Tribal IAQ Resource Directory: Disaster Response & Recovery
Overview
Disasters can happen fast! Preparation and response to weather-related and man-made emergencies is important. Educating yourself about how to prepare for and respond to weather-related and man-made emergencies can help protect you and your family.
Wildfire Resources
During a wildfire, smoke can make the outdoor air unhealthy to breathe. Local officials may advise the local area to stay indoors during a smoke event. Smoke from outdoors can enter homes and other buildings and make it unhealthy to breathe indoor air, too. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into eyes and respiratory systems – whether outdoors or indoors – where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases - and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.
Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health OfficialsGuidance document and accompanying factsheets from AirNow designed to help local public health officials prepare for smoke events, protect the public when smoke is present, and communicate with the public about wildfire smoke and health.
EPA’s Wildfires PageAdvice for the general public about preparing for smoke events and promoting healthy indoor environments during and after wildfires.
EPA’s Clean Room GuidanceInformation on how to create a “clean room” at home to protect indoor air quality during a wildfire, including a how-to video.
DIY Box Fan FilterThe Colville Tribes Air Quality Program presents a low-cost method to create an air filtration system when commercial air cleaners are not available or accessible. Additional resources include their instructional video and EPA’s DIY Air Cleaners instructional video. While DIY box fan filters are useful in a pinch, remember that HEPA filtration and dedicated air cleaners are a more reliable choice.
Air Quality Sensor Performance Evaluation
A collection of evaluations about the actual performance of commercially available “low-cost” air quality sensors.
ASHRAE Framework for Buildings and Smoke EventsProvides recommended HVAC and building measures to minimize occupant exposures to smoke during smoke events, with an emphasis on commercial, school, multi-unit residential, and similar buildings.
EPA’s Smoke-Ready Toolbox for WildfiresResources to help educate people about the risks of smoke exposure and actions they can take to protect their health.
EPA’s Air Sensor ToolboxThis toolbox provides information about air sensors, including sensor evaluation, performance and use, and answers to FAQs about air sensors. Check out the AirNow mobile app, and the archive of webinars on low-cost air sensors. For information about the indoor use of sensors, see the EPA’s Wildfire ASPIRE study, which partnered with the Hoopa Valley Tribe.
Community Air Monitor Network Guidebook
A guidebook from Tracking California for creating a community air monitor network to understand air quality and make sound decisions. Having a program like this would be particularly useful to monitor air quality during smoke events and make informed recommendations.
Flood Resources
Flood water can make the air in flooded homes unhealthy. This is because when things remain wet for more than two days, they usually get moldy. Inhaling mold can cause adverse health effects, including allergic reactions. Mold also can damage materials in the home. In addition, flood water may contain microorganisms, such as bacteria, or chemicals which may affect human health.
EPA’s Resources for Flood Cleanup and IAQThis page hosts a variety of general and technical guides and webinars for flood cleanup.
EPA’s Flooded Homes Cleanup GuidanceThis website features short videos that provide steps and guidance on how to safely clean up your home and recover from a flood. You can also search for answers to many of your important questions about flooded homes using the webpage’s search bar and frequently asked questions.
FEMA’s Repairing Your Flooded HomeDeveloped by FEMA and the American Red Cross, this guide gives step-by-step advice you can use to clean up, rebuild, and get help after a flood.
FEMA’s Initial Restoration for Flooded BuildingsWritten in response to Hurricane Katrina, FEMA presents a concise guide of actions to take following flood emergencies.
CDC’s Flood ResourcesResources for community members about preparing for flooding and staying safe during and after flood disasters.
Ready.gov Flood PageAdvice for community members about how to prepare for flooding and what to do during and after flooding disasters take place.
A Field Guide for Flooded Home CleanupThe National Center for Healthy Housing presents a do-it-yourself guide on how to safely clean up your home after a flood.
EPA’s Flood Cleanup Picture Book ResourceA story-book style flood cleanup information resource. This resource is filled with illustrations and makes great outreach material.
Did you know...
cleaning up and drying out your home within 24-48 hours after a flood can prevent mold growth? Mold needs moisture to grow. See the Mold and Moisture section for more general resources related to mold and moisture.
Power Outage Resources
Power outages that last longer than a few hours can have negative impacts on indoor environments. Carbon monoxide (CO) resulting from the improper use of portable generators is one of the most significant threats following a power outage. At elevated levels, CO can quickly cause significant harm and even death. Additionally, the lack of climate control and reduced ventilation and filtration of indoor air can also contribute to loss of thermal control, increased levels of indoor pollutants, and adverse indoor conditions and health impacts.
EPA’s Power Outages and Indoor Air QualityEmergency information for power outages that includes information on carbon monoxide, and ways to maintain safe conditions indoors during power outages.
Ready.gov Power OutagesTips for how families can prepare for power outages and stay safe when they occur.
CDC’s Power Outage PageSafety tips to help prepare for and cope with sudden loss of power. This page also includes power outage information for worker safety and healthcare facilities.
During a power outage, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning may increase as people turn to alternative sources of heat and energy. Never use a generator, camping stove, charcoal grill, or lantern inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open, and never leave an automobile running inside of a garage. More information about carbon monoxide risk reduction can be found in the Home Heating, Cooking, and Energy section.
General Disaster Resources
HUD’s Rebuild Healthy HomesThis guide was developed to help homeowners, volunteers and other workers to restore damaged homes in a way that puts people first. It includes how-to methods, tips and improvement ideas for safe restoration that result in not just a livable dwelling, but a healthy home that offers even more than before.
CDC’s Natural Disasters and Severe Weather PageHosts information on a variety of disaster types as well as specialized information for various audiences, including coping resources for different age groups.
The Red Guide to Tribal Community Disaster RecoveryContains links to more Tribal disaster resources, including outreach videos and relevant Tribal organizations.
EPA’s Natural Disasters PagesThese webpages include information about different kinds of natural disasters including information about how to prepare and respond.
Moving Forward After Disaster DisasterAssistance.gov consolidates disaster-related resources from many US government agencies. This page includes resources for rebuilding and returning home after a disaster, including a link for FEMA’s Mitigation Best Practices to inspire more resilient rebuilds.
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