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General information related to many disasters
General information for consumers, businesses, schools, state and local governments and others, that could apply to many different natural events or disaster situations. Much of this information is also repeated on the other pages about specific types of natural event or disaster.
ALERT: Generator exhaust is toxic. Always put generators outside well away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas. Carbon monoxide (CO) is deadly, can build up quickly, and linger for hours. More information. More about safe use of generators from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.
Related information: Dealing with debris and damaged buildings after a disaster
Drinking water and food
- Boiling water information To kill all major water-borne bacterial pathogens, bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Boil 3 minutes at elevations above 5280 ft (1 mile or 1.6 km).
- Make sure older adults have enough water to drink. Dehydration can be life threatening to an elderly person. More info ...
- Plan for pets, too. Have enough food and water for them, and any medications. If you evacuate your home, do not leave pets behind. More information for pet owners from fema.gov.
- What do I do with my home septic system after a flood? Do not drink your well water until it is tested. Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house. If you have a home-based or small business and your septic system has received chemicals, take extra precautions to prevent contact with water or inhaling fumes. Proper clean-up depends on the kinds of chemicals in the wastewater. More information about your septic system.
- For water and wastewater facilities - Suggested activities to help facilities prepare for and recover from hurricanes and other severe weather conditions. Please note, the linked information is written for hurricane preparedness but much of it will apply to many types of preparedness.
Mold control and cleanup The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture.
Debris
- What To Do With Disaster Debris - Disasters can generate tons of debris, including building rubble, soil and sediments, green waste (e.g., trees and shrubs), personal property, ash, and charred wood. How a community manages disaster debris depends on the debris generated and the waste management options available. Burying or burning is no longer acceptable, except when permission or a waiver has been granted, because of the side effects of smoke and fire from burning, and potential water and soil contamination from burial. Typical methods of recycling and solid waste disposal in sanitary landfills often cannot be applied to disaster debris because of the large volume of waste and reluctance to overburden existing disposal capacity.
Pesticides, chemical and oil spills, hazardous waste
- Call the National Response Center 1-800-424-8802 (24 hours a day every day). For those without 800 access, please call 202-267-2675.
- Industries and businesses that encounter spills or discharges in a hurricane's aftermath should contact the National Response Center immediately.
- National Pesticide Information Center: 1-800-858-7378.