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(RxWiki News) As a hurricane approaches, safety is the number one priority. But severe storms can pose health and safety risks both before and after they strike.
Here are a few tips to keep you safe and healthy before and after the storm.
Preparing for the Storm
Before a severe storm or hurricane hits, make sure to prepare an emergency supply of water, food, and medicine and gather safety and personal items. Severe weather may knock out power and water. On top of that, your vehicles may be unusable or the roads may be flooded.
When preparing an emergency water supply, be sure to do the following:
- Save at least five gallons of water per person. This amount should be enough to last three to five days.
- Prepare clean containers to hold the water.
- Gather supplies to make your drinking water safe, such as iodine tablets or chlorine bleach.
- Learn how to safely store your water supply and make your drinking water safe for use.
To prepare an emergency food and medicine supply, complete the following steps:
- Gather a three-to-five-day supply of nonperishable food.
- Have enough baby food or formula for several days, if necessary.
- Gather your prescription medicines.
Some safety and personal items to gather include the following:
- First aid kit and instructions
- Fire extinguisher
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Sleeping bags or extra blankets
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet cleaning cloths, such as baby wipes
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers
Indoor Safety After the Storm
The storm may be over, but that doesn’t mean danger is out of sight. Take the following precautions to keep you and your family safe after the storm:
- Never use a wet electrical device.
- If the device is still plugged in, be sure to turn off the power at the main breaker.
- If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles.
- Be very careful near damaged buildings and structures.
- If you hear shifting or unusual noises, be sure to leave your home or other building right away. Strange noises could mean it is about to fall.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. You can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by following these steps.
What You Need to Know When Outdoors
- Keep away from floodwater.
- Always follow the warnings about flooded roads.
- Never drive through floodwater. It may be deeper than you think.
- If you need to be in or near floodwater, always wear a life jacket, especially if the water is rising.
- Keep in mind that floodwater often carries germs. If you are exposed to floodwater, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizers.
- Stay away from power lines and dangerous materials.
- Be sure to watch out for power lines overhead.
- Protect yourself from animals and pests.
- Where there is floodwater, you will often find mosquitoes. Be sure to use insect repellent (bug spray) with DEET or picaridin. Try to wear long sleeves, pants and socks when you are outside to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
- Be sure to stay away from wild or stray animals that might have been displaced by the storm.
These are only a few health and safety measures to take before and after a severe storm. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend creating a storm plan for your family to make sure you’re fully prepared.
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