In light of Hurricane Sandy the Yale-Tulane ESF #8 Planning and Response Program has produced this report.The Yale-Tulane ESF #8 Program is a multi-disciplinary, multi-center, graduate-level, program designed to produce ESF #8 planners and responders with standardized skill sets that are consistent with evolving public policy, technologies, and best practices. The group that produced this summary and analysis of the current situation in Thailand are graduate students from Yale and Tulane Universities. It was compiled entirely from open source materials. Please feel free to forward the report to anyone who might be interested.

1. YALE/TULANE ESF-8 PLANNING AND RESPONSE PROGRAM SPECIAL REPORT
HURRICANE SANDY
STATE LINKS FEDERAL LINKS
Virginia
Virginia Department of Emergency Management FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
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FEMA
D.C.
Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
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CURRENT SITUATION
NWS – DC Ready. Gov
Maryland
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
PROBABILITIES HHS
Twitter | Facebook Public Health Emergency – ASPR
NWS Baltimore/Washington Twitter | Facebook
Baltimore
Baltimore Office of Emergency Management STORM SURGE
CDC
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Delaware
Delaware Emergency Management Agency WATCHES AND WARNINGS DOD
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NWS- Delaware
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Pennsylvania FEMA REGION STATUS
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency ARMY NORTH
Philadelphia Twitter | Facebook
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NWS - Pennsylvania STATES National Weather Service
New Jersey National Hurricane Center
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management NOAA All Hazard Watch
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PERSONAL CHECKLIST
New York State
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services TRAVEL
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NWS Office NYC PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES AMTRAK Service Alerts
Hurricane Sandy News and Information
New York City
New York City Office of Emergency Preparedness ORGANIZATION
Twitter| Facebook | You Tube PREVENTION OF INJURIES American Red Cross
NWS Office NYC
AND ILLNESS AFTER A DISASTER
Connecticut
CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
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Hurricane Sandy Preparations Our team is building slides for the
Rhode Island
States listed on the right. As we
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency complete the slides we will issue
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Hurricane Sandy Preparations them.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
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Boston
Boston Office of Emergency Management Agency
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AS OF 11:00 AM EST
29 OCT 12

2. BACKGROUND
• Hurricane Sandy is a late-season tropical cyclone that is affecting
Jamaica, Cuba, The Bahamas, Haiti and Florida, and threatening the
East Coast of the United States.
• The eighteenth tropical cyclone, eighteenth named storm, and tenth
hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, Sandy developed
from an elongated tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on
October 22. It quickly strengthened after becoming a tropical
depression and was upgraded to a tropical storm six hours later.
Sandy moved slowly northward toward the Greater Antilles and
gradually strengthened.
DEATH TOLL: At least 68 people were killed across the Caribbean,
Bahamas, and the United States.
Beach goers watch waves generated by Hurricane Sandy along a
breezy Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island, S.C., Saturday
THE PERFECT STORM morning, Oct. 27, 2012. (The Island Packet, Jay Karr/AP Photo)
• Two atmospheric processes are counteracting each other at the
moment. Strong upper winds are trying to tear the storm apart, but a
split in the upper flow is causing, essentially, a strong suction from
above which is helping the storm keep going.
• Sandy, in terms of geographic size already the largest Atlantic
hurricane of the past quarter-century, has spent the majority of the last
few days as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane
Wind Scale, despite an impressively low central pressure. But despite
the lack of extreme triple-digit winds at any single point, the
huge breadth of Sandy's circulation promises widespread disruption to
the lives of tens of millions of Americans.
• Sandy will produce its greatest impacts in the Northeast and the Mid-
Atlantic Monday into Tuesday.
Hurricane Sandy on Thursday, Oct. 25, as the Category 2 storm
approached the Bahamas as seen from the International Space Station 240
miles above Earth. NASA

