Staying Safe Around Buildings Damaged After a Disaster

For Everyone

Key points

  • After a hurricane, stay away from damaged buildings until building inspectors say it’s safe to enter.
  • When it is safe, enter during the daytime only so you can see hazards.
  • Wear protective clothing during cleanup and avoid wading in water to reduce injuries.
  • Leave immediately if you hear unusual noises.

Script

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This is an important message from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. After a hurricane, stay away from damaged buildings until building inspectors say it’s safe to enter. When it is safe, enter during the daytime only so you can see hazards. Wear protective clothing during cleanup, and avoid wading in water to reduce injuries. Leave immediately if you hear unusual noises. Remember: pace yourself during cleanup. To learn more, call the CDC at 800-CDC-INFO.

Content Source
National Center for Environmental Health
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: February 5, 2024

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: August 26, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.