Safety precautions after a disaster

After a disaster, damage to property may cause unusual and additional safety hazards. Many disaster-related injuries and deaths occur due to injuries resulting from clean up in the aftermath of a disaster.

General safety tips

Wear sturdy shoes when entering a building or walking through debris after a disaster.
Carry a flashlight when entering dark buildings.
Do not enter a building if the foundation has shifted or has been weakened.
Do not demolish a building or house without professional help. Crews from the King County Permits or licensed contractors can help you.
Buildings must be declared safe before they can be entered.

Flood safety

During a flood: avoid standing water to prevent drowning, even if it is only 6 inches deep. Do not drive through standing water.
After a flood: avoid entering or touching flood water. It can have electrical charge, and may be contaminated with sewage and chemicals. Learn how to protect your health after a flood, 8 tips to clean mold, What to Wear Before Entering a Home or Building with Mold Damage, and what to keep and what to throw away.

Heating equipment safely

If you smell gas, open all windows and doors. Do not use matches, candles, lighters, or turn on the stove. Sparks can ignite the gas and cause a fire or an explosion. Call the gas company from your neighbor's house.
If you suspect there is damage to the heating equipment, do not use it until a qualified service representative has checked it.

Electrical equipment safety

WARNING: Never use wet electrical appliances. They may cause an electric shock, overheat, or start a fire.
Do not touch any exposed cable or electrical wire.

Safe storage of garbage

Store garbage away from food and water.
Have a spare container with a tight fitting lid to store garbage in case regular pick-up is not available.
Report all unusual waste (animal carcasses, asbestos, and so on) to the City of Seattle Solid Waste Utility at 206-684-3000 (City of Seattle) or the King County Solid Waste Division at 206-477-4466 (King County).

Safety tips for children

Do not allow children to wade or play in contaminated water or sand.
Do not leave cleaning buckets with even small amounts of liquids unattended. Toddlers are "top heavy" and if they topple into a bucket, it may not tip over and they could drown.

What to do if an injury occurs

Clean puncture wounds or cuts with soap and water. You may need to see your health care provider for a tetanus shot or antibiotics.
In case of serious injury, go to an emergency room or call 911.

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