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 supplies—check 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 gas—do 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 roof—shingles 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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