• Beware of broken glass and downed power lines

• Help injured or trapped persons.

• Give first aid when appropriate.

• Don't try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.

• Use caution entering a damaged building.

• Call for help.

• Turn on radio or television to get the latest emergency information.

• Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the buildings if you smell gas or chemical fumes.

• Take pictures of the damage--both to the house and its contents--for insurance purposes.

Stress can surface in many forms and affect children as well as adults.  Crisis counseling helps disaster victims deal with emotional reactions, such as sadness or anger, caused by stressful situations.  Counselors can help adults and children gain emotional control by offering them coping mechanisms, including stress management techniques. For more information, on crisis counseling contact the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris at (713) 970-7000.

Source of Information:

• www.cdc.gov

• www.fema.gov

• www.mhmraharris.org/
  

content last updated: June 14, 2006

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Last updated:  August 04, 2008 
Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services
2223 West Loop South
Houston, TX 77027
Tel: (713) 439-6000
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