Health Concerns Following A Natural Disaster
Shawn Folks • October 29, 2018
Over the last several decades alone, natural disasters have killed millions of people and adversely affected the lives of billions more. In addition to the severe accidents and substantial structural damage they cause, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and other natural calamities have grave social, economic, and health consequences as well.
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, the risk for epidemic outbreaks gets higher:
- The shortage of fresh food, typical for post-disaster periods, results in malnutrition that weakens the immune systems of the people in the affected area;
Communicable diseases spread more quickly and more easily after natural disasters.
- The limited access to safe water and lack of proper sanitation pose a risk of infections and gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, hepatitis, and various other bacterial diseases can be transmitted by direct contact with contaminated water);
- The crowded living conditions and poor hygiene levels in emergency camps facilitate the transmission of infectious diseases;
When people return home after a disaster, their health and safety may be compromised by unsanitary and/or hazardous living conditions in the house. From ruptured gas lines and stagnant water containing bacteria, to mold growth and vermin infestation, there are various risk factors that can result in personal injuries and serious diseases unless proper precautions are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the occupants of the home.
CAUSES OF HEALTH RISKS AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS
- Structural damage and debris – falling structural elements, exposed cables and electrical wires, downed power lines and ruptured gas lines, broken glass and splintered woodwork can cause serious injuries, electric shocks, and even carbon monoxide poisoning;
Floodwater poses a number of risks to the people in disaster-ridden communities.
- Floodwater and stagnant water – Floodwater is often contaminated with sewage and chemicals and contains various harmful toxins. If it has come in contact with any household items and materials, it will have contaminated them as well, so touching or using them before they have been thoroughly disinfected may result in skin infections, stomach problems, and conjunctivitis. If there is stagnant water in or near the home, it may contain bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal problems and various infections if it comes in contact with open wounds or mucous membranes;
- Mold – When the right conditions are present (ample organic food and abundant moisture), mold growth can begin within 48 hours. It will spread very fast in the humid environment caused by natural disasters like floods and hurricanes and will quickly affect large parts of the home. The harmful microorganisms will not only cause considerable structural damage, but will also have a negative impact on the health of the occupants – mold can trigger a variety of allergy symptoms and other serious health issues, such as headaches, dizziness, respiratory problems, sinus infections, eye irritations, rashes, etc. It can even aggravate conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Environmental toxins – Lead and asbestos are present in various construction materials that were widely used before the 1970’s (when these substances were discovered to be harmful to the health). They are considered to be safe when undisturbed, but hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters can cause considerable damage to floors, walls, insulation, siding, shingling and other structural elements that contain asbestos and/or lead. As a result, lead dust and asbestos fibers may be released in the air. If inhaled or ingested, these microscopic toxins can cause respiratory problems and long-lasting health issues.
At Guarantee Restoration Services, our people are at the heart of everything we do. This month, we’re excited to introduce Christy Jones Huff , a Business Development Representative at our Jackson, Mississippi Branch who joined the team just over a year ago in January 2024 . From Property Management to Business Development Christy’s journey to GRS started long before she stepped through our doors. A Jackson State University graduate , she earned her degree in Mass Communications/Public Relations with a minor in Marketing . She then spent 19 years as a property manager , gaining invaluable experience in building relationships and problem-solving, which are skills that now serve her well in business development. It is safe to say that she is well-versed in the multifamily vertical that we serve, but she also works with several other industries, such as state entities and housing authorities. Life Outside of Work Originally from Farmhaven, MS , Christy stays busy outside of work with a full house. She’s married, a proud mom to a college-aged son, and spends most of her free time keeping up with a very active toddler —a job she jokingly refers to as "taming a toddler." When she finds a rare quiet moment, she enjoys crafting, though she explained that those moments are few and far between these days.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein, Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Expands Leadership Role as Managing Partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration in Austin, Texas BATON ROUGE, La. – February 5, 2025 – Guarantee Restoration Services has entered into an agreement to serve as the managing partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration, a leading restoration and facility maintenance provider in Austin, Texas. This partnership marks a significant step in Guarantee Restoration’s ongoing expansion throughout the South and Gulf Coast region. Guarantee Restoration Services will oversee management operations in Austin, working closely with W.B. Arthur Restoration to enhance systems, streamline processes, and position the company for long-term growth. This collaboration reinforces Guarantee Restoration’s commitment to delivering industry-leading restoration services, while expanding its footprint across new markets. “We’re embarking on a remarkable journey that will create new pathways for innovation, growth, and leadership in the marketplace,” said Shawn Folks, CEO of Guarantee Restoration Services. “Our people are the reason we are able to form these types of partnerships. I’m excited to see where we go from here.” This strategic partnership aligns with Guarantee Restoration’s pattern of growth across the Gulf South, having established a strong presence in six markets across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. By bringing its expertise in restoration management to W.B. Arthur Restoration, they aim to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery in the Austin Metro Region. About W.B. Arthur Restoration W.B. Arthur Restoration provides a wide range of property maintenance and restoration services, including water damage restoration, facility maintenance, air duct cleaning, and carpet cleaning. Serving the greater Austin Metro Region, W.B. Arthur Restoration is dedicated to ensuring homes and businesses receive the highest level of care, even in the most difficult-to-reach places. About Guarantee Restoration Services For over 50 years, Guarantee Restoration Services has been a trusted name in the restoration industry, consistently expanding its services and market presence along the Gulf Coast. The company’s mission is to support communities in need by offering reliable restoration solutions, maintaining honest and dependable service, and ensuring stability for businesses and homeowners. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit http://www.GuaranteeRestoration.com /.
Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities require the highest levels of cleanliness and sanitation to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