3. CURRENT SITUATION
• Sandy continues to be an extremely large and dangerous system with a track
and intensity that are without precedent in the era of modern weather
observation. To say the least, Sandy poses a major threat to the Mid-Atlantic
and Northeast. Residents from New England to New York, Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and eastern Ohio
should have completed their preparations.
• As of 8:00 a.m. EDT 29 OCT 2012
 265 miles SE of Atlantic City, NJ; 310 miles SSE of NYC
 Moving NNW at 20 mph
 Turn NW expected later this morning
 Max sustained winds 85 mph
 Expected to transition into a frontal or wintertime low pressure system
prior to landfall; a little strengthening is possible but expected to
weaken after moving inland
 Will move over Mid-Atlantic coast this evening or tonight
 Hurricane force winds extend 175 miles; Tropical Storm force winds
extend 485 miles
 TS Warning in effect north of Surf City to Duck, NC; Pamlico and
 Albemarle sounds
 High Wind Watches/Warnings in effect for the Mid-Atlantic States &
New England
WINDS
• Gale force winds are forecasted to reach Long Island and southern New England by
early Monday (October 29).
• Hurricane-force winds, at least in gusts, are likely over the warning areas and
sections of the Mid-Atlantic region north of the warning areas by late Monday
(October 29).
STORM SURGE: A storm surge is possible along the track, with the largest wave heights
of between 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3.0 m) from Long Island Sound to Raritan Bay.
RAIN: Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches (76 to 150 mm) are expected over far northeastern
North Carolina, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches (200 mm) possible. Amounts of
4 to 8 inches (100 to 200 mm) are expected over the Mid-Atlantic states, including the
Delmarva peninsula with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches (300 mm) possible.
Amounts of 1 to 3 inches (25 to 76 mm) with isolated maximum amounts of 5 inches (130 The Weather Channel
mm) are possible from the southern tier of New York through New England. National Hurricane Center- Hurricane Sandy

4. PROBABILITIES
National Hurricane Center

5. POTENTIAL STORM SURGE
Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the
surge, the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short
distances. Given the large wind field associated with Sandy,
elevated water levels could span multiple tide cycles
resulting in repeated and extended periods of coastal and
bayside flooding.
Elevated waters could occur far removed from the center of
Sandy.
These conditions will occur regardless of whether
Sandy is a tropical or post-tropical cyclone.
For information specific to your area please see products
issued by your local National Weather Service Office.
COASTAL FLOOD ALERTS: N.Y. | Conn | R.I. | Mass.
| N.H. | Maine
National Hurricane Center- Hurricane Sandy

6. ACTIVE WATCH / WARNINGS
National Weather Service

7. ACTIVE WATCH / WARNINGS
Hurricane Force Wind Warning
Hurricane Warning
Blizzard Warning
Winter Storm Warning
High Wind Warning
Tropical Storm Warning
Storm Warning
Coastal Flood Warning
Lakeshore Flood Warning
Flood Warning
Gale Warning
Winter Weather Advisory
Flood Advisory
Lakeshore Flood Advisory
Coastal Flood Advisory
Small Craft Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory
Low Water Advisory
Flood Watch
Hazardous Weather Outlook Rip Current Statement
Short Term Forecast National Weather Service Special Weather Statement

8. DESTRUCTIVE FORCES

9. FEDERAL ACTIVITIES
• The American Red Cross mobilized hundreds of disaster workers,
readying shelters and coordinating efforts with community partners in
potentially affected states. To find an open Red Cross shelter, download
DECLARATIONS
FEDERAL DECLARATIONS
the Red Cross Hurricane app or visit www.redcross.org/find- October 29th, 2012 - President Obama Signs Connecticut Emergency Declaration
help/shelter.
October 29th, 2012 - President Obama Signs Rhode Island Emergency Declaration
• To support potential pre- and post storm hospital evacuations, in October 29th, 2012 - President Obama Signs New Jersey Emergency Declaration
coordination with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
October 29th, 2012 - President Obama Signs Pennsylvania Emergency Declaration
through Emergency Support Function 8, FEMA has the capability to
activate ambulance contracts to support state requirements to evacuate October 29th, 2012 - Hurricane Sandy Public Advisory (NOAA)
patients if needed and requested.
October 29th, 2012 - Connecticut Gov. Malloy Declares State of Emergency
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed temporary emergency October 28th, 2012 - President Obama Signs Maryland Emergency Declaration
power teams, consisting of planning and response teams and resource
support staff to assist with critical infrastructure. October 28th, 2012 - President Obama Signs Massachusetts Emergency
Declaration
• The Department of Energy continues to work with states and local October 28th, 2012 - President Obama Signs New York Emergency Declaration
partners to pre-mobilize storm and field personnel to assist in power
restoration efforts. October 28th, 2012 - President Obama Signs District of Columbia Emergency
Declaration
• FEMA and the Department of Defense are establishing Incident Support October 26th, 2012 - Maine Governor Declares Limited Emergency to Help Restore
Bases in Westover, Mass. and Lakehurst, New Jersey to position supplies Power
including water, meals, blankets and other resources closer to
October 26th, 2012 - North Carolina Governor Perdue Declares State of Emergency
potentially impacted areas, should they be needed.
for Eastern Counties
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is monitoring the storm and October 26, 2012 - Governor O’Malley Signs Executive Order Declaring State of
Emergency in Maryland
will take steps to prepare and protect FAA facilities and equipment that
are in the projected path of the storm, including control towers, radars October 26, 2012 - Governor Cuomo Declares State of Emergency in New York in
and navigational aids. The FAA's top operational priority is to quickly re- Preparation for Potential Impact of Hurricane Sandy
establish air traffic service to support disaster relief efforts.
October 26th, 2012 - Virginia Governor McDonnell Declares State of Emergency in
Preparation for Hurricane Sandy

10. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE
• ASPR Regional Emergency Coordinators are deployed to the Regional
Response Coordination Centers in Regions 1, 2, and 3 and are deployed to
Regions 1 and 3 to serve as public health and medical services liaisons for
FEMA incident management assistance teams.
• An Incident Response Coordination Team is pre-staged to provide
command-and-control to all HHS teams requested in affected states. Two
50-person Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are pre-staged in the mid-
Atlantic, prepared to deploy quickly along the East Coast if needed. One
team is from the Orlando, Florida, area (known as FL-6) and the other
draws on medical personnel from across Tennessee (known as TN-1).
• Federal medical stations and caches of medical equipment and supplies
are poised to affected states quickly after the storm and can be deployed
north or south, depending on the storm’s impact.
• Applied public health teams from the U.S. Public Health Service are
prepared to support state health agencies if needed after the storm.
• Two liaisons and a pharmacist are being pre-staged in New Jersey to
provide support should for the FEMA national ambulance contract should
states request ambulances through the contract.
• CMS is prepared to provide waivers under Section 1135 of the Social
Security Act if needed by affected states so healthcare providers can
continue to provide services to beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid and
the Children’s Health Insurance Program during the severe storms and
floods affecting the state. Providers and States should contact their CMS
Regional Office for information or refer to the CMS website at
www.cms.gov.
• The Administration for Children and Families is maintaining situational
awareness on the status of ACF-supported human services programs in
affected states. HHS - Public Health Emergency

11. FEMA REGION STATUS
20121028 FEMA Daily Ops Briefing_830.pdf

12. FEMA REGION STATUS
20121028 FEMA Daily Ops Briefing_830.pdf

13. VIRGINIA
Virginia Department of Emergency Management TRANSIT SITUATION
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• Current road condition information:
Governor Bob McDonnell declared a State of Emergency at 0950 hours on 26 October due www.511Virginia.org . Call 511 or the Hampton
to the anticipation of severe weather impacting the Commonwealth as a result of Hurricane Roads Traffic Line at 757-361-3016
Sandy to include a limited mandatory evacuation for low lying areas along the Virginia coast
and Chesapeake Bay. Federal and State Government Offices are closed Monday, 29 October. • Highway Helpline at 1-800-367-ROAD ( 1-800-367-
7623) or 1680 AM Highway Advisory Radio (in
WEATHER Hampton Roads)
• Hurricane Sandy has strengthened as expected with winds now at 85 mph as she • The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is at Level 4
transitions to a strong Nor’Easter. wind restriction. Sustained winds are currently at
60 MPH. Only cars, trucks, pick-up trucks, and
• Moderate to potentially severe tidal flooding is forecast for coastal VA during periods of SUV's with no cargo are allowed.
high tides today. The moderate to severe tidal flooding along the Eastern Shore is
forecast thru Tuesday. • The Jamestown Scotland Ferry is now operating at
reduced capacity due to high tides.
• Coastal Virginia and eastern shore localities remain under a high wind warning until
midnight tonight for sustained winds of 35/45 mph and wind gusts to 60 mph. In • The Metro rail system will be closed on Monday
general, winds will be less severe further inland, with gusts to 40 to 45 mph expected 29 October.
across much of the Interstate 95 corridor including Richmond, with 35-40 mph gusts
west of this region. • All Metrobus service is suspended until further
notice.
• Five to seven (5-7) inches of rain is expected in Hampton Roads and eight to ten (8-10)
inches along the Eastern Shore. The heaviest rainfall is expected today, Monday, and • All Metro Access service is suspended until
Monday night, with highest amounts over eastern Virginia near the Bay and the coast further notice.
(these areas are under a Flood Watch).
• Blizzard Warning Dickenson & • Road Closure Report: 19 roads are closed in the
Buchanan Counties from Noon today Hampton Roads Region.
until 4AM Wednesday. Snow
accumulations up to 6 inches (below SHELTERS
2,000 feet). Snow accumulations up to
1 to 2 feet in higher elevations . Wind
gusts up to 50 mph
For shelter locations
• Winter Storm Warning & Watches far see Google Map
Southwest VA until 8AM Wednesday
• High Wind Warning until Wednesday
Morning for areas along & west of the
Blue Ridge & Northern Virginia. Winds
from 25-35 mph, Gusts to 45 mph

