Hurricanes are the order of the day. If you live in a country prone to this natural phenomenon, such as the Dominican Republic, you are surely aware of it. And if you are thinking of traveling to enjoy the virtues of this paradisiacal island, it is best to be informed.
Join us as we unravel what to do after a hurricane to be safe, and don’t let the fear of this natural phenomenon paralyze you! Be prepared and enjoy your vacation without problems.
How to know what to do after a hurricane
Hurricanes are formed through atmospheric and oceanic processes that occur in nature without human intervention. However, human activity, mainly through climate change, is influencing the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, which is why we must be prepared!
Scientific studies have shown a correlation between the increase in sea temperature and the intensification of hurricanes. Thus, an increase in the frequency of category 4 and 5 storms has been observed in recent decades.
But beyond the criticism of human activities that lead to climate change, the important thing is to know what to do once the storm has passed. So, pay attention to these recommendations that we have ranked for you in levels of importance.
Tips after a hurricane
These tips are explicitly hierarchical and can be grouped into three general levels of priority:
Level 1: Immediate Safety.
These actions will prevent you from putting yourself at greater risk.
Avoid submerging in flood waters.
This is the top priority, as floodwater can be extremely dangerous. Stay on firm, dry ground. Moving water even at shallow depths can cause you to slip. Also, standing water could be charged with electricity from downed wires.
Also, do not attempt to enter this type of water with any vehicle, as this involves the risk of being swept away by the current or of you and your vehicle sinking. Avoid crossing bridges and broken roads. Likewise, if you try to enter the water without a vehicle, you could be hit, cut, or drown.
Another risk of entering these waters is that you could be exposed to microorganisms from animal droppings, sewage, chemical waste from factories or unexpected leaks that are sources of infection and disease.
If you must go into this type of water, do so with a life jacket and, if possible, some type of special suit and shoes to protect you from possible cuts and infections.
Electrical safety
Electrical risks are high after a hurricane, so it is crucial to take precautions to avoid electric shocks. Try not to submerge yourself in flood waters and pay attention to the breakage and fall of any nearby electrical source.
Likewise, you should take the necessary precautions to deal with power outages following a hurricane. Have other power and lighting options available, such as flashlights with their respective charged batteries. Avoid candles and oil lamps.
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent danger, so it is essential to prevent its accumulation indoors when using fuel-powered generators. To avoid misuse of this equipment, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is also advisable to keep homes and shelters ventilated to avoid CO accumulation.
Buildings in danger of collapse
Stay away from structures that may have been weakened by the hurricane. Stay away from debris carried by currents and from sites under construction or in the process of collapse.
Level 2: Health and Welfare
Once you are in a safe place you should take care of your physical and mental health and well-being.
Animals and pests
Take measures to protect yourself from wild animals, pests and insect-borne diseases that often appear and overflow after a hurricane and the effects of its torrential rains, such as dengue fever, produced by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Use repellents and warm, cool clothing, and sleep under a mosquito net. Also protect your pets from exposure to other animals that can make them sick.
Safe food and water
Consumption of contaminated water or food can cause serious illness. It is suggested to have hermetically sealed mineral water available or to boil drinking water. Water from piped water can only be used when the normalization of distribution services is confirmed.
Discard food that has been exposed to flood water. Consume only safe food, with dry, unbroken packaging and without risk exposure.
Carefully check the condition of your imperishable foods, taking into account that dents and exposure to water can damage their contents.
Care for injuries
If you suffered minor injuries during the hurricane, you should take the necessary care to avoid infections. Keep wounds clean and covered. If your wounds represent a risk to your physical integrity, you should go to a health center and follow the care of a professional.
Before helping your loved ones or volunteering to serve others, remember that your health comes first.
Emotional Health
Stress and anxiety are common after a disaster, so it is important to take care of your mental health. Do not hesitate to ask for help to overcome any inconvenience or heal emotional wounds in the right way, this involves psychological assistance or alternative therapies for victims of natural disasters.
Under no circumstances should you isolate yourself and lock yourself up in your negative emotions, this will not improve the situation. It is normal to feel bad, but think that you are not alone, there are other people like you waiting to share and heal their experiences.
Level 3: Cleaning and recovery
House cleaning
If you have been a victim of a hurricane and must return home after the danger, follow safety guidelines and instructions from local authorities.
When cleaning your home, use a flashlight to check for damage. Do not use candles or flammable items inside the house, as gas leaks are possible.
Stay away from areas that are still recovering and are off-limits. Be aware of the risks. Wear appropriate footwear to prevent cutting yourself on the debris. Take into account that if there is debris to be thrown away, you should request and wait for the assistance of the competent authorities.
Communication
Keep yourself informed about the situation, have a portable battery-powered radio at hand, and contact your loved ones and/or health authorities as soon as the situation allows you to do so. Remember that maintaining a communication network will ensure that humanitarian aid arrives smoothly.
Seeking Help
Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it, whether from family, friends, aid organizations or government agencies.
If you are stranded at sea you can look for alternatives such as the high intensity emergency flare, an item you will find in any marine safety or survival kit. You’ll be able to emit an effective visual signal to make your position clear.
Additional Tips
- If you are traveling or live in a hurricane zone, have a contingency plan. Prepare a plan that includes an emergency kit, exploration equipment such as waterproof suits, life jackets, portable radio, flashlights and batteries. Consider evacuation routes and a communication strategy with family and friends.
- Monitor news and warnings from local authorities to keep up to date on the situation.
- Be patient, recovery after a hurricane can take time, so stay calm and persevere.
- Help others, if you are able and physically fit, offer your help to neighbors and the community. Being active helps maintain our mental health and also speeds recovery from the disaster.
- Remember that safety is the most important thing. Follow these tips and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones after a hurricane.
- “After the storm always comes the calm,” goes the popular saying, and you should trust that. May your spirits never waver!
Don’t know where to go or what to visit in the Dominican Republic? Explore options such as the most crystalline waters of the country in the La Plaza Aquatic Trail. In this beautiful island you will find wonderful destinations to visit, so come on!
