in latent ways. One of the most common issues that arises involves
reduced air quality indoors, as it is often compromised when power is disrupted,
the environment rapidly changes in extreme ways, and allergens are introduced
to the environment. The National Institutes
of Health
have found a correlation between national disasters an fungal respiratory
infections, and lung problems are common after
most types of natural disasters. Mold and water damage can easily destroy your
home and put your health at risk yet again. Disruption of power can lead to
increased risk of CO poisoning, hypothermia, and extreme heat.
While
communities across the nation are doing what they can to prepare responses to
natural disasters, you can take measures yourself to ensure you, your property,
and your family would be properly protected. This starts with understanding the
risk associated with the disasters common with your area, and then continues
with taking measures to be prepared both for the event itself, and for its
aftermath. This guide will provide you with the guidance and instruction you
need to truly prepare for natural disasters.
- Blizzards and Ice Storms
- Flooding
- Hurricanes
- Tornadoes
- Earthquakes
- Droughts
Disaster-Specific Risks You Need to Know
All natural
disasters carry risks, but the risks are unique to each type of disaster. As
you think through disaster safety for your family, you need to know what the
risks are for the type of disaster you might face. Here are some of the most
common natural disasters and the specific risks they carry.
Blizzards and Ice Storms
If you live
where it snows, then you could face a blizzard or ice storm event. Blizzards are defined as
severe snow storms with winds over 35 mph and visibility of less than 1/4 mile.
To be a blizzard, the storm must last for 3 or more hours. Ice storms are
storms that occur when precipitation freezes, creating a layer of ice over
everything. Though these are two different types of storms, they carry similar
risks, which are as follows:
- Winter storms often lead to
power outages when heavy snow or ice damage power lines. This causes loss
of hot water and heat, and in extremely cold temperatures this can
increase the risk of hypothermia.
- Heart attack admissions increase by about 23
percent in the days following a
storm. Often people with heart conditions, whether they've been diagnosed
or not, will need to shovel snow, and after a blizzard that workout can be
more than the heart can handle.
- The risk of house fires also increases with winter storms, because many homeowners have
to rely on alternate heat sources, like fires, when the power and heat are
out. Since water supplies may be frozen and firefighters may not be able
to get to the home, winter fires may cause more damage than fires at other
times of the year.
- When heating systems don't
work, some individuals will utilize unusual sources of fuel, and this can
increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. For example, using
charcoal briquettes to heat a home puts its occupants at risk for CO
poisoning. Each year around 430 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, and the risk of death is higher in cold months,
so this is a risk to take seriously.
- When the heat goes out, the
risk of frozen and burst pipes increases. This then increases the risk for
water damage when water escapes form the burst pipe. Water damage leads to
mold and mildew, which can contribute to respiratory problems.
- A generator can help keep
power on during a power outage, but don't bring it inside. This can
contribute to CO poisoning.
- Blocked vents when the snow
piles up are a surprising risk of winter storms. Both oil and gas furnaces
have exhaust pipes, one for air intake and one for exhaust. The intake
pipe provides oxygen to the system. If it's blocked, the furnace won't
work. The exhaust allows poisonous CO fumes to dissipate into the outdoor
atmosphere. If it's blocked, the system will eventually shut down.
However, before that happens, the heat from the system may melt the snow
right outside the vent. This causes a snow cave to form around the vent, which will trap the exhaust fumes. This forces
the CO back into the home through cracks in the building's envelope.
Because CO is odorless and colorless, this can kill your family before
you're even aware you have a problem.
To ensure your family is protected, take these precautions before a blizzard:
- Insulate pipes to ensure
they don't freeze during a winter storm. Use plastic and newspapers to
wrap exposed pipes. Consider leaving them insulated throughout the winter to
ensure you're ready for any pending storms.
- Stock up on safe
alternative fuel, like wood for your wood-burning stove or fireplace. Keep
in mind that burning wood can cause indoor air problems as well, but as
long as you burn it in a fireplace or stove, it is a safer option than
other fuels.
- Gather blankets and coats
to help keep your family warm if the power and heat are out.
- Have a fire extinguisher on
hand in your home, and teach the adults and teenagers how to use them
safely.
- Locate the water shutoff
valve so you can shut off the water if a pipe bursts.
- Have the chimney inspected
and cleaned.
- Test CO alarms to ensure
they're working as they should.
- Ensure that air
filters do not get clogged.
During a winter storm, keep these important safety reminders in mind:
- Never use a gas or
charcoal-burning device indoors, including inside the garage, even if
power is out.
- Heat the home with wood
fires if you have a power outage.
- If the CO alarm sounds,
move to a location by an open window or door, or outdoors if it is safe to
do so, and call emergency services for help. Stay in this location until
help arrives.
- Avoid over exertion when
shoveling the driveway. If you can't hire this out and don't have a plow
or snow blower, take breaks. Also, try to push the snow instead of lifting
it.
- Note signs of hypothermia, including uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, slurred speech,
drowsiness, and disorientation. If you notice these signs and symptoms,
take the person's temperature. If it's below 95 degrees, get medical
attention immediately while taking measures to warm the person. Warm
beverages, dry clothing, and blankets can all help.
- Keep a drip of water in
your sinks, but if the drip stops, you may have a frozen pipe. Try to thaw
the pipe before it bursts. To do so, turn on the faucets all the way, then
pour hot water over the pipes where they were the most exposed. Continue
until water starts to flow again, and keep the water running.
- If using kerosene heaters
to heat the home, ensure proper ventilation. Consider closing off rooms
you aren't using to conserve fuel while keeping the home safe.
For more information about safety during blizzards, visit:
Flooding
Flooding is the top natural disaster
in the United States, and all 50 states have experienced flooding events. Each year the total number
of flood insurance claims are over $3.5 billion, and flash flooding is the
leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. While many of the
deaths occur due to vehicle incidents during floods, flooding can cause serious
damage and health risks at home. Here are some of the risks you need to be
aware of:
- The biggest risk during a
flood is drowning when people attempt to drive through rising waters. Often waters are deeper than they appear, and
it only takes about two feet of water to carry away the average car.
- Disease is a largely hidden
risk from flooding. Floodwaters can contain over 100 types of parasites, viruses and bacteria. Even tap water can become infected after a
flooding event.
- Any food items or water
that has been contaminated by flood water can lead to diarrheal disease. This includes eating with hands that were in
contact with flood waters. Even children laying with contaminated toys and
then eating can contract diarrheal disease.
- Open wounds exposed to
flood water can easily become infected.
- Flood waters can contain
hazardous chemicals that can cause other problems. Be alert for chemical
spills, but also know that flood waters could have come in contact with
hazardous chemicals long before they reached your home.
- Water damage to homes can
lead to the growth of toxic mold.
Mold loves warm, damp environments, and flooding creates the perfect
breeding ground for mold. This is a long-term effect, because long after
the flood waters recede the mold will continue to grow.
- Loss of power can make air
conditioning, heating, and water treatment inaccessible. This can
contribute to problems like overheating, hypothermia, and disease or toxin
remission in water.
- Fallen power lines that
connect with floodwaters expand the risk of electrocution.
- The risk of respiratory
tract infections increases significantly after a flood. This is due to
both the contaminants found in the air and the increase of toxic mold
growth after flooding.
- CO poisoning is a risk
because of fumes generated by lanterns, gas ranges, burning charcoal,
generators, and stoves. When electricity is out, people may turn to these
alternate sources of heat and cooking fires, increasing the risk.
One of the
reasons floods are so deadly is they're often unexpected. However, you may have
warning if heavy rains or hurricane conditions are expected, so take these
precautions ahead of time:
- Store tap water in reusable
bottles or buy a few cases of bottled water to have on hand in the event
of a flood.
- Ensure that your family is
up-to-date on vaccinations appropriate for your area, as floods can cause
epidemics.
- Stock up on canned foods
that don't require cooking to eat in the case of a power outage.
- Place battery-operated CO
detectors on every level of your house. Detectors that plug in won't be
useable in a power outage.
- Ensure your home has a
functioning sump pump. Consider a backup power source for it. While this
won't protect your home from a city-wide flood, it will protect you from a
flooded basement, which can still be quite dangerous and costly.
During and
after a flood, the biggest concern is disease and infection prevention, as well
as mold growth prevention. Use these measures to protect yourself:
- Always cover exposed skin
when working in flooded areas. Use rubber gloves and goggles to prevent
contact with flood-borne pathogens.
- Use appropriate footwear to
ensure you don't injure your feet by stepping on hazardous objects in the
water.
- Use a life-jacket if
entering flooded areas, as the water may be deeper than it appears or
fast-flowing water may come.
- Use insect repellent to
prevent the risk of insect bites.
- Always shower after working
in flooded areas, and wash clothing in hot water separately from
uncontaminated clothing.
- Watch for electrical wires
in contact with the water. Assess whether connections or wiring are wet
before turning on items or restoring power to an area.
- If flooding was minor, you
may still be at risk, specifically for mold.
- Don't drink tap water
without treating it first, unless you hear from the authorities that it's
safe to do so.
- If using an alternate
source of heat or cooking fire, ensure adequate ventilation in your home.
