After the Storm: Post-Hurricane Events

Day 1

• Electricity is out
• Water is either unavailable or unsafe to drink
• Government agencies closed, little infrastructure exists
• Gasoline pumps not working
• Banks and financial institutions closed
• Curfew goes into effect at nightfall.

Day 2

• Looting may begin, police work 12-hour shifts, National Guard may be called in
• Ice becomes unavailable
• Few stores open and essentials are quickly depleted
• Suppliers and relief efforts hampered by lack of street signs and downed trees
• Pay telephones may be set up
• Limited electricity to essential services restored.

Day 3

• Volume of telephone calls overwhelms telephone company capabilities
• First influx of repair crews, building materials, and contractors
• City crews are beginning to make an impact on street clearing
• Electrical service begins to be restored to businesses; banks may reopen.

Day 4

• Major streets open; secondary roads are still closed and may not be open for a week more
• Some public schools may reopen, some may operate on partial day schedule.

Day 5

• Local governments pass ordinances outlawing price gouging, complaints of poor and shoddy repairs increase
• Relief efforts have finally been well organized with shelters and food kitchens operating throughout disaster area
• Phone service should be nearly restored; electrical service still out over much of the area.

Day 6

• Additional governmental agencies have recovered, although trash collection will continue to be out for perhaps a week
• Still no mail delivery in most areas, although post office is setting up collection areas
• Hospitals see increase in disaster-related injuries as people attempt repairs, are exposed to insects and snakes, suffer heat exhaustion, and face emotional stress

_________________Adapted from Hurricanes: How to Prepare and Recover

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BEFORE THE STORM: The Countdown