Disaster Recovery

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Below you will find resources to assist you after severe weather or other disasters have occurred.

Dangers to Avoid

  • If waters continue to rise evacuate the area immediately.
  • Do not walk in, play in or drive through flooded areas. Flood water contains hidden hazards and may be deeper and faster moving than it appears. Wear shoes at all times.
  • Stay away from downed power lines.
  • If you get a cut or puncture wound get a tetanus booster shot if you have not had one in the past 5 years.
  • If you lost power, do not use gas-powered generators and other outdoor grills/camp stoves in enclosed spaces because of the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Officials with the North Carolina Division of Public Health caution against using gasoline-powered generators, outdoor grills, and camp stoves in enclosed spaces.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced whenever fuel is burned. In an enclosed space, such as a home, garage, car or camper, carbon monoxide can build up to deadly levels quickly. Even low levels of carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches, confusion or fainting. If you are experiencing these symptoms, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.

High levels of carbon monoxide can be deadly within minutes. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal to anyone, especially children, pregnant women, older adults and/or those with chronic illness. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever becoming aware of their symptoms.

In previous hurricanes in North Carolina, people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by generators running inside. Anyone testing or using a generator or other fuel-burning device during a hurricane should take proper safety precautions.

To stay safe:  

  • Do not use gasoline-powered tools or engines in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Use them outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and air vents.  
  • Do not use charcoal grills or propane stoves indoors, even in a fireplace.  
  • Never use the stove or other gas appliances to heat your home.
  • Do not idle your car, truck or other vehicle in the garage, even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up quickly in your home's garage and living area.  
  • Keep rooms well-ventilated.  
  • Read and follow all instructions that accompany fuel-burning devices. Use the proper fuel and ensure enough air for ventilation and fuel burning.  
  • Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.

If you experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning including dizziness, nausea, headaches, confusion or fainting, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical care.

For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning prevention visit http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/oee/a_z/

Drinking Water

  • Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it is available.
  • If you don't have bottled water boil water to make it safe. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, let it cool and store it in clean containers with covers.
  • Infants under six months and pregnant women should not drink boiled water because boiling water may concentrate nitrates that could harm them. They should drink bottled water. However, if bottled water is not available, it is better for them to drink boiled water than to drink untreated water and then to switch to bottled water when it becomes available.
  • If you can't boil water you can disinfect it using household bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for disinfection. Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach for each gallon of water, stir it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it. Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers.
  • If you’re on well water and extensive flooding has occurred, do not drink the water and do not turn on the electricity to your pump until flood waters recede. Use your water reserves and bottled water until your well has been disinfected and your water has been tested.
    • The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) will provide well water sampling kits at no charge to Local Health Departments impacted by the storm. These kits are to be used solely for determining the presence of coliform bacteria and E. coli in existing private drinking water wells following disinfection.  Residents can contact your Local Health Department’s private well program for testing.
  • If you have a well that has been flooded the water should be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede. If you suspect your well may be contaminated contact your local county health department for specific advice.
  • Read a blog: Ensuring Water Safety After Hurricane Helene.

Flood Safety and Clean-Up

  • If you lost power, do not use gas-powered generators and other outdoor grills/camp stoves in enclosed spaces because of the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • If you have flooding near your home, be careful touching electrical equipment.
  • Practice good hygiene after contact with flood waters. Make sure to clean your hands with soap and water before preparing food or eating.
  • Do not allow children to play in flood water. Wash children’s hands with soap and water frequently (always before meals).
  • Wash toys or food preparation surfaces that have been in contact with flood water with a bleach solution and allow to air dry.
    • Prepare chlorine bleach solutions fresh daily (1 cup bleach in 5 gallons of water); keep out of reach of children; never mix bleach solution with other cleaners.
    • Apply bleach solution to surface for at least five minutes.
    • Rinse all surfaces intended for food or mouth contact with clean water before use.
  • If you’re on municipal water, follow the guidance of your provider.
  • A building that has been flooded can be a dangerous place. Learn what dangers to watch for, how to stay safe while you work and how to clean up properly in this factsheet, “After the Flood: Getting Back Into Your Home Safely.”

