The risk for injury during and after a hurricane and other natural disasters is high. Prompt first aid can help heal small wounds and prevent infection. Tetanus is a potential health threat for persons who have open wounds.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if:

• There is a foreign object embedded in the wound;

• The wound is at special risk of infection (such as a dog bite or a puncture by a dirty object);

• An old wound shows signs of becoming infected (increased pain and soreness, swelling, redness, draining, or you develop a fever).

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection