Dealing with the immediate aftermath of a hurricane requires a careful balance of physical safety, property protection, and mental health management. Key priorities include avoiding dangerous hazards like floodwaters and downed power lines, properly documenting damage, and taking time to process the emotional toll the disaster has taken on you and your family.

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

Your safety is the absolute first priority when returning home or stepping outside after a storm.

• Stay inside until the storm has completely passed.
• Avoid Hazards: Stay away from loose or dangling power lines and never drive through flooded roads or standing water.
• Check Your Home: Walk around the outside of your property to check for gas leaks, structural damage, and loose debris. Do not enter any building if floodwaters remain, you smell gas, or local authorities have not declared it safe.
• If you evacuated, do not return until local officials say you can.

2. Protect Health and Prevent Illness

Hurricanes can compromise your environment, making it crucial to practice strict health and sanitation habits.

• Water: Avoid drinking or using tap water until local authorities confirm it is not contaminated. If you do not have clean, bottled water, use the guidelines provided by the CDC Safe Water resources.
• Inspect Food: Throw away perishable food (like meat, dairy, and leftovers) in your refrigerator if the power was out for four hours or longer.
• Prevent Carbon Monoxide: Never use a portable generator indoors, in garages, or near open windows and doors. According to the FDA Hurricane Season guidelines, always place generators at least 20 feet from your home.

3. Document

Do not wait to begin cleaning up your home or making temporary repairs if it is safe to do so.

• Contact your insurance company immediately to begin the claims process. Be ready to provide your damage inventory and documentation.
• Thoroughly photograph and document all damages to your property before you begin removing wet items. Take as many clear and detailed photos of your home, furniture, and other damaged property as possible. Be specific about the damage you see.
• Save all receipts and keep records and receipts for any temporary repairs, tarps, or lodging expenses

4. Start Cleanup

A major step toward recovering from a serious storm is getting your property cleaned up. It can take a lot of work to get your home back in good shape. Be extra careful cleaning up, because there can be down power lines, broken glass and other hazards.

• If it’s too bad to stay, leave or seek help elsewhere.
• Make temporary repairs first. Cover roofs with tarps and broken windows with plastic.
• Check inside and outside your home, as well as around you and overhead.
• Check for structural damage such as shifting, cracks in the foundation and damage to pipes.
• Turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box of your home to prevent electric shock.
• Check for outdoor damage such as downed trees, torn up landscaping, holes made by flying debris and missing furniture or tools.
• Salvage what you can and make notes about any repairs the items might need.
• Take water damage seriously. Note any possible mold issues and have it treated properly. Air out your home by opening doors and windows. Clean hard surfaces with a mixture of soap and water and sanitize with a bleach solution (about one cup of bleach per gallon of water).
• Keep a minimum of 10 feet away from any loose, dangling, or downed power lines.
• Watch your step. Look out for broken glass and exposed nails.
• Wear Gear: Protect yourself by wearing watertight boots, long pants, a dust mask, and heavy work gloves.

5. Avoid Scams

Unfortunately, natural disasters can bring out both the best and worst in people. Make sure you use reputable, bonded contractors and laborers to help you repair and restore your home. Get the contractor’s license number, phone number, and business name. Common scam warning signs include:

• Following a damaging storm, be wary of unsolicited calls or door-to-door workers in your area.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
• Never give bank account, policy numbers, coverage details or other personal information before you have a written contract.
• Check credentials and call the company when someone says they are from FEMA, local disaster relief or your insurance company.
• Beware of anyone who asks for cash or full payment before doing work.
• Always get estimates, timelines and everything agreed on in writing.

Tip: Check FEMA and your state’s site for known fraud warnings. To report fraud, call the Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721.

6. Manage the Mental Toll

Surviving a hurricane can be a traumatic experience. It is completely normal to feel a sense of loss, frustration, or emotional exhaustion.

• Limit News Overload: While staying informed is critical, taking breaks from the news can help reduce ongoing anxiety.
• Lean on Your Community: Focus on basic needs but recognize that human connection and talking with family or neighbors is just as important for recovery.
• Seek Support: If you or your children are experiencing prolonged distress or sleep disruptions, reach out to mental health professionals or consult APA Hurricane Stress resources to help create a plan for moving forward.
• Talk to kids:  A natural disaster is a traumatic experience, but especially for kids.  Take the time from your own situation to talk to kids about their experience and listen carefully to what they have to say.