Weather- and Disaster-Related Health Risks

Hurricanes, floods, droughts and power outages can affect drinking water, refrigeration, sanitation and food services. Select a topic below for guidance on staying safe before, during and after an emergency.

Risks

Food and Water Safety After a Hurricane

Main Risks

Contaminated drinking water
Food spoilage due to loss of refrigeration
Food and surfaces contaminated by floodwater or sewage
Increased risk of diarrhoeal diseases and leptospirosis

What the Public Should Do

Follow national food and water advisories.
Use bottled or boiled-and-cooled water when advised.
Discard food touched by floodwater.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
Never taste food to check whether it is safe.
Wash hands with soap and safe water.

Food Safety During a Power Outage

Fast Facts

An unopened refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours.
A closed, full freezer keeps food cold for about 48 hours.
A closed, half-full freezer keeps food cold for about 24 hours.

What the Public Should Do

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
Keep refrigerated food at 5°C (41°F) or below.
Keep frozen food at −18°C (0°F) or below.
Use coolers, ice or cold packs to keep food cold.
After 4 hours without power or ice, discard refrigerated meat, fish, eggs, milk and leftovers.
Never taste food to check whether it is safe.

What to Do During a Boil-Water Advisory

What the Public Should Do

Follow instructions from the water or public health authority.
Use bottled water when available.
Otherwise, bring tap water to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
At elevations above 1,980 m (6,500 ft), boil water for 3 minutes.
Let boiled water cool before use.
Use bottled or boiled-and-cooled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice and preparing infant formula.
Do not use ice or water from appliances connected to the water supply.

Important Reminder

Boiling does not remove chemicals, fuel or toxins.
Follow local instructions if chemical contamination is suspected.

Safe Cleanup After Flooding

What the Public Should Do

Avoid contact with floodwater.
Keep children away from flooded areas.
Wear waterproof boots and gloves.
Cover cuts with waterproof dressings.
Discard food and drinking water touched by floodwater.
Clean surfaces before disinfecting them.
Use an approved disinfectant.
Follow the product label and public health advice.
Wash hands with soap and safe water after cleanup.

Preventing Leptospirosis After Floods and Heavy Rain

Fast Facts

Leptospirosis is spread through urine from infected animals.
Floodwater, mud and soil may become contaminated.
Infection can enter through cuts, scratches, eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms may begin 2–30 days after exposure.

What the Public Should Do

Avoid contact with floodwater and mud.
Wear waterproof boots and gloves.
Cover cuts with waterproof dressings.
Control rodents.
Keep food and drinking water covered.
Wash thoroughly after contact with floodwater, mud or soil.

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek medical care for:

Fever after contact with floodwater, mud or animal urine
Severe headache
Muscle pain, especially in the calves
Red eyes
Jaundice
Difficulty breathing
Reduced urination
Confusion or worsening illness

Pathogen-Specific Information

Surveillance, Alerts, and Technical Support

Risk Communication and Preparedness Resources

Weather- and Disaster-Related Health Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

Workshops & Training

Trusted Sources and Additional Information

Contact Us

For information on CARPHA’s Foodborne Diseases and Zoonoses (One Health) Programme, technical resources or outbreak support, contact:

Foodborne Diseases and Zoonoses (One Health) Programme

Ms. Tamara Barnard - barnarta@carpha.org

For laboratory testing, sample referral, clearance and shipping guidance, contact:

CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory (CMML)

customerservice@carpha.org

Member States should contact CMML before shipping samples.

This information does not replace professional medical advice. During an emergency or suspected outbreak, follow the instructions of your national or local public health authority.

CARPHA HEAD OFFICE

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Federation Park,
Port of Spain,
Trinidad & Tobago
(+868) 299-0820
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Jamaica
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Saint Lucia
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(+758) 452-1087
(+758) 453-2721

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