Hurricane Risks Don’t End Once the Storm Is Over

Hurricane Ida continued to pummel Louisiana yesterday resulting in flash flooding and downed trees and power lines. A category 4 hurricane, Ida arrived on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which caused over 1,800 deaths and US$125 billion in damage in late August 2005.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers advice on three of the biggest risks affecting residents and workers in areas hit by hurricanes—avoiding flooded areas, avoiding electrical hazards, and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.

The CDC reminds motorists not to drive in flooded areas as your vehicle can be swept away or may stall in moving water. Stay out of flood water in general, as it contains many items that can be hazardous to your health such as downed power lines, human and livestock waste, medical and industrial hazardous waste, and wild or stray animals such as rodents and snakes

Exposure to contaminated floodwater can cause wound infections, skin rashes, gastrointestinal illness, and tetanus. If you must enter floodwater, wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles. If you are exposed to floodwater without wearing this personal protective equipment:

• Wash the area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer.
• Take care of wounds and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent before reusing them.

After a hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster you need to be careful to avoid electrical hazards both in your workplace and home. Shut off electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions.

Never touch a fallen power line. Call the power company to report fallen power lines. Avoid contact with overhead power lines during cleanup and other activities.

As many businesses turn to generators when power is down after a hurricane, be sure to follow these tips to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:

• Check or change the batteries in your CO detector every six months.
• Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Keep vents and flues free of debris. Debris can block ventilation lines.
• Never run a generator less than 20 feet from an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
• Never run a generator inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open.
• If you suspect CO poisoning, immediately call 911 or a health care professional.