Re-entering a home after a disaster without checking for hazards first has caused secondary injuries and deaths. Structural damage, gas leaks, electrical hazards, and contaminated water are all real risks in the immediate aftermath.
The rule: wait for official clearance, then check the exterior for structural damage before entering, and don't assume utilities are safe just because power appears to be back.
Next StepsUse the guides and free checklists below to keep building.