If possible, cook outside or use wood-burning fireplace and stoves for
heat and cooking.
- Learn to spot signs of mold and mildew.
Musty smells, dark or black spots in your home, and areas that remain damp
long after the flood water recede are all warning signs. Have mold removed
professionally to ensure your home is safe.
- Watch for respiratory warning signs that may indicate a hidden mold problem. Have
the home's air tested if people are struggling with respiratory disease
after a flood, even if no noticeable signs of mold are present.
- Look for signs of rotting
wood. Rotting wood means the structure of the building may be compromised,
and also can mean that mold is going to develop. Remove rotting wood and
replace it with new, dry lumber.
- Remember that water under
carpets may not be visible, but will create a breeding ground for mold.
When repairing a home after a flood, it's usually best to remove and
replace carpeting that was wet.
- As flood waters evaporate,
the air will become humid. This can cause respiratory discomfort and
increased mold risk. Consider using a dehumidifier in your home.
- Don't forget to have your
ducts cleaned after a flood, as contaminants and mold may have taken root.
- Clean and utilize indoor
air purifiers and filtration
once power is restored to remove allergens and reduce the risk of respiratory
disease.
For more information about protecting yourself during a flood, visit:
Hurricanes
Hurricanes
are types of storms that typically come with quite a bit of warning. While you
can evacuate your home to protect your family, when you return you may be
facing quite a number of health hazards that you may not be aware of at first.
In addition to the risk of wind and water damage to your home, some of the
hidden risks during and after a hurricane include:
- Serious flooding after a
hurricane can contaminate drinking water and cause diarrheal disease
outbreaks throughout the affected area. The water damage to homes may
contain sewage that contributes to this problem.
- Mosquito populations thrive
after a hurricane due to the flooding and humid conditions. This can
contribute to problems from mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus.
- Pest infestations are
common after a hurricane, when garbage and debris provide food for
unwanted houseguests.
- Food is often damaged
during a hurricane as it comes in contact with contaminated flood water or
falls victim to mold. Power outages can cause food in freezers or
refrigerators to go bad as well. All perishable food is at risk.
- When the power goes out,
the risk of CO poisoning increases as with other natural disasters when
homeowners turn to alternative fuel sources.
- Mold infestations often pop
up months after the initial storm, because the spores take time to take
root and grow.
- A surprising risk is the
risk of mental health concerns. Stress-related heart attacks, drug and alcohol
abuse, violence, and even suicide rates spike after a serious hurricane or
similar storm. Traumatic events, like a storm, cause feelings of
aggression, anxiety, and helplessness, which can lead to mental health
issues.
To prepare for a hurricane, consider these tips:
- If your area is recommended
for evacuation, evacuate. Don't put your life at risk by staying put.
- Close storm shutters to
prevent damage from broken glass and broken windows. If you don't have
storm shutters, use 5/8-inch exterior grade or marine plywood.
- Turn the temperature on the
freezer and refrigerator as cold as possible, and keep the door shut as
long as possible. This will help your food last longer if the power goes
out.
- Purchase a battery-powered
radio to ensure you can check on weather conditions and emergency
instructions.
- Install a battery-operated
CO detector.
- Fill the tub and sink with
fresh water. Water and power may be disrupted after a hurricane, and the
water in the tub and sink can be used for washing and flushing the toilet.
- Keep the gas tank in your
car filled so you can evacuate if needed.
- Unplug your appliances and
disconnect your air conditioner to prevent CO poisoning risk and damage to
the appliances from unexpected power surges.
- Bring in items outdoors
that may get washed away during a flood.
- Move valuable items to a
higher level in your home so they weren't exposed to flood waters.
- Consider turning off your
gas to prevent CO poisoning and fire risk. Keep in mind that you will have
to have this restored by the gas company if you do turn it off.
- Stock up on bottled water
and non-perishable food that doesn't need to be cooked.
- Keep pets with you at all
times, using crates to keep them contained if needed.
After a hurricane, take these measures to be protected:
- Assess the damage to your
property, taking pictures to help with insurance claims.
- Be cautious about using
alternative sources of heat, because this could lead to CO poisoning.
- Never touch standing water
without proper protection, as it could carry disease.
- If you've been evacuated,
don't return home until the authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
- Be cautious about downed
power lines. Keep in mind that standing water can hide power lines and be
electrically charged.
- Protect your property
however possible to prevent looting or further post-storm damage.
- Watch for signs of mold
growth, and take measures to prevent its spread by encouraging wet parts
of your home to dry.
- Make sure to replace any air
filters and let your HVAC system
dry, as it may have flooded.
