Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Assure the Safety of Emergency Shelters Aligns to EPHEPR Function 6
Hurricanes often require the rapid establishment and operation of emergency shelters to offer safe refuge for displaced individuals. These shelters play a crucial role in protecting individuals from the immediate dangers of the storm and its aftermath. However, the concentrated population, potential for extended stays, and the challenging conditions created by hurricanes can pose significant public health risks within these facilities. EPH professionals are essential in ensuring that these shelters remain safe and healthy environments throughout the emergency period. Key hurricane-related challenges for emergency shelters include: 1. Rapid influx of displaced individuals, potentially overwhelming shelter capacity 2. Extended shelter operations due to widespread damage and prolonged recovery periods 3. Potential loss of power, water, and sanitation services 4. Risk of communicable disease spread in close-quarter living conditions 5. Challenges in maintaining food and water safety under emergency conditions 6. Management of diverse populations, including those with different access and functional needs (AFN) or medical requirements 7. Potential for vector-borne disease risks due to standing water and debris near shelters 8. Stress on shelter infrastructure and resources during prolonged use 9. Mental health issues and substance abuse issues at the shelter 10. Pet owners wanting to bring their pets or identify a pet-friendly shelter Tasks Coordinate with local health authorities, emergency management agencies, and disaster shelter providers to ensure access agreements are in place, allowing EPH agency assessors to enter facilities. Conduct EPH assessments of emergency shelter conditions (e.g., water, feeding, sanitation, spatial considerations, structural hazards, pests, nuisances). Ensure requirements for adequate numbers of hygiene facilities are met, including bathrooms, showers, and hand washing stations. Verify that the facility has adequate access to safe water and ice for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. If needed, provide alternatives, like bottled or bulk delivery. Implement proper waste management, labeling, and separation, including adequate receptacles, regular collection, and hazardous/medical waste handling. Evaluate food storage, preparation, and serving capacity, ensuring food safety compliance with local Food Code Standards. Assess ventilation and indoor air quality to mitigate the risks of mold, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants. Ensure fire alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors work and are in good operational condition. Develop and implement infection control protocols, including hand hygiene, surface disinfection, children’s food preparation and play areas, and isolation procedures. Implement vector, fly, and rodent monitoring and control measures. Assess and advise on health-related accommodations for individuals with disabilities or different AFN. Verify gas-operated generators and cleaning equipment are located at a safe distance from facilities and homes, away from doors and windows that can allow infiltration of toxic fumes. After the initial assessment, establish a risk-based schedule for monitoring EPH conditions within shelters. To ensure prompt remediation, visit facilities with numerous critical deficiencies or impacts more frequently. Provide guidance and training to shelter staff and volunteers on EPH principles, safety protocols, hygiene practices, and emergency response procedures.
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