Health and Safety Tips

Recovering from a disaster takes time. Safety, mental and physical well-being are the top concerns. If there is help, knowing how to get it makes the healing process faster and less stressful. Your first concern after a disaster is your family’s health and safety. Watch out for safety issues and your family’s well-being.

• Be aware of being overly tired. Don’t try to do too much at once. Set priorities and pace yourself. Get enough rest.
• Drink plenty of clean water. Eat well.
• Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water often when working in debris.
• Be aware of safety issues caused by the disaster. These issues can be washed out roads, dirty buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring and slippery floors.

Tell local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation and dead animals.