14. Contamination of HEALTH THREAT FROM HURRICANE
Drinking Water
Water-Borne Disease
TIC/TIM Vector-Borne Disease
Rodent-Borne Disease
Environmental Molds/Allergens
Sanitation
Infections Surveillance
Infectious Diseases - Water Quality
Debris and Waste Food safety - Air Quality
- Spills/Releases
HAZMAT Exposure
- Breeding Sites
Flooding - Harborage Areas
- Health Services
- Shelters
Health - Food Service
Facilities - DNBI
Patient Evacuation
Essential - Animal
Patient Care
Services Drowning Assessment
Waterborne Illnesses - Operational Risk
Infrastructure Utilities Foodborne
Chronic Diseases Coordination
Airports/Sea Ports Infectious Disease - Who
CO Poisoning Increased - What
Hurricane Morbidity & - Where
Road Networks Mortality - When
- How
Services Emergency Services Fill Gaps
911 - Health Services
Government Command and Control Public Health - Vet Services
Homecare - Immunizations
Info - Communication Animal Control - Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Supplies
- Vector Control
Coordination
- Rodent Control
- Sanitation Inspections
Loss of Assets - Outbreak Response
- Transportation
- Evacuation
Displacement Acute Respiratory Infections
Meningitis Build Capacity
Socio-Economic - Education
Loss of Shelter Measles
Dehydration - Training
Loss of Employment Diarrhea
Chronic Disease
Loss of Access
To Food/Water

15. PERSONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES
DEVELOP / UPDATE / REVIEW PERSONAL PLAN STOCK DISASTER SUPPLY KIT
 Know your home’s vulnerabilities to Storm Surge, Flooding and Wind  Water (1 gallon per person per day)
 Locate a safe room or safe area in your home or community for each hazard  Food for 3 to 7 days
 Determine escape routes and places to meet  Non-perishable food items
 Have an out-of-state friend or family contact as a single point for all persons in the home  Foods for infants/elderly
 Have a place to go for evacuations  Snack foods
 Be aware of traffic considerations  Non-electric can opener
 If using a hotel/motel, make reservations first  Cooking tools/fuel
 Ensure that destination is pet-friendly ,if necessary  Plates/utensils
 Plan for what to do with pets if you need to evacuate  Blankets/Pillows
 Post emergency phone numbers and ensure children know how and when to call 9-1-1  Medications
 Review insurance coverage – flood damage may not be covered  Ice Chest
 Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit  Matches
 Ensure First Aid Kits are stocked  Clothing
 First Aid Kit
PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR HOME FOR THE STORM  Toiletries
 Bring in everything not attached to the house (plants, wind chimes, patio furniture, etc.)  Special Items – Babies/Elderly
 Fill clean 2 liter bottles with water and place in freezer  Flashlight/Batteries
 Make and store ice (if possible)  Radio (Battery Operated NOAA)
 Refill medications  Phones – Fully Charged w/Extra Batteries
 Ensure vehicles are fully fueled  Keys
 Charge all cell phone batteries  Toys/Books/Games
 Board windows  Important Documents (In Waterproof
 Place changes of clothing in plastic bags Container)
 Fill trash can or tub with water  Tools and Tape
 Turn refrigerator and freezer to their lowest setting (coldest)  Pet Care Items
 Unplug valuable electronics and turn off gas/electricity to house  Identification and Photos
 Place memorabilia in plastic bags  Ample food and water
 Detach propane tank(s) from gas grill(s)  Medications
 Cover pools and super-chlorinate  Immunization Records
 Tie down any boats that are on trailers or move into a garage  Muzzle, collar, leash
 Get extra cash, ATMs will not work without electricity  Crate
 Gather additional radios, verify battery needs (batteries should be changed every 6 months)
 Gather lanterns and extra oil (do not use in high wind conditions)

16. HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
DURING THE STORM AFTER LANDFALL
 Listen to the radio or TV for information.  Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
 Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor  Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the storm has ended.
objects or bring them indoors.  If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact
 Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the FEMA or the American Red Cross.
refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors  FEMA has established the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS),
closed. which has been developed to help reunite families who are separated during a disaster.
 Turn off propane tanks  The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family. Contact the local
 Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies. American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for information.
 Moor your boat if time permits.  If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
 Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning  If you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to
and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
with water.  For those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers several types of assistance,
 Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency. including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing.
YOU SHOULD EVACUATE UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: Apply for assistance or search for information about housing rental resources
 If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow  Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed¬ out bridges. Stay off the streets. If
their instructions. you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges,
 If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelter roads, and sidewalks.
are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well  Keep away from loose or dangling power lines. Report them immediately to the power company.
fastened to the ground.  Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and
 If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at structural damage before entering.
higher elevations.  Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home
 If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
island waterway.  Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents,
READ MORE ABOUT EVACUATING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY. IF for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a
YOU ARE UNABLE TO EVACUATE, GO TO YOUR WIND-SAFE ROOM. qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE, FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES:  Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be
 Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking
glass doors. gas, if present.
 Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.  Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals,
 Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.  Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
 Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the  Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
lowest level.  Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
 Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.  Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
 Avoid elevators.  NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when
using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can
Ready.Gov quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

17. PREVENT ILLNESS AFTER A DISASTER
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ANIMAL - AND INSECT-RELATED KEEP FOOD AND WATER SAFE
HAZARDS wild or stray animals and biting or stinging insects.
 Avoid  Food may not be safe to eat during and after an emergency. Water may not be safe for cooking.
 Call local authorities to handle animals.  Water may not be safe to drink, clean with, or bathe in after an emergency, such as a hurricane or
flood. During and after a disaster, water can become contaminated with microorganisms (for
 Get rid of dead animals, according to local guidelines, as soon as you can. example, bacteria), sewage, agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals, and other substances that
can cause illness or death.
 For more information, contact your local animal shelter or services, a veterinarian, or the
humane society for advice on dealing with pets or stray or wild animals after an emergency.  Listen to and follow public announcements. Local authorities will tell you if water is safe to drink or
to use for cooking or bathing. Follow local instructions to use bottled water or to boil or disinfect
 For information on specific animal and insect issues, see protect yourself from animal- and water for cooking, cleaning, or bathing.
insect-related hazards after a natural disaster.
 For more information, see keep food and water safe after a natural disaster or power outage.
PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING PROTECT MENTAL HEALTH
 The days and weeks after an emergency are going to be rough. Some sleeplessness, anxiety, anger,
 Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if you
hyperactivity, mild depression, or lethargy are normal and may go away with time. If you feel any of
breathe it. Never use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane,
these symptoms acutely, seek counseling. Your state, local, tribal health departments will help you
natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper—or even
find local resources, including hospitals or health care providers that you may need.
outside near an open window, door, or vent.
 Seek medical care if you are injured, feel sick, or have acute stress and anxiety.
 Don't heat your house with a gas oven.
 Keep as many elements of your normal routine incorporated into the disaster plans as possible,
 If you are too hot or too cold, or you need to prepare food, don't put yourself and your family at risk
including activities to calm children's fears.
for co poisoning—look to friends, family, or a community shelter for help.
 Be aware that you may have fewer resources to attend to your day-to-day conflicts, so it is best to
 If your co detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.
resolve what you can ahead of time.
 Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect co poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or
 Turn to family, friends, and important social or religious contacts to setup support networks to deal
nauseated.
with the potential stressors.
 For further guidance on avoiding UP SAFELY AFTER FLOODS
CLEAN co poisoning, see protect yourself from carbon monoxide  Let your child know that it is okay to feel upset when something bad or scary happens. Encourage
your child to express feelings and thoughts, without making judgments.
 To prevent illness, disinfect and dry buildings and items in them. This will prevent growth of some bacteria, viruses,
mold, and mildew that can cause illness.
 For additional resources, see disaster mental health resources.
 For more information, see flood water after a disaster or emergency.
WASH YOUR HANDS
 Always wash your hands with soap and boiled or disinfected water before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating in cleanup activities, and
after handling articles contaminated by floodwater or sewage. Use warm water when available. Wash children's hands frequently (always before meals).
 Disinfect water for washing by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of household bleach per 1 gallon of water). Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use a solution of
1/4 teaspoon of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
 If water isn't available, use alcohol-based products made for washing hands.
 For more tips on washing your hands, see hand hygiene after a disaster.

