What can I do to prevent illness after a hurricane or other natural disaster?

Answer:

Often the most vulnerable time during a natural disaster comes after the event has occurred. To protect yourself and your loved ones, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you begin with a plan to recover that takes into account each of the following disease prevention activities:

1. Protect yourself from animal- and insect-related hazards
   • Learn More:
     • Protect Yourself from Animal- and Insect-Related Hazards After a Natural Disaster (CDC)
     • Updated Information Regarding Insect Repellents - West Nile Virus (CDC)
     • Rabies: Questions and Answers (CDC)
     • Rat-Bite Fever (CDC)
     • NIOSH Interim Guidance on Health and Safety Hazards When Working with Displaced Domestic Animals (CDC)
       
       
2. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
   • Learn More:
     • You Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure (CDC)
     • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After a Disaster (CDC)
       
       
3. Clean up safely after flooding
   • Learn More: Clean Up Safely After a Natural Disaster (CDC)
     
     
4. Keep your food and drinking water safe
   • Learn More:
     • Keep Food and Water Safe after a Disaster (CDC)
     • What Consumers Need to Know About Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages, and Floods (FDA)
     • Food Safety for Consumers Returning Home After a Hurricane and/or Flooding (FDA)
     • Power Outages - Key Tips for Consumers About Food Safety (FDA)
       
       
5. Prevent the spread of infectious diseases
   • Learn More:
     • Infectious Disease After a Disaster (CDC)
     • Stopping Germs at Home, Work and School (CDC)
       
       
6. Make sure immunizations are up-to-date
   • Learn More: Immunizations After a Natural Disaster (CDC)
     
     
7. Protect your mental health
   • Learn More: 
     • Coping With a Disaster or Traumatic Event (CDC)
     • Hurricane Mental Health Awareness Information (SAMHSA)
     • Hurricane and Other Disaster Relief Information (SAMHSA)
       
       
8. Prevent temperature-related illnesses
   • Learn More:
     • Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety (CDC)
     • Frequently Asked Questions about Extreme Heat (CDC)
       
       
9. Prevent or treat wounds
   • Learn More: Emergency Wound Care After a Natural Disaster (CDC)
     
     
10. Don’t forget to care for on-going health conditions
    • Learn More: Safe Drug Use after a Natural Disaster (FDA)

Last Updated: 04/03/2008