CDC is preparing for Hurricane Gustav to protect public health.
August 31, 2008
CDC is working with federal, state, and local partners to prepare for Hurricane Gustav as it approaches landfall. For up-to-the-minute information about the storm see: National Hurricane Center.
CDC is sending teams of scientists, technical experts, and supplies to the Gulf Coast to set up federal medical stations. Each federal medical station is a 250-cot facility that provides basic health care to victims of the hurricane. Federal medical stations are established in structures like gymnasiums and airplane hangers. So far medical stations have been set up in Texas at Marshall, Tyler, and College Station. An additional station is currently being set up in San Antonio, TX. Other stations have been established in Baton Rouge, Ruston, and Alexandria, Louisiana; and in Jackson, Mississippi; and Louisville, Kentucky.
Other CDC experts are being sent to affected areas to conduct on-going needs assessments and to monitor injuries or other health problems related to the hurricane. Many CDC staff members are stationed at FEMA Regional Response Coordination Centers (RRCC). These Centers are sites where experts from federal and volunteer agencies organize available people, supplies and resources to coordinate dissemination. Some of CDC’s scientists and health advisors are monitoring the need for information related to workers’ safety. CDC has also activated its emergency after-hours vaccine ordering process to accommodate special orders for vaccines.
CDC is working with Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), states, partners like the American Red Cross, and other federal response organizations to create and distribute clear public health messages to radio and TV stations, public health officials and partners in affected areas.
There are things people can do to stay safe before, during and after hurricanes.
If You Live in Areas in Projected Path of the Storm:
Protect your health and safety when authorities tell you to evacuate from the path of a hurricane.
- Turn off gas, electricity, and water and disconnect appliances before you leave.
- Stock your car with a complete emergency kit if you are driving out of the area. Follow the designated evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic.
- If possible, fill your gas tank before beginning evacuation.
- Contact local emergency management authorities if you have questions about evacuating.s
Take your prescription medicines with you if you evacuate.
- Also take any medical supplies you use regularly.
- Forgotten medications and supplies will be hard to replace if pharmacies are closed during and after a hurricane.
- If you’re unable to evacuate, ask someone to help you pick up emergency supplies, including a week’s supply of medication, if you cannot drive yourself.
Be safe and keep informed if authorities advise you to stay at home during the storm.
- Monitor the radio or television for weather reports and follow instructions related to the storm.
- Until the storm is over, stay indoors in a basement or an interior room, away from all windows and exterior doors.
- If your home is damaged or emergency workers tell you to leave, evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbor's home.
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 August 31, 2008
- Content source: CDC Emergency Communication System (ECS), Division of Health Communication and Marketing (DHCM), National Center for Health Marketing (NCHM)
Get email updates
To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:
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
