The COVID-19 pandemic has created a challenging time for everyone. Unfortunately, other disasters like wildfires and hurricanes can still occur during the pandemic. Being prepared for these possibilities can help us get through them as safely as possible.
These frequently asked questions can help you prepare for disasters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wildfires:
How can I tell the difference between symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure and COVID-19?
Certain symptoms like sore throat and dry cough can be caused by both smoke exposure and COVID-19. Use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Self-Checker to help make sense of your symptoms. If you experience symptoms like wheezing, heart palpitations, nausea, fatigue, or light-headedness that don’t improve after moving indoors or to a safe air quality environment, call your doctor. If you have severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911.
How can I be prepared for wildfires?
Give yourself more time than normal to stock up on supplies. Home delivery is the safest option for getting food, water, and other supplies. Make sure you have everything you’d need to stay home for 2 weeks. If you have to go to the store, take precautions like wearing a mask and keeping a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others.
It’s also a good idea to keep a lightweight bag with 3 days’ worth of supplies in case you need to leave home quickly. Include everything you need, from food and water to personal hygiene items to supplies like face coverings and hand sanitizer. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, you will also want to keep an emergency kit with at least 7-10 days’ worth of supplies in a waterproof, childproof container.
What if I have to evacuate?
It’s possible that local authorities will ask you to evacuate. Be prepared with masks that you can wear if you need to leave your home. Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others as much as possible. Cover your cough and clean your hands often. If you need to go to a disaster shelter, follow the CDC recommendations for staying safe in a public disaster shelter during COVID-19. If you have to use public transportation to evacuate, be aware of how you can protect yourself and others.
Hurricanes:
How can I be prepared for hurricane season?
Stock up on supplies like emergency food, water, and meds before you need them. Home delivery is the safest option for getting food, water, and other supplies. Make sure you have everything you’d need to stay home for 2 weeks. If you have to go to the store, take precautions like wearing a mask and keeping a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others.
Keep a lightweight bag with 3 days’ worth of supplies in case you need to leave home quickly. Include everything you need, from food and water and personal hygiene items to supplies like face coverings and hand sanitizer. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, you will also want to keep an emergency kit with at least 7-10 days’ worth of supplies in a waterproof, childproof container.
What if I have to evacuate?
Pay attention to local guidance on evacuations, including for your pets. It’s also a good idea to set up more than one way to get National Weather Service alerts (via cell phone, radio, or Twitter).
If you have to evacuate, be sure to wear a mask. Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others as much as possible. Cover your cough and clean your hands often. If you need to go to a disaster shelter, follow the CDC recommendations for staying safe in a public disaster shelter during COVID-19. If you have to use public transportation to evacuate, be aware of how you can protect yourself and others.
What if I have to move in with friends or family?
Take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face, and wash hands frequently. You may want to take extra precautions for people living in close quarters, especially if someone you’re with is high risk.
PM10584.A
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/covid-19/wildfire_smoke_covid-19.html
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/covid-19/prepare-for-hurricane.html