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.
Behind every successful restoration project is a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping customers recover after disaster strikes. This month, we're introducing Jerome Etienne , a technician at our Baton Rouge office whose hard work and honesty make him a valued member of the Guarantee Restoration Services team. From Forklift Driver to Restoration Technician Jerome is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana , and joined Guarantee Restoration Services in September 2024 . Before beginning his career in restoration, he worked as a forklift driver. Since joining GRS, Jerome has embraced the hands-on nature of restoration work and takes pride in helping prepare properties for the rebuilding process. Finding Satisfaction in Demolition Work. When asked what he enjoys most about working at GRS, Jerome didn't hesitate. He enjoys working on demolition projects, where every job presents a new challenge and plays an important role in restoring a property after damage. Removing damaged materials safely and efficiently helps lay the foundation for the next phase of the restoration process, making demolition one of the most critical steps in recovery. Living the Core Value of Honesty Of GRS's five core values, Honesty is the one that resonates most with Jerome. "I believe people appreciate knowing the truth, especially after their property has been damaged. Being honest, dependable, and transparent helps build trust and shows our customers they can count on us from start to finish." Jerome believes honest communication helps reassure customers during stressful situations while building lasting trust throughout the restoration process. Advice for New Team Members Jerome's advice for anyone starting a career in restoration is straightforward. "Follow what the Lead Tech says. You'll learn everything you need to know." By staying willing to learn and trusting experienced team members, new technicians can quickly build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the field. Outside of Work When he's off the clock, Jerome enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether he's fishing or visiting the gun range, he enjoys activities that allow him to unwind after the work week. A Childhood Dream As a kid, Jerome dreamed of owning a food truck. While his career path eventually led him to restoration, that entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic continue to shine through in everything he does. Thank You, Jerome! We're proud to have Jerome as part of the Guarantee Restoration Services family. His dedication, honesty, and willingness to tackle every challenge help make a difference for both our customers and our team every day. Interested in Joining the GRS Team? At Guarantee Restoration Services, we're always looking for hardworking individuals who share our commitment to excellence, honesty, efficiency, and partnership. If you're interested in building a rewarding career with a team that makes a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers page to learn more about current opportunities and become part of the GRS family.
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