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Public Health
Seattle & King County
401 5th Ave., Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98104
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Phone: 206-296-4600
TTY Relay: 711
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Disaster response
Safety precautions after a disaster
Why is safety a concern after a disaster?
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After a disaster, damage to property may cause unusual and additional safety hazards. Many disaster-related injuries and deaths occur due to injuries resulting from clean up in the aftermath of a disaster.
What can I do to reduce my chances of injury after a disaster?
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General Safety Tips
- Wear sturdy shoes when entering a building or walking through debris after a disaster.
- Carry a flashlight when entering dark buildings.
- Do not enter a building if the foundation has shifted or has been weakened.
- Do not demolish a building or house without professional help. Crews from the King County Public Works Department or licensed contractors can help you.
- Buildings must be declared safe before they can be entered.
Heating equipment safely
- If you smell gas, open all windows and doors. Do not use matches, candles, lighters, or turn on the stove. Sparks can ignite the gas and cause a fire or an explosion. Call the gas company from your neighbor's house.
- If you suspect there is damage to the heating equipment, do not use it until a qualified service representative has checked it.
Electrical equipment safety
- WARNING: Never use wet electrical appliances. They may cause an electric shock, overheat, or start a fire.
- Do not touch any exposed cable or electrical wire.
Safe storage of garbage
- Store garbage away from food and water.
- Have a spare container with a tight fitting lid to store garbage in case regular pick-up is not available.
- Report all unusual waste (animal carcasses, asbestos, and so on) to the City of Seattle Solid Waste Utility at 206-684-7600 (City of Seattle) or the King County Solid Waste Division at 206-296-6540 (King County).
Safety tips for children
- Do not allow children to wade or play in contaminated water or sand.
- Do not leave cleaning buckets with even small amounts of liquids unattended. Toddlers are "top heavy" and if they topple into a bucket, it may not tip over and they could drown.
What should I do if an injury occurs?
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- Clean puncture wounds or cuts with soap and water. You may need to see your health care provider for a tetanus shot or antibiotics.
- In case of serious injury, go to an emergency room or call 911.
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related sites:
Disaster prep fact sheets
Are you prepared and know what to do to protect yourself and those around you during a disaster? Get the facts on protecting one's health against floods, power outages, sewage spills, carbon monoxide, and more.
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