Understanding Hurricanes and Floods

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Immediate risks include: 

• - Unintentional injuries such as drowning, electrocution, lacerations, falls, head injuries from falling debris, and motor vehicle accident trauma. 
• - Flood exposures also increase medical care utilization for acute and chronic conditions

All-cause mortality increases for up to 60 days after a day of flooding 

• Areas with lower socioeconomic status, less human development, or higher proportion of older residents are at higher risk of health impacts from flooding
• Mortality secondary to direct physical forces and hazards related to the flood as well as limited access to and contamination of food and water, decreased access to healthcare, and increased exposure to pathogens

Specific risks to health

• Mortality from respiratory diseases can increase 8.3 percent one month after hurricanes
• Patients on dialysis have elevated mortality after hurricanes and may be more likely to need emergency department care, be hospitalized, and receive dialysis during hospitalization
• Diabetics may be more likely to seek care in emergency departments after hurricanes due to comorbid conditions such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, renal failure, and drug dependence
• Preterm birth and low birth weight are more common after hurricanes
• Industrial, wastewater, and agricultural sources can release hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals into surrounding water and soil

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Monitor hurricane and flood forecasts
- Hurricane warnings are given 36 hours prior to the expected hurricane impact to give residents time to prepare or evacuate.
- The National Weather Service does provide flash flood forecast maps that show where flooding may be most likely given expected precipitation.
Prepare an emergency supplies kit 

- This should include a list of all medications, doses, and any allergies, as well as contact information for key medical providers
Have a contingency plan for power outages based on medical conditions and treatment
Shelter in a designated storm shelter or interior room

Home Safety

- Board windows with storm shutters or plywood and secure movable outdoor items
- Turn off power to homes with standing water inside.
- Avoid walking or driving in flooded areas.
- Avoid consuming any food or water that has contacted flood water.
- Avoid re-entering damaged homes or buildings without prior inspection by an authority.
- Avoid using wet electrical devices.
- Avoid using stoves, ovens, or other appliances that use combustible fuels for heating as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Follow local guidance on drinking water safety and consumption.
Patients with asthma or who are immunosuppressed should avoid re-entering flooded buildings until cleanup has finished.

An evacuation plan should include: 

- Identification of an evacuation route and meet-up location.

- Backup locations to receive medical treatment (eg, dialysis)

For individuals with chronic medical conditions or who rely on electronic devices such as ventilators, reviewing the risks from hurricanes and floods may be helpful to enable evacuation to safety when necessary

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