Food and Medicines

  • Cans of food that have been exposed to flood water should be thrown away. Cans of food that have been exposed to rain water may be washed and sanitized using a teaspoon of household bleach to one gallon of water.
  • Food in the refrigerator should be thrown away if the power has been off for more than 4 hours or if food is warmer than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Do not open freezers or refrigerators until you plan to use or discard the contents. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods safely cold for about 4 hours without power. If left closed, most freezers will keep food safe for 36 to 48 hours.
  • Once you open the refrigerator discard any foods above 41 degrees for more than four hours. Also discard any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
  • Thawed food can usually be used immediately if it is still at 41 degrees or colder. Do not refreeze completely thawed foods. Foods containing ice crystals may be refrozen.
  • If fresh fruits and vegetables or food in plastic, cardboard or paper containers have been under floodwaters, do not eat them, throw them away.
  • If you must discard food, try to bury it at least 48 inches deep. If burial is not possible place the food in a sealed plastic bag or container for disposal in your local landfill.
  • Frozen food should be thrown away if it has thawed. Do not re-freeze thawed food.
  • Medicines and cosmetics that have been in flood waters should be thrown away.
  • The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (Spanish) helps ensure people who are uninsured have the medicines and medical equipment they need after a disaster.

Mold Clean-up and Removal 

When approaching a mold removal and cleaning project, one of the most important considerations is the potential risk of mold exposure. Mold counts in the air can be 10 to 1,000 times higher than normal during a removal or cleaning project. Because of the potential health risks from mold exposure, it is advisable, particularly for larger (greater than 30 square feet) contamination situations, to contact a mold remediation contractor. Individuals who have allergies, asthma or respiratory disease; are immunosuppressed; or have other health problems should not take part in a mold removal/cleaning project or be in the general area of the project.

To minimize exposure and/or potential health risks from conducting a mold remediation project, take the following precautions:

  • Wear respiratory (nose and mouth) protection when handling or cleaning moldy materials. The minimal type of breathing mask, or respirator, that should be used for protection from mold particles is an N-95 particulate respirator approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). External link
  • Wear protective clothing that can be laundered or discarded after the project.
  • Wear gloves and eye protection.
  • Follow the recommended mold cleaning and removal steps to minimize dust dispersal (see Moldy Non-porous and Semi-porous Materials and Moldy Porous Materials).

Additional details and steps for addressing various types and sizes of mold remediation projects can be found on the New York City Department of Health's website under Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments. 

See a fact sheet on cleaning and prevention for mold and moisture.

Mosquitoes

Large populations of mosquitoes can emerge days to weeks after heavy rains or flooding. Areas of standing water can also increase the number of mosquitoes. Most are ‘nuisance’ mosquitoes, but some can carry viruses that may cause illnesses such as La Crosse encephalitis, West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis.

The types of mosquitoes that can spread viruses may increase from two weeks up to two months after a hurricane, especially in areas that did not flood but received more rainfall than usual.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites and vector-borne diseases:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors.
  • Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET or an equivalent when outside and use caution when applying to children.
  • Dress children in clothing that covers their arms and legs.
  • Cover cribs, strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
  • Reapply insect repellent as directed; If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
  • Install or repair screens on windows and doors, and use air conditioning if possible.
  • Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Young Children

All birthing facilities in western NC are open and caring for patients: Harris Regional Hospital (Jackson County);  Haywood Regional Hospital (Haywood County); Mission Health (Buncombe County); Hardee Advent Health Hendersonville (Henderson County); Rutherford Regional Health System (Rutherford County); and Mission Hospital McDowell (McDowell County).

Septic Tanks

  • If your septic tank has been flooded do not use the plumbing system while the septic tank is still under water.
  • Do not use your plumbing system if sewage water has backed up into your home.
  • Try to reduce the amount of debris that enters the septic tank or drains.
  • Avoid contact with sewage from a septic tank that is not operating.
  • For information on repairing or constructing a septic tank system, contact your county health department.

Wildlife

  • Bees, wasps, fire ants, snakes and other animals have lost their homes and may be very dangerous. Avoid contact with these animals as much as possible. Be cautious in moving items where animals could be hiding.
  • Standing waters are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Use insect repellant, long sleeves, pants, socks and shoes, if possible. Empty standing water from containers inside and outside the home.
  • Avoid touching dead animals.

Other Resources