In this Article

• Introduction to hurricane preparation
• What are hurricane aftermath health concerns?
• How can I store food safely?
• How can I make sure our water is safe?
• How do I perform first aid for injuries?
• How should I clean mold from my house?
• How can I prevent injuries after a hurricane?
• Wear protective gear
• Beware of electrical hazards
• Avoid carbon monoxide
• Prevent musculoskeletal injuries
• Beware of structural instability
• Avoid hazardous materials
• Be prepared for fires
• Prevent drowning
• Reduce the risk of thermal stress
• Prevent fatigue-related injuries
• What can I do to cope with stress after a hurricane?
• How do I deal with wild and domestic animals in a disaster?
• Hurricane Preparedness Glossary
• Hurricane Preparedness Index
• Find a local Doctor in your town

How can I make sure our water is safe?

Hurricanes, especially if accompanied by a tidal surge or flooding, can contaminate the public water supply. Drinking contaminated water may cause illness. You cannot assume that the water in the hurricane-affected area is safe to drink.

Listen for public announcements about the safety of the municipal water supply. Use bottled water for eating or drinking. If you do not have bottled water, and are not sure that your tap water is safe, follow these directions to purify tap water:

• Boil the water vigorously (water should be bubbling and rolling) for one minute.
  
  
• If you can't boil water, add six drops of newly purchased, unscented liquid household bleach per gallon of water, stir it well, and then let the water stand for 30 minutes before you use it. Note that using bleach will not kill parasitic organisms.
  
  
• You also can use water-purifying tablets from your local pharmacy or sporting goods store.

If there is flooding along with a hurricane, the waters may contain fecal material from 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 disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated with floodwater.

Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas. Wash children's hands frequently (always before meals), and do not allow children to play with floodwater-contaminated toys that have not been disinfected. You can disinfect toys using a solution of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water.

For more, please read the Tips for Safe Drinking Water article.