Hurricane Recovery and Response: Promoting Health and Safety Diane Z. Weems, MD Chatham County Health Department

Goals to Maintain a Productive Workforce Prevent Illness Prevent injury Treat illness and injuries promptly injuries promptlyPrevent/recognizefatigue

Before the Disaster  Provide annual information and training  Provide annual First Aid / CPR training  Support Personal Preparedness  Encourage adequate immunization –Annual influenza –Up to date tetanus and diphtheria toxoid (Primary series and Td booster w/I 10 yrs) (Primary series and Td booster w/I 10 yrs) -Hepatitis B vaccine series for persons who will be expected to have contact with bodily fluids

After the Disaster Prevent Illness from FOOD  Identify and throw away food that may not be safe to eat - any food in contact with flood/storm water -canned foods that are bulging/damaged -canned foods that are bulging/damaged -perishable foods that have been above 40 degrees for 2 hours or more -Cans in contact with floodwater – remove labels, wash the cans and dip in solution of 1 c. bleach in 5 gallons water Store food safely

After the Disaster Prevent Illness from WATER -Listen to and follow public announcements regarding safety of tap water -Correctly boil or disinfect water Hold water at rolling boil for 1 minute OR add 1/8 teaspoon unscented bleach/gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes OR use water- purifying tablets

After the Disaster Assure safety and prevent injuries:  Avoid Electrical Hazards  Avoid unstable buildings and structures  Beware of Hazardous materials  Beware of wild or stray animals  Clean up and prevent mold growth  Prevent musculoskeletal injuries injuries

After the Disaster Assuring health and safety:  If flooding has occurred, workers with chronic respiratory disease or who are immunocompromised should not enter until the building is cleaned, dry and decontaminated and decontaminated

After the Disaster  Avoid heat related illnesses –  Take breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms if available  Drink water and nonalcoholic fluids often  If possible, limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day  Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing if possible light-colored clothing if possible

After the Disaster  Avoid mosquitoes  Wear long pants, socks and long-sleeved shirts  Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin  Drain all standing water left in open containers open containers  Avoid outside work if possible during dusk/dawn possible during dusk/dawn

After the Disaster  Treat Wounds  Clean all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water  Keep wounds covered with clean, dry bandages  Apply antibiotic ointment  Up to date tetanus vaccination  Seek further medical attention if redness, swelling, pain or drainage develops

After the Disaster  Pace yourself and get support – avoid/prevent fatigue  Be alert to physical exhaustion, strain, fatigue  Set priorities for tasks, and set a reasonable pace the work – take frequent rest breaks pace the work – take frequent rest breaks  Work with a partner or in groups – avoid working alone  Maintain as normal a schedule as possible – regular eating and sleeping are crucial  Try to eat a variety of foods and increase your intake of complex carbohydrates (breads, muffins made with whole grains, granola bars)

After the Disaster  Do something physical such as stretching or moving around  Be aware of caffeine consumption – use temporarily to increase alertness, do NOT use if already alert or before sleeping/resting  Engage in active conversation with others

After the Disaster  Practice good health habits – environment and existing factors likely to reduce immune function and open the door to illness: Practice Good Handwashing (alcohol-based products are satisfactory if clean water not available are limited in supply) and respiratory etiquette Practice Good Handwashing (alcohol-based products are satisfactory if clean water not available are limited in supply) and respiratory etiquette  For those with chronic diseases, be sure to continue to take all chronic medications as prescribed and monitor as appropriate

Respiratory Etiquette To help stop the spread of germs, Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing Wash with soap and water. or Clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner

After the Disaster  Help workers navigate personal issues and loss  Support employees’ access to mental health counseling  Know the community resources available – American Red Cross, United Way and its agencies, Public Health and other community agencies American Red Cross, United Way and its agencies, Public Health and other community agencies

Think ahead, plan, and practice!

References  American Red Cross:  US Department of Homeland Security:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  Department of Health and Human Services cuments/EmergencyResponseWorkersCopi ngFacts.pdf