In times of natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, tornados, fires, extended periods of cold and snow, the routine daily living is dramatically changed. People may be evacuated from their homes and taken to a temporary housing or shelter area; water and sewer systems may be disrupted or inoperable; gas, electric and phone service may be severely affected; food supplies may be cut off, and there may be widespread destruction of property.
During such catastrophic conditions the sanitarians will be called upon to provide public health sanitation advice, information and assistance to federal, state and local government agencies, as well as the general public.
In general, while the disaster is occurring there will be very few services the sanitarian can provide. The bulk of the sanitarian’s workload will be after the disaster has lessened or ended. These guidelines are intended to assist you in your disaster sanitation duties and responsibilities.
The sanitarian must be attuned to the public health sanitation needs of his area and be constantly aware of any natural disaster that may manifest itself within the community. The sanitarian should be prepared to go “on duty” in these situations whether it be regular office hours, or nights or weekends as the circumstances dictate. The sanitarian should be in contact with 911 or the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Read More