Hurricane Recovery: Returning Home and Rebuilding

Residents of Galveston, TX sift through the rubble that once was their home in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike (2008). Many streets were impassable after the hurricane due to debris and downed power lines, which made it unsafe for the general population to return. Image credit: Robert Kaufmann/FEMA.

For individuals returning to a home that has been damaged by a hurricane, the experience can be both emotionally devastating and physically harmful. Years of irreplaceable photos, heirlooms and other belongings may be permanently destroyed. In terms of physical danger, there are many risks facing a homeowner such as electrocution, explosion due to the ignition of leaking fuel, collapse of remaining structural components, and other hazards.

Given these dangers, tremendous care must be taken when returning to a hurricane damaged home. This FEMA link provides excellent information on how to protect oneself from the dangers of storm-damaged homes.