Be Careful When Returning To Katrina Disaster Area
Release Date: October 17, 2005
Release Number: 1604-076
» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina
JACKSON, Miss. - Federal and state disaster officials urge people to take extra precautions when returning to hurricane-damaged areas.
UPON ENTERING ANY STORM OR FLOOD-RAVAGED AREA:
- Watch for dangerous animals and insects, especially snakes and fire ants: When outside, wear proper clothing and use insect repellant. Watch where you are walking or sitting. Avoid tall grass, small holes burrowed into the ground and small, loose piles of dirt. Scare away snakes and other animals by poking a stick into likely hiding places around your home. Call local authorities to handle wild or stray animals.
- Exercise caution when driving: Objects falling from debris-laden trucks in hurricane-damaged communities can cause accidents.
BEFORE ENTERING A BUILDING:
- Check the outside of the building: Call the utility company immediately if you find downed power lines or detect gas leaks.
- Look for external damage: Examine the foundation for cracks or other damage. Inspect porch roofs and overhangs to be sure they are adequately supported. It may not be safe to enter.
- Enter the building carefully: If the door sticks at the top as it opens, it could mean the ceiling is ready to cave in. If you force the door open, stand outside to avoid being hit by falling debris. If in doubt about the safety of a building, do not enter.
AFTER ENTERING A BUILDING:
- Look before you step: Floors and stairs may be covered with debris and may be very slippery. Watch out for broken bottles, nails, soft spots and other hazards.
- Be alert for gas leaks: Do not strike a match or use an open flame when entering a building unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. Use a flashlight to inspect. If the gas has been turned off, do not turn it on. Call the utility company to restore your service.
- Turn off the electricity: Even if the power company has turned off electricity to the area, be sure to disconnect your house’s power supply. Do not use appliances or motors that have gotten wet until they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.
- Carbon monoxide exhaust kills: Do not use generators or other gasoline-powered machines indoors. All cooking on camp stoves and charcoal grills should only be done outside.
- Drain the basement carefully and slowly: Groundwater creates hydrostatic pressure on basement walls and floors. Drain the basement no more than one foot per day to minimize further damage.
- Dry out your home: Floodwaters damage materials, leave mud, silt and unknown contaminants and promote the growth of mildew. Dry your home to reduce these hazards and the damage they cause.
- Clean up: The walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and any other parts of your home which have been flooded should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Oct-2005 13:20:06