After a disaster, a good rule of thumb to start is: Don't go back into a building until you've been approved to do so. If it's been cautioned or roped off or anything like that, and you had to evacuate, wait until officials say it's safe for you to go back into an area, once you have been evacuated. When you go back into your home, be very, very cautious; structurally, things may have changed--especially during an earthquake and definitely during a home fire. Be wary of your surroundings--check your utilities, your gas, your water, your shut-off. You don't want to eat any food that has been left over during a fire or flood water--that's not going to be good for you. Be very, very cautious of your surroundings and make sure that it's safe where you're going. If you are worried about your safety, wait--have a professional or a contractor come check it out before you go back in. Once again, emergencies affect us very differently. It could be something where you just needed to get outside the building, and it's okay for you to go back in. I always advise that you are very, very cautious upon entering, and you've checked your utilities to make sure that there aren't any leaks or any other dangers. Downed power lines--please don't ever touch a downed power line. Don't ever touch a live wire. Keep yourself safe and be very, very cautious following emergencies because life won't be normal.