After a Disaster: Recovery Safety Tips

The Texas A&M University System

When natural disasters strike, before recovery begins, it is imperative to take care of YOURSELF and your FAMILY first. Illness or injury may result from contaminated water, debris-filled roadways, electrical and fire hazards, and displaced wildlife. To avoid health problems, follow these tips.

Listen to and follow public announcements. Local authorities will provide valuable information about road closings and the safety of tap water for cooking and bathing. If the water is not safe, you will be instructed to use bottled water or to boil and disinfect water tap water.

Avoid riding, driving or walking through flooded areas. Follow all warnings about water on roadways. NEVER go around a police barricade. In flooded areas, washouts may have weakened roads and bridges, and they could collapse under the weight of your vehicle. If you have to work in or near floodwater, wear a life jacket.

Wear protective clothing, sturdy shoes and gloves. Wear protective clothing and gear, such as hard hats, goggles, heavy work gloves and watertight boots with steel toes and insoles (not just steel shanks) when working. Protective clothing is especially important when handling chainsaws and other large pieces of equipment used in clearing debris.

Avoid unstable buildings and structures. Be careful around damaged buildings and trees. Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal the structure may fall.

Beware of electrical and fire hazards. NEVER touch any building, car or other structure which has a fallen power line touching it. Avoid contact with overhead power lines during cleanup and other activities. Do not burn candles near flammable items or leave candles unattended. If possible, use flashlights or other battery-operated lights instead of candles. Call a professional electrician or power company to report a down power line or power outage.

Beware of gas leaks. Avoid using flames or sparking devices until you are sure there is no natural gas leaking in the area. Natural gas leaks are the number one cause of fires after a disaster. NEVER turn gas service back on by yourself. Contact your local utility company for restoration of gas by a trained professional.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odor less, colorless gas produced by many types of equipment. It is poisonous to breathe. DO NOT use a portable generator, charcoal grill, camp stove and/or other gasoline and charcoal burning device inside your home, garage, carport, basement, crawlspace or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide buildup in the home. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator or other gasoline/charcoal burning devise, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY--DO NOT DELAY--and seek prompt medical attention.

Store and transport gasoline safely. ALWAYS transport gasoline in an approved safety container. Approved containers are RED in color and post a warning label regarding the dangers of gasoline. Do not use a glass container or used metal container that has held other petroleum products. Gasoline is highly flammable and extremely dangerous, so take all necessary precautions when handling. Fill approved containers to only 95% capacity to allow for heat expansion. Before loading a filled, portable gasoline container into a vehicle, check that the cap is tight and the air vent cap is tight. Secure the container to avoid tipping during transporting.

Use chain saws safely. Wear protective gear, including a helmet system (consisting of head, face and hearing protection), cotton or leather gloves, chain saw protective chaps, and boots with steel toes. Read your owner's manual concerning kickback in order to reduce your risk of kickback injury. Remember to always hold the chain saw firmly with both hands and do not over-reach or cut above shoulder height. Follow sharpening and maintenance instructions for the chain saw and ONLY fill a gas-powered chain saw when the engine is cool. If the saw runs out of gas, let it cool 30 minutes before refueling.

Beware of wild or stray animals. Structures damaged in a storm are particularly attractive and provide easy access for wildlife. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid wild or stray animals. Call local authorities to handle both live animals and or dispose of dead animals according to local guidelines.

Beware of snakes. Wear snake-proof boots at least 10 inches high or snake leggings in heavy debris areas where snakes are likely to be found. Use a poking stick to announce your approach when possible. If you are bitten by a poisonous snake, don't try to treat the bite yourself. Go to the nearest hospital or place of treatment immediately. Make a mental note of the appearance of the snake for identification and treatment purposes.

Pace yourself and get support. Be alert to physical and emotional exhaustion or strain. Learn to recognize and deal with stress. Set priorities for clean-up tasks and pace the work. Try not to work alone. Ask family members, friends or professionals forsupport.

Prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Use teams of two or more people to move bulky objects. Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person). When lifting heavy debris, bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back.

Avoid mosquitoes. Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts, and by using insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin.

Wear sunscreen. When working outside for extended periods of time, wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 to avoid sun burns.

Treat wounds . If you get a scratch, cut or brush burn from flood debris, clean it with soap and clean water. Apply an antibiotic ointment. If a wound swells or drains, seek immediate medical attention. If you have not had a tetanus booster in the last few years, see your doctor immediately.

REFERENCES:

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/recovery.asp

http://msucares.com/newsletters/safety/05/9extra.html

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_565_,00.html

http://www.agctr.lsu.edu/en/family_home/hazards_and_threats/
recovery_assistance