How do you even begin to recover from a natural disaster such as a hurricane or flood? It’s not a quick fix; recovery takes time. The number one issue is the safety of the people affected—mentally and physically. 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.
Before any disaster happens, be sure to have extra batteries and a battery-powered radio for emergency updates from local officials. Next, if you have damages following a disaster, let your local officials know of the damages and what immediate assistance you may need. Local officials and voluntary organizations are usually the best options for immediate needs such as food and shelter.
If you have insurance, you need to contact your insurance agent to file a claim. Before you begin any clean-up, however, make sure to document the damages by taking photos of items and areas and make a list of whatever was damaged or lost. You will need to submit these to your insurance agency. To keep personal track of everything, be sure to keep all the receipts from services or items you bought for post-damage repair and clean-up.
As mentioned earlier, personal safety is the first concern when recovering from a disaster. Check for injuries for those around and administer first aid if you can. Seek medical attention if the injury is serious. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.
Being safe also extends to the physical landscape around you. Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster. Watch for washed-out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring, and slippery floors.
If you are returning home following a disaster, know it can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution. Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed-out roads, smoldering insulation, and dead animals.
Do not enter your damaged home if:
- You smell gas.
- Floodwaters remain around the building.
- Authorities have not declared it safe to enter.
If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering. If you had been told to evacuate, you may be anxious to see your property, but do not return home before local officials say it is safe to return.
Recovering from disasters is a gradual process, take care of yourself and your family.
Your first concern after a disaster is your family’s health and safety. You need to consider possible safety issues and monitor family health and well-being.
Leave a Reply