Tag Archives: natural disaster

It’s hurricane season: Those with special medical needs must be prepared

Leave a reply

We’re a month into the 2016 hurricane season. Are you prepared? While we all should have emergency kits and evacuation plans, that’s doubly true for those of us who depend on a regular regimen of medication, medical equipment or special diets.

If you have special medical needs and haven’t developed an evacuation plan in case the need arises, today is the day to do so.

Don’t wait until a storm is bearing down. Waiting until the last moment could lead to mistakes, such as critical medicine, medical equipment or other essentials being left behind in a rush. You can avoid that by planning ahead so that you’re ready to move out of harm’s way at a moment’s notice.

Think it all through — from what you would need to take with you to where you would go. Be sure to maintain a list of items you need during emergencies, including medications, medical supplies and other items.

Here are two lists to get you started:pills
What will you take?

  • Ample medication and medical supplies for at least seven days
  • Medical equipment used at home, such as oxygen concentrators, wheelchairs, canes, walkers, etc.
  • Special dietary foods and items
  • Health insurance cards
  • Names and phone numbers for health care providers, pharmacies and medical equipment companies (such as your oxygen provider)
  • Name of the utility service that provides power at you home

Where will you go?

Shelters should be the place of last resort. In the event that it is necessary, special medical needs shelters will be made available during storms.

  • Before opting to go to a shelter, try staying with family or friends or in a motel out of the area.
  • Shelters should be used only when no other options are available.
  • If a special medical needs shelter is necessary and available, organize an adult caregiver who can go with you and care for you.
  • Be sure to make arrangements for your pets; many shelters do not allow pets.
  • Tell family members where you will be during the storm.
  • Be sure any home health services you receive can be continued in the shelter.

Visit www.scdhec.gov/Hurricanes/  for additional information on preparing for and recovering from a storm.

Click below to download a comprehensive guide to hurricanes or visit www.scemd.org.

Hurricane Guide 2016

Tips for Disposing of Debris after a Natural Disaster

5 Replies

By Kent Coleman, Director of DHEC Division of Solid Waste Management 

After a natural disaster like a hurricane or flood, many residents have to undertake the process of cleaning up and disposing of a wide variety of debris from their home and yard. Here are some tips to help storm debris disposal go smoothly.

  1. Recycle as much as you can to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. Everything from water bottles to electronics can be recycled at many locations. To find recycling locations  and a list of materials accepted, click here or contact your local waste management program.
  2. Do not burn debris or trash as it can impact the air quality and create additional hazards.
  3. Sort your debris into five categories to help speed up the pick-up process:
    • Vegetative debris – Tree branches, leaves, logs & plants. DO NOT BAG this material.
    • Construction/Demolition material – Carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber, mattresses, plumbing materials, shingles and tiles.
    • Appliances – Air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, stoves, water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers.
    • Electronics – Computers, televisions, stereos, radios and other devices with an electrical cord.
    • Household Hazardous Waste – Cleaning supplies, lawn chemicals, oils, oil-based paints and stains, pesticides
  4. Do not put normal household trash or bagged debris of any kind out for flood-debris collection. Please continue to follow normal garbage removal schedules for regular household trash.
  5. Debris should be placed curbside without blocking storm drains or the roadway.
  6. If you have or will receive insurance proceeds for the removal or disposal of flood generated debris, do not place on right-of-way for collection.
Sorting Debris

Graphic provided by SCDOT

Because of the high volume of debris needing to be collected after the devastating 2015 flooding, SCDOT is assisting municipalities with debris collection. If you have any questions about debris collection, please contact your local waste management program.

For more information on disaster recovery public and environmental health topics, click here.