With storms tearing across the southeast portion of the country this week, we want to make sure our Members and other live entertainment workers affected by the storms have the resources they need to stay safe. Below you'll find several links that may be helpful to you. If you have found other useful resources, please get in touch with Jenn at the USITT National Office for possible additions to this page.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)  hurricane tracker shows the predicted path of any storm. Be sure to check it frequently for updates, and to make sure you're in a safe place! 

The American Red Cross Emergency App can keep you updated on ongoing natural hazards as well. 

FEMA’s page Hurricanes | Ready.gov. offers guidance on how to prepare for incoming storms, how to protect yourself during a hurricane, and the best practices when returning home After a storm is over. Below you'll find some things to keep in mind while cleaning up your home or theatre after a hurricane. 

Returning Home After a Hurricane

• Pay attention to local officials for information and special instructions.
• Be careful during clean up. Wear protective clothing, use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, even if these individuals are not allergic to mold. Children should not help with disaster cleanup work.
• Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
• Do not wade in flood water, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses. This water also can contain debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife. Underground or downed power lines also can electrically charge the water.
• Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems often are down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development also has some resources and guidance about cleaning up after a storm.

Flood Water After a Disaster or Emergency

When returning to your home after a hurricane or flood, be aware that flood water may contain sewage. Protect yourself and your family by following these steps:

Inside the Home

• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
• Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).
• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
• Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).
• Or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use (solution of ⅛ teaspoon [~0.75 milliliters] of household bleach per 1 gallon of water). Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use a solution of ¼ teaspoon (~1.5 milliliters) of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite waste-water system has been professionally inspected and serviced.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

See also Reentering Your Flooded Home, Mold After a Disaster, and Cleaning and Sanitizing with Bleach after an Emergency.

Outside the Home

• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
• Have your onsite waste-water system professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage.
• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).
• Or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use (solution of ⅛ teaspoon [~0.75 milliliters] of household bleach per 1 gallon of water). Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use solution of ¼ teaspoon (~1.5 milliliters) of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

As we return home after the storms have passed, USITT knows many live entertainment industry workers may find themselves displaced, and many theatres in the area may have been affected. To our Members, colleagues, and all those in the theatre industry who have been impacted by the storm, please know that USITT is here for you. Your safety is our top priority. When you are able, please let us know if you are safe and where we can offer assistance. For those looking to donate or provide aid, we will continue sharing resources and information on how to support the recovery efforts.

Together, we can help rebuild these communities and ensure that the arts continue to thrive in the face of adversity.

Click here to read USITT's response from Executive Director Laura Lee Everett.