Recovering from a disaster 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.
If you are returning home following a disaster, know it can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution. You may be anxious to see your property, but do not return home before local officials say it is safe to return.
Administer first aid and seek medical attention for any injured person following a disaster.
Check for injuries. 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.
Safety Issues
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.
Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
Do not enter your damaged home if:
You smell gas.
Floodwaters remain around the building.
Authorities have not declared it safe to enter.
Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation and dead animals.
Keep a battery-powered radio with you for emergency updates from local officials.