Disaster Relief Means More Than Just Food and Shelter

Hurricane Helene, accompanied by 20 reported tornadoes, left a 500-mile path of destruction and human suffering from Florida to the Southern Appalachians. In just 48 hours, vast swaths of the region including cities and towns in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia became unrecognizable.

THE TOLL

The storm caused at least 160 deaths, left thousands homeless, and during its peak, more than 4 million were without power. High winds, torrential rain, and severe flooding exacted an estimated $15 billion to $26 billion in property damage with total damage and economic loss estimated at between $95 billion and $110 billion.

SAVING LIVES

First priority after such a natural disaster is, of course, search, rescue, and recovery. The saving of human lives and those of their pets. Then, almost immediately, the need for food, water, medical attention, and shelter must be addressed.

FACING NEW THREATS

Situations as destructive as Hurricane Helene where so many vital services and supply chains are disrupted or eliminated quickly become breeding grounds for disease. Particularly waterborne illnesses, which are those that come from drinking or coming into contact with contaminated water because of flooding. Among the sources of disease or infection are:

Sewage: Human and animal waste.

Household Waste: Such as bleach, antifreeze, weed killers, drain cleaners, and cleaning solutions.

Medical Waste: Including soiled dressings, body parts, bodily fluids, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

Industrial Waste: Such as paints, acids, bases, radioactive materials, heavy metal solutions, and wastewater with hydrocarbons that can cause illness.

Mold Growth: Prolonged moisture can lead to mold, which can cause respiratory issues.

The waterborne diseases that can result from flooding range from diarrhea and E. Coli to cholera, typhoid fever, and leptospirosis. In addition, pathogen carriers like mosquitoes associated with flooding can transmit dengue fever and malaria.

PREVENTING DISEASE

A major undertaking of disaster relief is to provide victims with sanitation and personal care facilities to help prevent disease and restore optimism and self-respect.

Companies experienced in disaster relief can respond quickly to these critical needs with portable units that speed up recovery and enhance disaster victim’s living conditions.

Portable Restroom Trailers: Equipped with multiple private stalls, these large, portable, facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and sanitary restroom experience at disaster relief sites. They are typically equipped with sinks that have both hot and cold running water and flushing toilets that function like those in homes. Many are designed to be ADA accessible to accommodate those who are disabled or have been injured during the storm. Available options often include:

• Climate control, to ensure comfort regardless of outdoor temperatures.
• Interior lighting for use at night or in low-light conditions.
• Amenities, such as mirrors, quality fixtures, and spacious interiors provide a more “homey” environment for traumatized disaster victims.

Overall, portable restroom trailers can accommodate large numbers of users while offering a comfortable experience, more like indoor restrooms.

Portable Shower Trailers: Hurricanes inevitably leave scores of victims either homeless or unable to use appliances and facilities in homes irreparably damaged by the storm.

One sure way to increase morale is to provide victims with soap, hot water, and a place to shower once the storm has passed. Portable shower trailers can provide this comforting service for large numbers of people who otherwise might be unable to bathe for days at a time.

Laundry Trailers: Just as important as showers is access to laundry trailers, mobile banks of washers and dryers, which often include sinks, folding tables, water heaters, and generators to run them. While laundry trailers are a convenience for all victims, they are a necessity for those who escaped death or injury with only the clothes on their backs.

PROTECTING FOOD AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES

Refrigeration Trailers: The need to stockpile and preserve both food and certain medical supplies as they arrive at disaster sites often requires the use of refrigeration trailers. This is another critical component of a disaster relief system that can be supplied by specialists in the portable equipment leasing field.

POWERING THE OPERATION

Generators: Generators play a vital role in virtually all disaster relief operations since power ordinarily supplied by local utilities is often unavailable for days or weeks at a time.

Pump Out of RVs and Boats: Experts in disaster relief can also help minimize permanent damage to RVs and boats by pumping the flood water out of them on a timely basis.

The scope of disaster relief is broad and requires a great deal of specialized facilities and equipment to provide safety, comfort, and convenience for both responders and evacuees. But success can only be achieved through the efforts of well-trained first responders and dedicated volunteers. People helping people.

DISASTER RELIEF PROVIDERS

Given the anticipated increase in natural disasters caused in part by global warming, it’s important to recognize the sources and availability of the disaster relief equipment discussed above.

To locate a company experienced in all aspects of disaster relief in Florida, Georgia or North Carolina click here.