CDC Responds to Hurricane Gustav
September 3, 2008
CDC is working with the Department of Health and Human Services and federal, state and local partners to respond to public health issues in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. State health departments in affected areas have also been assisting each other responding to and recovering from the storm.
- Public health emergency declarations are in effect for Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas related to Hurricane Gustav, which has now been reduced to a Tropical Depression.
- There are different levels of damages from the hurricane in each affected state. States are working hard to restore services, including electricity, so that evacuees can safely return home.
- Coastal southeastern states are also preparing for Tropical Storms Hanna and Ike, which are expected to affect weather, health, and safety in that region later this week.
CDC, as part of HHS, has over 100 staff in the affected areas, including 59 staff deployed this week to Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. These experts are monitoring injuries and other health problems related to the hurricane. CDC staff are also providing a range of assistance including identifying public health needs and resources to fill them, ensuring that medical facilities and pharmaceutical are available to meet needs in local areas.
In addition, CDC is working closely with federal, state and local partners to distribute information on healthy recovery from the storm. These partners include the Department of Health and Human Services, the US Public Health Service, affected states, the American Red Cross, and other federal response organizations.
There are many things people can do to stay safe and healthy after a hurricane.
Be healthy and safe when returning home after the hurricane.
- Return home only after local authorities have told you it is safe to do so.
- Do not enter a building if you smell gas. Call 911. Do not light a match or turn on lights.
- Wear waterproof boots and gloves to avoid floodwater touching your skin. Wash your hands often with soap and clean water, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
Avoid driving through fast moving water. You may not be able to tell how deep the water is and you may lose control of your vehicle.
- Drive slowly at a speed that is safe for road and weather conditions.
- Be alert for broken stop lights and missing street signs.
- Wear your seatbelt, properly restrain your children, and avoid using a cell phone while driving.
Stay safe when cleaning up your home after the storm.
- Never touch a downed power line or anything in contact with them.
- Always use generators, grills, and fuel-burning devices outside, far from the house.
- Have a professional check your wet or flooded appliances before you use them.
Previous Updates
More Information
For more information about how to stay safe before, during and after hurricanes, please visit: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/
- Page last updated September 3, 2008
- Content source: CDC Emergency Communication System (ECS), Division of Health Communication and Marketing (DHCM), National Center for Health Marketing (NCHM)
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