Special Needs Shelters are for individuals with health problems that require medical expertise. They are not designed for the general public or for nursing home patients. 

These shelters are staffed by Department of Health and Hospitals and Department of Social Services and will provide medical support services only.

Because of limited staffing, those going to a Special Needs Shelter must have a caretaker to assist with ongoing support and they should bring all necessary supplies including sheets, blankets and pillows.

There is no need for any special immunizations in the wake of a hurricane or other severe storm; however, residents who cut or puncture themselves while cleaning up after a storm should get a tetanus shot if they have not received one in the past five years.

Adults should routinely have a tetanus shot every 10 years, but a booster shot is necessary if they have a dirty wound and their last shot was more than five years ago. If you meet these standards, you may want to receive a tetanus shot before returning to clean up your home. Contact the nearest parish health unit to see about obtaining the vaccine there.

Yes, SEET obtains information from all knowledgeable parties. Representatives of private industry have been very helpful in providing accurate information about events.

As a result of information obtained through HSEES, SEET is able to work with industry, government agencies and other parties to see that corrective measures and/or necessary training are provided to reduce subsequent morbidity and mortality when comparable events occur in the future.

If the water is clear, mix 1/8 teaspoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach with one gallon (same size as two-2-liter drink bottles!) of water and let it stand for 30 minutes prior to consumption.

If the water is cloudy or colored, use ¼ teaspoon per gallon of water. Be sure to mix thoroughly. If the treated water has too strong a chlorine taste, it can be made to taste better by allowing the water to stand exposed to the air for a few hours or by pouring it from one clean container to another several times.

If the water is clear, mix five drops of 2percent United States Pharmacopeia (USP) tincture of iodine solution (common household tincture of iodine from the medicine cabinet or first aid package) to each quart of clear water and let it stand for at least 30 minutes prior to consumption. If the water is cloudy or colored, use 10 drops to each quart of water.

There is no health-related reason or recommendation to bury food that was spoiled as a result of power outages from a storm; however, it is important to know when to throw food away and what foods may have gone bad after a power outage or flooding.

Outbreaks of rare and deadly diseases do not suddenly occur after hurricanes and floods in areas where such diseases do not naturally occur. Because cholera and typhoid are not commonly found in the U.S. Gulf States area, it is very unlikely that they would occur after Hurricane Katrina.

DHH officials say there is no need for any special immunizations in the wake of a hurricane or other severe storm; however, residents who cut or puncture themselves while cleaning up after the storm should get a tetanus shot if they have not received one in the past five years.

Data collected for the surveillance database include information about the following:

The Department of Health and Hospitals urges residents to read all accompanying instructions and to adhere to the following safety instructions:

·       Never use your generator indoors. This includes use inside a garage, carport, basement, crawl space or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even those with ventilation. Gas-powered generators produce an exhaust of carbon monoxide. This potentially fatal gas is odorless and colorless, and inhalation can rapidly lead to full incapacitation or death. Opening windows or doors or using fans will not prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY – DO NOT DELAY. Because you may have to open windows to get fresh air while the power is out, be sure to place the generator away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

·       Use a Carbon Monoxide alarm. It is a good idea to install a battery-operated alarm or a plug-in alarm with a battery back-up in your home. If carbon monoxide gas from the generator enters your home and poses a health risk, the alarm will sound to warn you. Test the battery frequently and replace when needed.

·       Avoid Electrocution. To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. To protect the generator from moisture, operate it on a dry surface under a canopy-like structure, such as a tarp held up on poles. Always ensure that your hands are dry before touching a generator.

·       Turn off the generator and let cool before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite. Fuel for generators should be stored in an approved safety can. Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator. Local laws may restrict the amount of fuel you may store, or the storage location. Ask your local fire department for additional information about local regulations. Fuel should be stored outside of living areas in a locked shed or other protected area. Do not store it near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage. If the fuel is spilled or the container is not properly sealed, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground or can be ignited by the appliance’s pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.

·       Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy duty, outdoor extension cord. The extension cord should be rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the cord has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin. Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as “backfeeding.” This is an extremely dangerous practice that presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household protection devices.

Proper care and safety should always be practiced when using a generator. If you have questions about the operation of your generator, you should consult your owner’s manual or call the manufacturer. If you think someone has been exposed to carbon monoxide, get the person into fresh air and call your physician or health care provider. If someone has been electrocuted, call 911 for emergency care instructions.

In addition to Louisiana, the following states currently participate in HSEES: