Ada Nya Begini: After a devastating storm, here's how to get help, stay safe and protect your sanity in the weeks ahead

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(CNN)Storm victims returning to damaged homes after Ida face a torrent of challenges -- if they're lucky enough to have a home standing at all.

In the most devastated places, "Power outages will last weeks to possibly months," the National Hurricane Center said. "Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months."

The onslaught of stress, grief and post-hurricane hazards can seem overwhelming. Here's how victims can stay safe, get help and take the first steps toward recovery:

Don't go home until it's truly safe

Just because the hurricane is over doesn't mean it's safe to drive. Residents should "return home only when local officials say it is safe to do so," the Federal Emergency Management Agency says.

In hard-hit parts of Louisiana, many roads remained treacherous even after Ida passed. "A large portion of travel routes are blocked by downed trees and power lines," Louisiana State Police said Monday.

"In addition, there is standing water in some areas which can deteriorate roads and sweep vehicles away."

State police said residents can visit 511la.org, call 511 or use Louisiana's 511 smartphone app to check the status of roads.

And even after roads are reopened, drivers must stay vigilant for remaining hazards, Louisiana State Police said.

While a roadway may be "open" use extreme caution and only travel when absolutely needed. Numerous hazards remain. Avoid distractions, wear your seatbelt and do not drive impaired. #Ida pic.twitter.com/gCOxiQaZij
— LA State Police (@LAStatePolice) August 31, 2021

Ida's trail of destruction includes flooding in several states.

"Don't drive in flooded areas -- cars or other vehicles won't protect you from floodwaters," the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. "They can be swept away or may stall in moving water."

Use extreme caution when you get home

When it's safe to go home, try to arrive during daytime hours so you don't need any lights, the CDC says.

"Walk carefully around the outside of your home to check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage," the National Weather Service says.

If your home is flooded, "wait to re-enter your home until professionals tell you it is safe, with no structural, electrical or other hazards," the CDC says.

If the home is damaged, "leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises," the CDC says. "Strange noises could mean the building about to fall."

If you must use lighting, carry a battery-powered flashlight, not candles or gas-powered lanterns.

"Turn on your flashlight before entering a vacated building," the National Weather Service says. "The battery could produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present."

Minimize the risk of electrocution

Flooded homes require additional precautions to prevent electrocution.

"If you have standing water in your home and can turn off the main power from a dry location, then go ahead and turn off the power," the CDC says.

"If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off. NEVER turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water."

In general, "Do not wade in flood water, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses, debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife," the FEMA website Ready.gov says. "Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water."

Photograph the damage and seek help if needed

If it's safe to go inside, don't start cleaning right away.

First, "contact your insurance company and take pictures of the home and your belongings," the CDC says.

Those seeking federal assistance can call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585) or apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Residents who have flood insurance from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program can start their claim at FloodSmart.gov.

Clean safely and beware of mold

"If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, assume your home has mold," the CDC says.

"You need to completely dry everything, clean up the mold, and make sure you don't still have a moisture problem."

The CDC has a list of ways to eliminate and prevent mold growth, with or without electricity.

Mold can be cleaned by using a mixture of 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Don't use the bleach solution in an enclosed space -- make sure doors or windows are open, the CDC says.

But anyone with a lung condition such as asthma or who is immunocompromised "should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, even if they do not have an allergy to mold," the FEMA website Ready.gov says.

"Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work."

Any remaining floodwater can contain sewage and other hazards that can be difficult to see.

"Floodwater can contain dangerous bacteria from overflowing sewage and agricultural and industrial waste," the CDC says.

"While skin contact with floodwater doesn't pose a serious health risk by itself, eating or drinking anything contaminated with floodwater can cause diseases."

Don't succumb to deadly heat

Some Hurricane Ida survivors won't have power for weeks -- a potentially deadly scenario for those grappling with extreme heat without air conditioning.