Be Prepared:
Enter home with a buddy
Leave if there are spilled chemical hazards, electrical hazards, the smell of natural gas, or the house is collapsing.
Wear protective clothing (gloves, goggles, coveralls, boots) and an N-95 or HEPA filter mask.
Infants, children, pregnant women, elderly, people with respiratory problems or are immune-compromised should stay away until all repairs and cleaning are completed.
Drink bottled water until the utility company says its safe to drink water from the tap (or have well water tested). Boiling water or disinfecting with 1/8 teaspoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water will kill bacteria and viruses, but will not get rid of toxins that may be in the water.
For information about health issues call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
If you suspect someone has been poisoned call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-426-4435.
Report oil and chemical spills by calling the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.
Special considerations: Lead, asbestos, mold, other toxic contaminants