As we here in Anguilla approach the peak of the hurricane season, it is a good time to take steps to safeguard our health during and after a hurricane. Adequate preparation is vital at all times. Damage to your homes and surroundings can occur as we saw with Hurricane Irma, but hurricanes are also associated with mental damage to individuals. Dealing with the effects of a severe storm can be very challenging to our physical and mental health.
Take Steps to Protect Your Health
You should always follow the instruction of the authorities. If you are ordered to leave your home and go to a shelter, do so as soon as possible. Remember to take all your medications with you. If your life depends on a refrigerated drug – inform the authorities as soon as possible. If you sustain injuries during the storm use basic first aid techniques until it is safe to get medical attention.
Avoid electrical lines
Very often after a storm many Anguillians like to go driving around. This should be avoided as much as possible as it can be dangerous to your health. Individuals should stay away from damaged buildings and power lines. If you notice hanging power lines, avoid them and report them to Anglec. Avoid interfering with utility wires.
Avoid flooded areas and moving water
Heavy rainfall is often associated with storms and hurricanes. Many deaths are caused by drowning in rapid moving water. Individuals should listen for announcements on areas that may flood, and should avoid these areas. It is also extremely dangerous to drive on roads covered with water. Rapid flowing water can even sweep away vehicles – resulting in death.
If an electrical appliance or device was plugged in during the storm and appears to be wet, do not touch it or turn it on. It could electrocute you. Turn off your power at the breaker if it is still plugged in, and do not use it until an electrician has checked it.
Also turn off your main power supply at the service panel, or breaker, if water came near your home’s circuits or electrical equipment. Have an experienced electrician look at it before you turn it back on.
Do not use candles
If electricity goes during a storm, or if it is turned off, please use battery-powered flashlights instead of candles if possible. Candles can easily cause a fire and result in severe burns.
Avoid contaminated water
It is important that you have some drinking water stored for use after the storm or hurricane – as flood water can be easily contaminated and be dangerous to your health. Avoid contact with contaminated water as much as possible. If you do touch it, wash your hands with soap and clean water if available. If not, use alcohol-based wipes and sanitisers.
Choose bottled, boiled, or treated water to drink, cook, and wash with.
Good basic personal hygiene and hand washing are critical to help prevent the spread of illness and disease. Clean, safe running water is essential for proper hygiene and handwashing. Hygiene is especially important after a hurricane, but finding clean, safe running water can sometimes be hard in some areas.
Contaminated Food
Electricity is often interrupted during a hurricane. If you had a power outage, throw away any foods that smell, look mouldy, or have a weird texture. If you have the slightest doubt about whether a food is safe, it is best to throw it away.
If storm water has come in contact with food in your house, throw it away. Foods can be contaminated even if they smell, taste, or look fine.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Many individuals in Anguilla often use small generators after a storm. If these are used in an enclosed area the fumes might become dangerous to your health as they might lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) in your home. Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas that can cause sudden illness or death. To avoid CO poisoning:
• Never keep coal- or fuel-burning equipment, like generators or stoves, inside your house. Keep them outside and at least 20 feet away from any window, door, or vent. Use an extension cord to keep a safe distance.
• Never use a charcoal grill inside a house.
• Use a battery-operated CO detector whenever you use a generator. Make sure its batteries are fresh.
• If your CO detectors start to beep, open all windows and leave your home.
If you notice any symptoms from CO poisoning, call 911 or head to the hospital right away. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, chest pain, and confusion.
Mental health
Dealing with a severe storm or hurricane can take a heavy toll on our emotional health. Many might suffer from anxiety, stress and fear. If you have symptoms suggestive of a mental health disorder seek professional help. You might want to also reach out to family, friend, community and church members and your pastor.
Clean up your home safely
Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during cleanup after a hurricane. You might need help from family or friends. You should follow safety precautions before re-entering your flooded home, and be careful during the clean-up.
Conclusion
We are in the peak of the hurricane season, and it is a good time to make final preparations. Adequate preparation can prevent many health issues associated with severe storms and hurricanes. Despite these preparations many health problems might arise. The risks are numerous. Some are associated with down electrical wires and others are associated with floodwater, contaminated water and mould exposure. Physical damage to homes can also be dangerous to individuals. In the long term, survivors of severe storms and hurricanes can face mental health issues. These need to be managed professionally at all times. Even after the hurricane has passed these and other issues might continue for a long time.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty eight years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
