While one would think that experiencing a natural disaster is devastating, what comes next is often even worse. Natural disasters include hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, and many more catastrophic events that occur on the planet.
They don’t make any discrimination at all. History has shown that the most developed areas of the most powerful countries around the globe are vulnerable to natural disasters.
Natural disasters are scary. What follows is often scarier. The public health is usually under threat. Why? Because the possibility for contaminations and diseases is high. It’s fair to say that in developed countries, where the governments have taken action beforehand, the possibility of a disease outbreak is unlikely to happen. But then again, who can say that the healthcare clinics in your area won’t be affected by the disaster? Wouldn’t it be best if you knew what to do in the event of a disaster?
Getting disaster restoration quickly is of the essence
Natural disasters have multiple faces. And so, the after-health-risks are not always the same. Disaster restoration is a must whether a hurricane or an earthquake stroke. Having the damage fixed is vital. Not only to gain back your home and life, but also to avoid risks after the natural disaster. Some dangers may be waiting for you at home.
Mold growth, damaged structural elements, and exposed electrical wires may become the reason for a tragedy. Floodwater is dangerous since it contains many toxins. And it contaminates everything it touches. Health issues may happen due to contaminated water, gas leaks, debris, stagnant water, mold, toxins, and more. You need complete rebuild and repair services before you go back home again.
10+1 Tips to Prevent Health Risks after a Natural Disaster
- Assign the complete home restoration to pros before you enter your house.
- Wear gear to protect your hands and the entire face before you clean the house. If there’s been a fire, leave the smoke clean up to the experts.
- Boil the water before you drink it.
- Throw away anything that has come in contact with smoke or stagnant water. Get rid of all foods and beverages. Food sources attract rodents.
- If you come into the house before a restoration company, be careful. Walk very carefully, hold a stick in case snakes or rats have entered, don’t touch anything, and don’t forget a flashlight.
- If you detect mold, don’t try to remove it yourself. It’s always best to entrust the mold remediation service to a pro team.
- Wear long sleeves and pants after a disaster as an attempt to avoid getting bitten by insects, which might transfer diseases.
- Dispose debris and garbage as soon as this is possible to keep rodents away.
- Unless damage is fully restored and everything is checked by the pros, don’t use anything that might expose you to carbon monoxide (natural gas, propane, or other types of devices, pressure washers, gas ovens, etc.)
- Take care of your hygiene the best way you can until the fire, earthquake, or water damage restoration has been completed. Wash your hands often. Use hand sanitizer before you eat and after you use the restroom.
The history of disasters has shown that they affect humans in multiple ways. The risks are not limited only to your physical health, but also the mental health too. Natural disasters are emergency situations. And no matter what well you plan to deal with them, you can never plan perfectly. They do cause anxiety, depression, and anger, especially when the effects in your personal life and the community are tragic. The best thing you can do is to stick with your loved ones and don’t be afraid to seek help. That’s crucial whether you are threatened by flood contamination or depression.
