I v°/EPA Brochure I Disaster Response I
Coming Home: Steps to Stay Safe as You Return Home
Prepare for your return: Bring the right supplies and drive carefully.
Do a home safety inspection and make a cleanup plan.
Know common cleanup dangers and be aware of other dangers.
Prepare for your return
Go home only after authorities say it is safe
Call the power and gas company to find out if services are available in your area
Let family or friends know you are returning home
Make sure you have had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years
Drive carefully
Do not drive through floodwaters or over downed power lines
Traffic lights may be out, and street signs may be turned or gone
Stop at all intersections and have a full tank of gas
Bring the right suppliescheck them off
o Lots of bottled drinking water and some sports drink
o Food that does not have to be kept cold
o Flashlight with extra batteries
o First-aid kit
o Battery-operated radio
o Waterproof boots or waders
o Safety gear like work gloves, safety goggles, a hard hat, and hard-soled boots or
shoes
o N-95 face masks (available at hardware stores)
o Camera or video camera to record damage
o Hand tools: Hammer, saw, screwdriver, crowbar, crescent wrench, pliers, etc.
o Trash bags and cleaning supplies
o Cell phone
Do a home safety inspection
Do not enter your house if it is damaged extensively or if you think it may fall down
If water surrounds your house, do not enter it
Check outside for loose power lines and gas leaks; call the power company if you find
any before entering
Proceed carefully: Floors may be slippery or have holes, ceilings and tall furniture may
fall
Open all doors and windows
Check for broken water pipes
Have a reputable contractor inspect your roof
Check trees for broken branches and leaning trunks
Check for animals like snakes
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I v°/EPA Brochure I Disaster Response I
Make a cleanup plan
Contact your insurance agent and mortgage lender
Photograph or videotape the damage to your home
Plan to do only what you can safely do
Hire professionals to repair roof, wiring, walls, and appliances and to cut down damaged
trees
Cleanup Dangers
Electrical dangers
Be sure the main electric power and all circuit breakers are off
Have the electrical wiring inspected before turning on the main power
Clean and dry appliances before turning them on
Do not use electrical tools or appliances while standing in water
Carbon monoxide (CO)
CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you within minutes
Never use generators, pressure washers, or other gas-powered tools inside your
home
Keep generators and other engines outside and away from windows and vents
Have the gas company turn on the gasdo not do it yourself
Know the signs of CO poisoning: headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, vomiting,
loss of consciousness
Falls
Falls from ladders and roofs can cause broken bones and death
Put ladders on flat, solid ground and have a helper hold the base
Do not stand on the top two rungs
Use a ladder that reaches at least three feet above the roof edge
Be careful on your roofshingles and plastic sheeting can be very slippery
Chainsaws
Chainsaws are very dangerous
Use a hand saw for small jobs
Wear cut-proof chainsaw pants, gloves, and goggles/face shield
Hold the chainsaw with two hands
Do not cut with the tip of the chainsaw
Never cut above chest height or while on a ladder
Hire a tree trimmer to cut down large branches and trees
Cleaning products
Always wear rubber gloves and boots while using cleaning products
Never mix bleach and ammonia or other cleaning products
If you splash cleaning product on your skin or eyes, rinse with plenty of bottled water
Other concerns
Get help lifting heavy things to avoid back strains
Protect yourself from insects: Use products with DEET or Picaridin on skin and clothing
Deep cuts and puncture wounds may become infected. See a doctor!
People with serious health or breathing problems should not go into moldy homes
Wear an N-95 face mask when working around mold
Drink plenty of bottled water and rest frequently
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