- Use flashlights if the
power goes out, not candles. Candles and other open flames increase the
risk of fire.
- Make a plan for your pets.
Consider putting them in a crate during the storm, as many pets are
spooked by storms and may bolt. It's unsafe for a pet to be loose during a
hurricane.
- After a hurricane, humidity
levels often remain high, and this can lead to additional mold problems.
Dehumidifiers may help remove humidity from your home.
For more information about hurricane risks and preparedness, visit:
Tornadoes
Each year, around 1,000 tornadoes are
reported in the United States, and 70 people are killed with an additional
1,500 people injured as a result. Tornadoes are sudden storms that can quickly
raze an entire city block, but typically only cause damage in a specific and
confined path. Homes outside of that path are not likely to be damaged, while
those within the path can suffer significant damage and even be destroyed
completely. A tornado's path can be over one mile wide and 50 miles long
, depending on the size and power of the tornado. Some of the risks associated with tornadoes
include:
- The risk of direct damage
to your home is the most obvious risk. If your home is in the path of the
tornado, the devastating winds could completely demolish your home.
- Flying debris is another
serious risk. When 300 mph winds from an EF5 tornado rip through a
community, they can pick up things as heavy as cars and move them around
the neighborhood. Smaller tornadoes can turn small items into dangerous
projectiles, which can damage your home or strike you if you are exposed
outdoors.
- Power outages are common
during a tornado when the tornado strikes power lines or the winds pull
power lines. If the power goes out, heating and cooling systems will not
be accessible.
- Mobile homes are incredibly
dangerous during a tornado. Even if tied down, they provide very little
protection. Those who live in mobile homes should go to a nearby building
with a basement if possible.
To prepare
your home for the risks of a tornado before one strikes, take these
precautions:
- Secure materials outside
your home that could turn into projectiles. For instance, patio furniture
or fuel tanks can easily get tossed through the air in the event of a
tornado, so secure these items.
- Remove dead or rotting
branches from trees and shrubs, as these could snap off and fly into your
home in a tornado.
- Use flexible cables or
metal straps to secure large appliances inside your home.
- Secure large furniture to
the wall using corner or L-brackets.
- If a tornado strikes or you
hear a tornado warning, head to the lowest area of your home away from
windows. If you have a basement, this is the best place to be. If you
don't have a basement, an inside hallway or bathroom is the safest place
to be.
- Keep windows closed.
There's no help for your home by opening windows, and doing so lets rain
inside your home, which increases the risk of mold and mildew.
- Cover your body as much as
possible to protect from injury due to flying debris. If you can hide
under a sturdy piece of furniture, do so. If not, cover yourself with a
blanket. If a blanket isn't available, tuck into a ball and cover your
face with your hands.
- Like hurricanes, tornadoes
can cause mental trauma to those affected, which can last for months and
years after the storm.
- After a tornado when
cleanup efforts begin, the risk of CO poisoning also begins. While most of
the time tornadoes happen in spring when heating isn't necessary,
gas-powered equipment for cleanup can also create carbon monoxide, and
must only be operated in well-ventilated areas.
- Keep your pets confined and
with you as the storm approaches.
After a
tornado, do what you can to protect yourself and your family with these
strategies:
- Wear sturdy shoes and long
sleeves while dealing with debris to prevent injury.
- Be cautious around damaged
structures, which may be unstable.
- Try to maintain a normal routine as much as possible after a tornado to reduce the risk of mental
health concerns.
- Know that damaged homes may
be unstable and could collapse. Get professional help for restoring and
repairing your home if damage is significant.
For more
information about preparing for a tornado and its aftermath, visit:
Earthquakes
The
wide-spread devastation from earthquakes are typically due to the damage to
structures, not from the shaking itself. However, the devastation can be quite
wide-spread, with lingering effects as people work to recover and rebuild.
Here's what you need to be prepared for in the event of an earthquake:
- Power outages are almost
guaranteed during a serious earthquake. The length of time it takes to
restore power will depend on the extent of the damage.
- Soil liquefaction, which occurs when soil mixes with underground
water (groundwater), is a serious risk in the aftermath of an earthquake.
When the shaking causes this mixing, the ground will behave like
quicksand, and buildings can slide, tip, or sink as a result.
- Ground displacement can rip
apart buildings and other structures along the line of the fault.
- When an earthquake breaks
dams or levees, flooding will occur. Underwater earthquakes can cause
tsunamis or tidal waves. Even lakes can have small tsunamis, known as sieches,
so any earthquake occurring near a body of water can cause this type of
damage.
