Hurricane Helene, a devastating Category 4 storm, is now the second-deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland in half a century. With at least 162 lives lost and hundreds still unaccounted for, only Hurricane Katrina (2005) claimed more victims. As Georgia begins to recover from the chaos and destruction, the health and safety of your family, especially your children, is paramount.
This blog post will provide you with practical tips on how to care for your family’s health and well-being in the aftermath of the hurricane. From addressing potential injuries to managing emotional trauma, we’re here to guide you through this difficult time.
Addressing Physical Health Concerns
After a hurricane, injuries and infections can become common due to debris, contaminated water, or exposure to poor environmental conditions. Keep a close eye on your child’s physical health and take the following precautions:
- Prevent Injuries:
Nails, broken glass, sharp objects, and damaged infrastructure pose significant threats to children who may unknowingly come into contact with these hazards.
To minimize the risk of injury:
- Dress for Safety: Before your kids step outside, ensure they’re properly outfitted. Closed-toed shoes, long pants, and gloves will help protect them from cuts, scrapes, and punctures.
- Immediate Wound Care: Small cuts or scrapes can become infected if left untreated, especially in environments with contaminated water. It is best to keep a basic first aid kit close by, to clean and disinfect injuries. Apply antiseptic and cover the wound with a clean bandage to block infection.
- Stay Away from Unsafe Areas: Avoid walking near unstable structures, downed power lines, or areas with heavy debris. If your home has sustained damage, designate a safe space for your kids where they won’t be exposed to these hazards.
- Monitoring Illness:
Contaminated water is one of the primary health concerns after a hurricane. Floodwaters often contain harmful bacteria, chemicals, and sewage that can lead to serious illnesses, particularly gastrointestinal issues. Children are especially vulnerable due to their developing immune systems. To protect your child:
- Water Safety First: Only allow your children to drink bottled or boiled water. This goes for cooking, brushing teeth, and any other form of consumption. Avoid using floodwaters for bathing or cleaning unless it’s been disinfected.
- Frequent Handwashing: Stress the importance of proper hygiene by encouraging your child to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. If clean water is limited, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as an alternative.
- Be Alert for Symptoms: Signs of waterborne illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. If your child starts showing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to keep them hydrated and seek medical advice.
- Addressing Respiratory Concerns:
Hurricanes often leave behind high humidity levels and damp conditions that create the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold spores, along with other airborne pollutants, can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma or trigger allergic reactions. If your child has a history of respiratory issues, you need to be vigilant:
- Keep Damp Areas Off-Limits: Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours in damp environments. Prevent your child from entering areas impacted by flooding or water damage. Rooms with visible mold or musty odors should be avoided until professionally cleaned.
- Use Air Purifiers: If possible, use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce mold spores and airborne particles in your living space. Keeping windows closed and using dehumidifiers can also help maintain cleaner air inside your home.
- Monitor Breathing Issues: Watch for early signs of respiratory distress such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. If your child has asthma, ensure they have access to their rescue inhaler or prescribed medication.
For non-emergency situations, that do not require you to commute to your pediatrician, you can always schedule a secure video consultation with your local pediatric specialist. The specialist will assess your child’s injury remotely and provide advice on treatment.