Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Exterior Assessments During exterior assessments, the building assessment team evaluates the condition of utilities, HVAC systems, water supply, wastewater systems, foundation, and the overall building structure. Utilities Look for broken water or sewer lines, standing water, damaged heat pumps and HVAC units, and sparking wires. Qualified team members assess utilities for damage; if none are available, contact utility companies. Do not enter structures with suspected gas or fuel leaks and treat downed power lines as if they were live. Assess electrical power status visually or using a non-contact voltage meter. HVAC Visually assess for physical damage, electrical damage, and evidence of flooding. Consider the potential for mold growth if flooded; may require cleaning or replacement before activation. If needed, have a qualified HVAC technician perform a detailed inspection. Water Supply Determine whether the building is connected to a public or private water system. For public systems, look for damage to service connections, leaking pipes, and water availability/pressure. For private systems, look for damage to well cap/casing and holding tank, system pressure, leaking pipes, and potential contamination sources. Wastewater Systems Determine whether the building is connected to a public or private wastewater system. For public systems, check if lift stations and pumps are operable, and look for visible sewage, damaged pipes, and signs of backflow.
For private systems, check for inoperable pumps, tank damage, visible sewage, leaking manholes, drain field damage, saturated soil, and signs of backflow. Assessed by a structural engineer or qualified individual; EPH may provide consultation on potential safety and health hazards. Look for damage to windows, doors, vents, siding, roof components, holes, and other missing or damaged exterior components.
Foundation
Building Structure
Interior Assessments Interior assessments are conducted to identify broken, damaged, warped, or cracked walls, floors, ceilings, and other interior structural and non-structural items that may pose safety and health hazards. Assist with assessing, identifying, and alerting team members to these hazards, which may include: 1. Damaged or collapsed floors, walls, and ceilings 2. Broken flooring, wall plaster, or ceiling tiles that may contain asbestos or harmful chemicals 3. Wet ceilings, drywall/sheetrock, wallpaper, carpeting, and padding that may contain mold or be conducive to mold growth 4. Damaged or chipped paints that may contain lead, especially in older buildings 5. Damaged cabinets, garages, and storage areas that may contain leaking chemicals
Two frequently used assessment patterns for the interior of a building are: 1. Go Right/Stay Right 2. High-to-Low/Low-to-High
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