- Fires are a high risk after an earthquake. Broken gas lines or downed power lines can lead
to wide-spread and catastrophic fires. Fires within homes or other
buildings may occur when wood burning or coal stoves are tipped during an
earthquake. Sometimes the water lines to fire hydrants will be broken in
these instances, allowing the fire to spread and create more devastation
even if it started small.
- Gas leaks can occur in
homes when gas appliances have non-flexible connectors which rupture after
an earthquake.
- In intense earthquakes
people are often crushed under collapsing buildings, or may become trapped
inside.
- Dust from fallen buildings
and other debris can cause respiratory discomfort and distress.
To make sure
your family and home are prepared for the event of an earthquake, which is
especially important if you live in a high-risk area or along a known fault,
take these precautions:
- Assess your property for
earthquake weaknesses in the structure. For example, weak walls in a crawl
space or unbraced pier-and-post foundations can be weaknesses. Have these
repaired.
- Secure objects that could
move, break, or fall in an earthquake, giving extra attention to tall,
heavy, or particularly valuable items.
- Identify the safest place
to find shelter in each room of your home. You won't have time to travel
far if an earthquake strikes.
- Have household emergency
supplies on hand, because if roads are damaged in an earthquake emergency,
professionals may not be able to get to you quickly.
- If an earthquake occurs,
take cover and stay put. Try to sit or lay down if possible, as you may be
injured if you fall from a standing position. Cover your head and neck to
protect yourself from falling items.
After an
earthquake, you need to:
- Head out of the home or
building you are in if possible. If the building collapses, you don't want
to be inside. Head for an open space away from damaged areas as soon as
the shaking stops.
- If trapped, use a whistle
if you have one or tap on a wall or pipe to alert rescuers to your
location.
- Know that aftershocks may
occur. Though less intense than the original earthquake, aftershocks can
cause already weakened buildings to topple.
- Be aware of the risk of
fire, flooding, and downed power lines. Avoid using open flames if
possible, and be on alert for exposed wires and power lines.
For more
information about preparing for an earthquake, visit:
Droughts
Droughts are
less intense than major storms or earthquakes, but the effects of a serious
drought can actually be more devastating than a storm. Drought also affects
more parts of the United States than most other types of disasters, making it
the most widespread natural disaster possible in the United States. Here are
some of the risks associated with a drought that you need to know about:
- Air quality suffers in dry times. Dry soil and wildfires can add airborne
particles, including pollen and smoke, that make asthma and allergies
worse. This can also increase the risk of respiratory infections,
including bacterial pneumonia.
- Wildfires are a serious
risk during a drought, and they are hard to combat.
- A specific disease known as
valley fever is a high risk during a drought. This particular fungal disease
is transmitted when spores found in soil are airborne and are inhaled. It
causes flue-like symptoms and a rash.
- A surprising risk of a
drought is poor eating, which can lead to a long list of health problems.
During a drought, healthy produce can be hard to come by, and people are
often forced to eat less healthy items.
- When farmers recycle water
for agriculture use during a drought, they increase the risk of
contamination of crops with pathogens like salmonella and E. coli.
- Insect populations increase
during a drought, especially mosquito populations. Mosquitoes love
stagnant water, which is common when drought shrinks natural bodies of
water. Insect-borne diseases, like West Nile, are a higher risk during dry
spells.
- Poor sanitation and
personal hygiene can increase the rate of illness and other infections as
well, and many people will be tempted to use less water for bathing and
hand washing when water supplies are scarce.
- Woodwork inside homes can
be damaged by dry air, cracking and warping.
- Dry air can cause skin
irritation and dryness.
- Recreational activities are more risky during a
drought. Lower water levels
increase the risk of injury for water-based activities, and water may be
contaminated.
- Surface water quality is
often damaged during a drought when less fresh water flows into lakes,
rivers, ponds, and streams. Children or pets who play around bodies of
water can catch disease as a result.
If you're
affected by a drought, here's how you can stay safe:
- Install an indoor air purification
system to remove the allergens and pathogens that are in the air during
dry times.
- Use sanitizer when hand
washing may use too much water.
- Continue to bathe as you
normally would, and find other ways to save water.
- Try to find healthy food
options that may not rely on the local growers, such as canned or frozen
produce, to keep your eating healthy.
- Monitor air quality levels.
If someone in your family suffers from asthma or allergies, stay indoors
on days when outdoor air quality is particularly poor.
- Avoid using open flames
outdoors, whenever possible. One errant spark can quickly create a
wildfire that decimates your area.
- Make sure water areas are
safe before allowing children or pets to play in them.
- If you have enough access
to water, install a humidifier to reduce dry air problems inside your
home.
For more information about staying safe and being prepared for a drought, visit: