Safety Tips for After a Hurricane: - Stay out of floodwater. Avoid driving on flooded roads, as cars can be swept away or stall in moving water. If you must be near or in floodwater, wear a life jacket, especially if the water is rising. Floodwater can carry germs, chemicals, waste, animals, and downed power lines that can make you sick. Wash your hands with soap and water after contact with floodwater or use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
- Drink only safe water and follow local officials' advice on water safety. Don’t use water that may be contaminated for baby formula, ice, brushing teeth, preparing food, washing hands, or dishes. Use bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Check with your local health department for guidance on boiling or treating water in your area.
- Eat safe food. Discard any food that may have touched flood or storm water, as it can make you sick even if it seems fine. Throw away perishable items that haven’t been refrigerated during power outages, as well as any food with strange smells, colors, or textures. When in doubt, throw it out!
- If your power is out, use flashlights instead of candles. If you must use candles, keep them away from other items and stay close while they are lit. It is also a very good idea to have a fire extinguisher in your home in case of a fire emergency.
- Be careful around damaged buildings. Only enter if local authorities say it's safe. Hurricanes can make buildings unstable. Leave immediately if you hear strange or shifting noises, as this could mean the building is about to collapse.
- Stay away from power lines. Be on the lookout for fallen or hanging power lines and avoid going near them. Report any fallen power lines to your electric company immediately.
- Take care of your emotional health. It’s normal to feel strong emotions during and after a hurricane. Coping with these feelings and seeking help can support your recovery and that of your family and community. Stay connected with family, friends, and your community, and look out for one another. If you need help, contact SAMHSA's Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish) or text the same number.
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How can Able SC help me? -
Response Services: Able SC can provide durable medical equipment (like canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and accessible cots) lost or damaged during the emergency. We advocate for people with disabilities in shelters to ensure equal access to all shelter activities and amenities, including communication, food, sleeping, & bedding. -
Recovery Assistance: Able SC staff members visit emergency shelters to assess the needs of people with disabilities to provide information and equipment if needed. We can also help you understand the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, and other emergency services. Able SC also help with transitioning back home from shelters. We are here to help you recover after Hurricane Helene. Our response and recovery services are listed on our website. You can also call us at 800.681.6805! If calling after business hours please call 1-803-233-2974 or 1-803-233-2616. |
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