Clean Up Safety Tips For Hurricanes like Irene
Protect Your Home, Backyard and Patio Shade Structure With These Helpful Tips
Another hurricane season is under way, and knowing hurricane clean up safety tips may determine whether you come through it unscathed. Most people know how to stay safe during a hurricane, and news coverage typically includes advice on how to weather the storm. However, what many do not realize is that once the hurricane has passed, there is still real danger to face during clean-up. Experts agree, there is more risk of injury after a hurricane, when people leave the safe places where they have been sheltered and venture out to begin the process of recovery.
- Electricity-related danger: Almost five million homes and businesses lost power during Hurricane Irene. Much of that outage was due to downed power lines, which are a real danger after any storm. Anyone involved in clean up should assume that all power lines are live, and remember that direct contact is not necessary to cause injury; the wet ground can conduct electricity and cause harm to anyone who is unprotected. Loss of electricity causes other risks, too, as people suffer without air conditioning or fans, and summer heat sends many to the emergency room. Additionally, those who run portable generators indoors increase their risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Danger from power tools: As people begin cleaning their yards, they use tools that often are not used on regular basis. Chain saws in particular pose a threat, as the kickback from a chain saw can cause serious damage, and in some cases, amputation is required. Even the debris from using a chain saw is dangerous, as particles can fly into the eyes. Ladders can be risky, and injuries often occur when people are in a hurry to see the extent of damage to the roof. Always wear protective gear, make sure your equipment is in good working order, set ladders only on level surfaces, and take your time when assessing damages or cleaning up.
- Risks from structural damage: Proceed with caution, whether indoors or under a patio shade structure. Even damage that is not immediately apparent can post danger, so be aware that even a structure that appears to be stable can collapse. Open interior doors carefully, because a door that sticks at the top may indicate that the ceiling is weak and could collapse. Basement walls can collapse if the water is pumped out too quickly; only remove about a third of the water each day.
- Water dangers: Water can become contaminated after a storm, so even after any boil water advisories are lifted, run the tap water for several minutes before using. Empty icemakers and water dispensers, and discard the first post-storm batch of ice. If you use well water, and floodwaters covered your well, it will need to be disinfected. Discard any food that was exposed to flood water.
Staying safe during and after a hurricane is important, and it is crucial to be aware that even after the storm passes, vulnerability remains. Of course, one way to decrease your risks during and after a storm is to protect yourself ahead of time. Check your home’s weather-worthiness, and only install quality patio shade structures, which are less likely to collapse. Remember, though, that everyone is at risk, and take steps to stay safe during clean up.
