Diabetes Care During Natural Disasters, Emergencies, and Hazards
If you are an evacuee or in an emergency, identify yourself as a person with diabetes so you can obtain appropriate care. Be sure to prevent dehydration by drinking enough fluids and keep something containing sugar with you at all times, in case you develop low blood glucose

Prevent Injury During Cleanup After a Hurricane
During post-hurricane cleanup, be sure to stay clear of unstable buildings, avoid wild or stray animals, beware of hazardous chemicals that may have been spread by floodwaters, be careful when moving heavy objects, use chainsaws according to the user manual, and wear appropriate protective gear.

Following a Disaster, Take Care of Your Mental Health
Following a disaster, you may feel dazed, numb, sad, helpless, or anxious. Take steps such as following a normal routine, eating healthy meals, staying active, volunteering in your community, limiting exposure to media reports on the tragedy, and accepting help from family, friends, coworkers, and clergy.

Avoid Electricity, Sewage, and Mold when you Reenter your House After a Flood
Turn off the electricity if you can do so from a dry location, or have an electrician do it. Later, an electrician can tell you if it is safe to turn back on. Dry out the house to protect from mold and sewage by opening doors and windows, and using fans and dehumidifiers, before working inside for long periods.

Safely Prevent Mold Growth
After the water recedes, clean up and dry out the building within 24 to 48 hours. Open doors and windows, and use fans to dry the structure. Remove wet wallpaper and porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours.

How’s Your Water Supply?
Before Hurricane Irene strikes, it’s important to have a 3 to 5 day supply of clean water for drinking and sanitation: 3 to 5 gallons per person and pet. Make sure that you have a larger supply if it’s during a period of hot weather.

Water Safety & Hygiene Since water may not be safe to use after the hurricane, make sure that you have bottled water, soap and/or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for proper sanitation and hygiene etiquette

Clean up Supplies You May Need After a Hurricane
In the event that Hurricane Irene causes flooding, make sure that you have goggles, rubber boots and gloves available to protect you from possible contaminated flood waters. 

Learn How to Shut Off Utilities before Hurricane Irene Hits
If the power goes out, turn off major appliances to reduce power surge when electricity is restored. 

Be Prepared During A Power Outage
In case of a power outage, keep an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer to help determine the safety of food.

Treating Wounds After a Hurricane
If possible, thoroughly wash hands with soap and water before treating minor wounds.

Avoid CO Poisoning
Always use portable generators, camp stoves, barbecue, and charcoal grills outside and 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent deadly CO poisoning.

Avoid driving through fast moving water
Flood waters can be deeper than you think and you may lose control of your vehicle. Drive slowly at a speed that is safe for road and weather conditions. Be alert for broken stop lights and missing street signs. Wear your seatbelt, properly restrain your children, and avoid using a cell phone while driving.

Follow Local Advisories About the Safety of your Water Supply
If you are under a water advisory or if you don’t know if you are under a water advisory, use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, and hand washing.  

Be healthy and safe when returning home after the hurricane
Return home only after local authorities have told you it is safe to do so. Do not enter damaged buildings. If you smell gas, stay out to the building and call 911. Wear waterproof boots and gloves to avoid floodwater touching your skin. Wash your hands often with soap and clean water, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

Food may be Unsafe to eat During and After an Emergency
Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Throw away perishable foods, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers, if they have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for 2 hours or more. 

08/01/11
Minimize Risk: Conduct A Hazard Inspection at Home
Conduct a home hazard inspection to minimize the risk of electrical hazards such as covering exposed outlets, removing cords running underneath rugs, etc.

07/20/11
Be Prepared: Ensure that You Have Adequate Flood Insurance
Do you have flood insurance? Contact your insurance company to ensure that you have flood coverage if you live in a high flood risk area.

06/27/11
Plan ahead of time where you and your family will go if you have to evacuate. Make sure that you have local and regional maps in your car if you have to travel unfamiliar roads.

06/22/11
Don’t Forget to Replace Batteries!  Make sure that you replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every 6 months.

06/06/11
Remember to inventory your emergency kit from last season to ensure that items are not missing, expired or new items need to be included.

For additional tips, fact sheets, and podcasts, see CDC's Hurricane Preparedness web site.