18. PREVENT ILLNESS AFTER A DISASTER
PREVENT ILLNESS FROM SEWAGE PREVENT OR TREAT WOUNDS
 Immediately clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Keep wounds covered
with clean, dry bandages that are large enough to cover the wound and contain any pus or
 If there is flooding along with a hurricane, the waters may contain fecal material from drainage.
overflowing sewage systems and agricultural and industrial waste. Although skin
contact with floodwater does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, there is risk of  Change bandages as needed and when drainage can be seen through the bandage. Contact a
disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated with floodwater. doctor to find out whether more treatment is needed (such as a tetanus shot).
 If there has been a backflow of sewage into your house, wear rubber boots and  If a wound gets red, swells, or drains, seek immediate medical attention.
waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard contaminated household
materials that cannot be disinfected, such as wall coverings, cloth, rugs, and drywall.
AVOID WILD OR STRAY ANIMALS
 If you are bitten by any animal, seek immediate medical attention. If you are bitten by a snake, try
 If you have any open cuts or sores that will be exposed to floodwater, keep them as to identify it, so that if it is poisonous, you can be given the correct anti-venom.
clean as possible by washing them with soap and applying an antibiotic ointment to
 Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck the venom out. (See also the CDC rabies website, rat-bite
discourage infection. fever: frequently asked questions, and medical problems and treatment considerations for the red
imported fire ant [PDF, 658 KB/8 pages].)
 Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent and
separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens. CONTACT WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
 If your skin or eyes may have come in contact with hazardous materials, such as acid from a car
 Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas and do not allow children to play with battery, wash thoroughly with decontaminated water and seek medical attention as needed.
floodwater-contaminated toys that have not been disinfected. Disinfect toys by using a
solution of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water. Some toys, such as stuffed
TETANUS IMMUNIZATION
animals and baby toys, cannot be disinfected; they should be discarded.
 If you have wounds, you should be evaluated for a tetanus immunization, just as you would at any
other time of injury.
PREVENT TEMPERATURE-RELATED ILLNESS
 If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva, have a doctor
When standing or working in water that is cooler than 75 f (24°c): or health department determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary based on individual
 Wear rubber boots. records.
For further guidance e, see emergency wound care after a natural disaster.
 Ensure that clothing and boots have adequate insulation.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
 Take frequent breaks out of the water.  Short bouts of diarrhea and upset stomach and colds or other breathing diseases sometimes occur in
developed countries, such as the united states, after a natural disaster, particularly among large
groups of people in a shelter. Basic hygiene measures like frequent hand washing or use of an alcohol
 Change into dry clothing when possible. hand gel, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers and before eating, can help prevent
these diseases.
 Diseases like cholera or typhoid are rare in developed countries and do not typically occur after a
natural disaster.
 For information on infectious disease, see infectious disease after a disaster.
IMMUNIZATIONS
For information on immunizations for evacuees, relief workers, emergency responders and travelers, see
immunization after a natural disaster.