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After the Disaster

After a Disaster

After a disaster, our lives can change dramatically.  Everyone is affected to some extent.  Relief supplies and other aid will be arriving as quickly as possible, but it may take several days.  The longest and hardest part of dealing with a disaster is recovery.  Disaster recovery is about rebuilding, restoring, and returning the community and its residents to the everyday "normal."  It is the process by which we return children to school, adults to work, and families to their routines.

If you evacuated out of the area, consider the following before you return:

  • Power may be out for a long time - this means no air conditioning, lights, refrigeration, water, toilet flushing, or cooking.
  • Telephone service may be out or limited and the internet may be out or limited, texting may still work though.
  • County/Municipal water supplies may be unsafe to drink without boiling or chemical treatment.
  • Sewer lift stations may not work, meaning toilets will not flush, sinks will not drain, and they may back up into your home.
  • Many big box and grocery stores will not be able to re-open right away, even if they have generators.

When the power is off for long periods of time, many people turn to emergency generators to power freezers, refrigerators, lights, fans, and other appliances.  Use extreme caution when operating a generator, read the manufacturer's safety and operating instructions.  Keep generators well away from windows, and DO NOT bring them inside the house or garage to operate.  


Points of Distribution

Until the big box and grocery stores re-open, the County will provide assistance with food and water for residents at designated locations.


Re-entry and Curfews

Access and travel within a disaster area may be limited or restricted due to the severity of damages to buildings, roadways, power, and water systems.  Gaining access to your residence or business will require a form of identification (Driver's License, an electric bill, etc.).  Some municipalities also require a Hurricane Pass that can be picked up from their public safety departments.  Curfews may be put in place immediately after a disaster as a safety measure after dark.


Coping with Disasters

Recovering from a disaster takes time, in catastrophic disasters it can take years.  Having someone to talk to about the trauma of the disaster will help you with your recovery.  Listening, and familiar objects, help adults and children process the many emotions they may experience after a disaster.  It is not necessary to offer solutions, answers, or advice.  If you are concerned that someone is very depressed, and you do not feel you are able to help, you can assist them with seeking help from a trained professional.


Finding Help

There are resources available to you and your family right here in the community after a disaster.  Disaster Recovery Centers may be established with multiple agencies from local, state, and federal government agencies to assist individuals, depending on the size of the disaster.  There are also many volunteer agencies within the community that can assist with many of the community's needs after a disaster.  You can contact the United Way with questions and recovery needs at 211, or 239-433-3900, or via the web at UnitedWayLee.