Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Pro Tips Must Know National Center for Health Housing (NCHH) Seven Guiding Principles of Safe and Healthful Homes: 1. Dry 2. Clean
5. Safe 6. Contaminant-free 7. Maintained
3. Ventilated 4. Pest-free Damage and Hazard Assessment Process 1. Assess structural stability: Inspect for creatures, chemicals, and biohazards Inspect utilities: electrical, gas, and water Inspect heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems Assess health hazards (e.g., mold, lead in paint, dust, soil) 2. Restore 3. Maintain Sanitation, Safety, and Environmental Integrity Best Practices Pre-Assessment Coordination
Pre-assessment coordination is crucial before conducting post-disaster building assessments. During this coordination, work with key partners such as emergency management, code enforcement, building owners/operators, support staff, property appraisers, and utility services to gather information about damages, potential hazards, and building-specific details. The topics discussed during pre-assessment coordination may include: 1. Mission scope: Describes the work to be performed, number and types of buildings to be assessed, operational period, Health and Safety Plan, and roles and responsibilities. 2. Legal right of entry: Established before assessments begin and varies by jurisdiction. 3. Equipment needs: Depends on the mission scope and EPH’s roles and responsibilities. 4. Special training needs: May be required for evaluating specific contaminants (e.g., lead, asbestos) or using field equipment for sampling. 5. Assessment forms: Provided by authorities and used to record the condition of key building elements. Forms should be completed thoroughly and accurately. 6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needs: Practitioners should be familiar with the required PPE for specific buildings, which is usually Level D with a possible N-95 respirator. 7. Communication/contact needs: Established during pre-assessment coordination; includes personnel accountability, communication equipment, specific contact protocols, and chain of command. Assessment Teams Post-disaster building assessments are best conducted by teams of two or more people to ensure safety, efficiency, and multiple perspectives. One team member can perform the assessment and take photographs while others complete the assessment forms. EPH responders collaborate with the assessment team to determine:
1. The safety of the building exterior 2. Whether the building is safe to enter
3. Types of hazards in and around the building 4. The condition of utilities in or around the building
As the team approaches the building, they continue to note the type and extent of damage and potential hazards. Team members work around the structure, moving in one direction, then assess the exterior again by walking in the opposite direction to ensure a comprehensive visual assessment.
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