This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.

News Release

HHS PROVIDING HURRICANE INFORMATION ON WEB
Blood safety, mental health and food safety among available information

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced today that the Department is continually updating hurricane preparedness and response information on the HHS Web site to provide people in Hurricane Isabel's path up-to-the-minute public health information.

Information ranging from food safety to mental health assistance is available at the top of the HHS Web site - www.hhs.gov. The direct link is www.hhs.gov/disasters/hurricane.html. The information on the Internet is part of HHS' far-reaching response efforts to Hurricane Isabel, which includes providing emergency response teams to affected communities and monitoring the food and blood supply.

"It is important for families to know how to prepare for and how to respond during a hurricane or any public health emergency," Secretary Thompson said. "We want to make sure people in the hurricane's path have the latest information at their fingertips so they can better prepare their families for any development."

Among the hurricane information available on the HHS Web site:

• A fact sheet on hurricane preparedness tips, which includes information on health and safety issues regarding hurricanes, water quality tips, food safety tips, sanitation and hygiene issues, immunizations, and mental health issues.
• A Centers for Disease Control fact sheet, in English and Spanish, which includes information on preparing for a hurricane, necessary emergency supplies, evacuation tips, how to store food safely and how to prevent injuries in the aftermath of a hurricane.
• A CDC prevention guide on personal health and safety during a hurricane, which includes further details on preparing for a hurricane and safety precautions to take after a hurricane.
• A consumer advice link, which includes details on power outages and food safety, as well as other useful tips.
• A mental health link, which includes information on how to talk to children about disasters and whom to call if you need mental health assistance.
• A Food and Drug Administration link on how a hurricane or other severe weather can affect pharmaceuticals, including information on vaccines that require refrigeration or storage, as well as information on blood and plasma products.

###

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: September 18, 2003