Recovering from Disaster

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community, and your life back to normal.

• What health and safety guidelines should I follow?
• How do I clean my damaged home or repair and rebuild it safely for the future?
• What precautions should I take when returning home?
• Where can I get assistance?
  
  
• How do I cope with the emotional effects of a disaster?
• How can I help children cope with the emotional effects of a disaster?
• How can I help someone affected by a disaster?

Specific Disaster Recovery Information

• Dam Failure
• Earthquake
• Fire or Wildfire
• Flood
• Hazardous Material Incident
• Landslide
• Thunderstorm
• Tsunami
• Wildfire

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information.
  
  
• Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
  
  
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
  
  
• Turn off propane tanks.· Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
  
  
• Moor your boat if time permits.
  
  
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

• If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
  
  
• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
  
  
• If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
  
  
• If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
  
  
• If you feel you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
  
  
• Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
  
  
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.
  
  
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
  
  
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

Evacuation Plans

When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid these situations.

The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. If the event is a weather condition, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a day or two to get ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.

Evacuation: More Common than You Realize

Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. Almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes.

Ask local authorities about emergency evacuation routes and see if maps may are available with evacuation routes marked.

Evacuation Guidelines

Always:	If time permits:
Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay.	Gather your disaster supplies kit.
Make transportation arrangements with friends or your local government if you do not own a car.	Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap.
Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.	Secure your home: Close and lock doors and windows. Unplug electrical equipment, such as radios and televisions, and small appliances, such as toasters and microwaves. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding.
Gather your family and go if you are in- structed to evacuate immediately.	Let others know where you are going.
Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas.
Stay away from downed power lines.

Before a Hurricane

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
  
  
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
  
  
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
  
  
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  
  
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
  
  
• Consider building a safe room.

"How To" guides for protecting your property from flooding & high winds.