Health and Safety Guidelines

Your family’s health and safety should be your first concern after a disaster:

• Check for injuries.
• Don’t try to move anyone who is seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury.
• If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back then call for help immediately.

Make sure you don’t overexert yourself after an emergency:

• Be aware of exhaustion. Get enough rest.
• Don’t try to do too much at once. Set priorities and pace yourself.
• Drink plenty of clean water and eat well.
• Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.
• When working in debris, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water.

Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster:

• Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring, and slippery floors.
• Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation, and dead animals.