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CDC Responds to Hurricane 2008 Season

This information is current as of September 16, 2008.

CDC is working with state and local governments, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other federal agencies to help communities recover from Hurricane Ike, which made landfall this past weekend.

CDC is also directly participating in recovery efforts on the ground in Texas and Louisiana.  Currently, CDC has deployed medical doctors, key management officials, and environmental health professionals to work with state and local officials, HHS, and FEMA to address critical health threats in the region.

Currently, there are several persons affected by carbon monoxide poisoning in Texas and Louisiana, and one confirmed death.  Many people are also concerned about the possibility of snake bites from snakes displaced by flooding. During this time, it is normal for evacuees and affected people to experience high levels of stress. Recovering from a hurricane can be very difficult, both physically and mentally.

There are actions people can take to stay health and safe. In particular, people can learn how they can avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, avoid illness and injuries related to floodwater, and manage the stress of post-hurricane recovery.

To stay safe and healthy during and after a storm:

Follow local advisories about the safety of your water supply.

  • Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, and hand washing.
  • Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill bacteria and parasites.
  • If you cannot boil your water, add 1/8 tsp of household chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of water, which should kill most organisms.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning after a disaster.

  • Generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices produce deadly CO gases.
  • Always use these devices outdoors, far away from windows, doors and vents.
  • Pressure washers and other gasoline powered tools also give off high levels of CO and should be used outdoors.

Take care of your mental health after a hurricane.

  • Normal feelings include shock and disbelief, fear, anger, moodiness, and inability to control your emotions.
  • You may also feel physically sick, have trouble sleeping, or sleep more or less than usual.
  • Seek help by talking to a trusted friend, family member, or by calling 800-273-8255.

Previous Updates

More Information

For more information about how to stay safe before, during and after hurricanes, please visit emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes.

Contact Us:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    1600 Clifton Rd
    Atlanta, GA 30333
  • 800-CDC-INFO
    (800-232-4636)
    TTY: (888) 232-6348
    24 Hours/Every Day
  • cdcinfo@cdc.gov
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348, 24 Hours/Every Day - cdcinfo@cdc.gov

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