After the Hurricane Passes
The winds have subsided and the torrential rain has stopped, the hurricane is over. However, there are many dangers for
you and your family to overcome. Depending on the strength of the hurriane damage could be minor or catastrophic.
Either way there will be damage, here's a list of post hurricane hazards you should watch for:
- Downed power lines may have electric current running through them. Do not touch them, and stay far away from them if they are lying in water.
- Gas lines may be broken and leaking. A spark from a downed power line, cigarette or match can trigger an explosion.
- Broken glass, nails and other sharp debirs are everywhere. Its best to wear thick soled shoes when you walk around.
- Snakes and insects will be out in full force. Be especially aware if using chainsaws or other power tools to clear brush or trees.
Killer bees will be agitated by the storm, and may become especially aggressive near power equipment.
- Tap water may be contaminated and undrinkable. Wait for you local water authority to say its safe to drink.
- Looters will be out and willing to take anything they can carry.
In addition to the above hazards and the amount of damage done to your property, you and your family may be going
through emotional stress. It's time for your neighborhood to pull together. Preparing for a hurricane was a
lot of work, but clean up after one is ten times as much.
If you evacuated, then wait for local authorities to say its ok to return to your home. Causeways and roads
in flood prone areas may be washed away. If you decided to say at home, help may be two or 3 days away. Your
entire city may have been damaged by the hurricane. Electric, gas, telephone, and water services may take up to
two weeks to repair. The city government, rescue, police and utility services will work around the clock to get
things back to normal. The key is to be patient, do not expect city services to be wokring as
well as they were before the hurricane hit. It can take up to a year for a community to fully recover
form a hurricane strike. You may be on your own for a few days, do not overexert yourself or get upset that
things are out of order.
- If someone is or gets injured, treat them with your first aid kit. If the injury is too severe for you to treat try to call for help. Remember if you do get through to emergency services, it make take some time for help to arrive.
- Call Police or utility companies immediately to report sparking or downed power lines and gas leaks. Stay away objects that are touching power lines. Do not report interuptions of electric, gas, water and telephone services your home may experience. Clogging phone lines will only increase repair times.
- Do not touch any thing run by electricity unless they are completely dry. Many deaths after a hurricane are caused by electrocutions.
If your home sustained damage from the storm, you need to take the following actions.
- Take pictures of the damage for insurance purposes.
- Make the temporary repairs needed to make the home livable, if possible.
- Contact your insurance agent. However, be very patient. Repairs to your home may take weeks or even months.
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