Hurricanes are a popular topic the in the news recently. The more recent hurricane Harvey, has impacted thousands of people and left much destruction and devastation to many communities. Many people have been affected physically and mentally by the storm. Not only is there financial burden left amongst the aftermath, but families are also left with health ailments as well as an uneasiness about the future. With support from others, volunteers, medical staff, and other families affected, we can utilize the available resources that can help one learn to cope with the disaster and help rebuild lives.
How do Hurricanes affect Health?
It is important to note that while hurricanes greatly affect our environment, they also have effects on our health and well-being. It is imperative to be aware of the threats that this type of disaster can pose to one’s health, that way the response to the threat can be eliminated as much as possible. The following provides a list (compiled from a science resource; click here to read more) of some of the threats that may arise:
- Infectious diseases and infections- Bacteria accumulated from the masses of waste from sources such as dumps and sewers
- Respiratory problems- Increase in mold can harbor issues in the lungs
- Drowning- Increase death toll by way of drownings
- Unclean drinking resources- Limiting the access to clean water other than bottled water can increase the risk for disease and sickness
- Failed building structures- Increasing the amount of injuries from collapsing buildings
Preparations
Any weather forecast can be frightening, however, fortunately with Hurricanes we usually have more of an ability to prepare verses it taking us by surprise. The best you can do for yourself and your family is formalizing a plan and preparing.
The Ready campaign for disasters provides some brief online information on hurricanes, and preparation tips that can be useful in times of chaos. It is very important to have an action plan that you can go to when you need it.
- Knowing where to evacuate to and the routes
- Having a disaster bag with the essential items (flashlights, medications, water) that you can take with you
- Where to locate a storm shelter
- Know procedures in which to follow to “storm proof” your house
- Access to safe drinking water
How can you help?
You may have been personally affected by the hurricane Harvey, have known someone, or maybe even volunteered some time to go and help. Maybe the storm has not affected your house, but is important that you stay informed and help the efforts. Disasters come but they never really leave without a great deal of support. While the storm may no longer be toppling over trees and pounding down rain, the aftermath it leaves is often extensive, and requires many communities to come together to aid the efforts over years.
Maybe you have a calling to volunteer and with to travel with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, to help rebuild communities in need. Or maybe you wish to give financial to support those in need. The Red Cross and United Way are two very large organizations heavily involved in those efforts as well.
There are also many other organizations, volunteers, medical personnel that are and can pitch in to make a difference in many lives. You can do your part to help, any effort to help rebuild communities in need, is an effort worth making time for.
Nisha Moore
Recent Comments