Hurricane—Learning to deal with a combination of threats.
Planning for and reacting to a hurricane disaster is a challenge. Not only are lives and property threatened by high winds but the potential for storm surges, flooding and tornadoes can be just as devastating. A plan of action that takes into account all of these threats will be the most effective in reducing the impact of a hurricane.
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POST-HURRICANE HAZARDS – edited from Aug. 3 2005 issue of Saf-T-News
When a hurricane hits, the hazards are obvious. But hurricanes also leave a mixed bag of hazards behind. Anyone working to clean up after a hurricane should be aware of the potential dangers; use personal protective equipment such as gloves, hard hats, steel toe rubber boots and hearing protectors; and proceed with due caution. Here are some of the things to look out for:
When power lines are down or water is standing near electrical circuits and equipment, turn off the power at the main breaker on the service panel before handling any electrical equipment. Keep the power off until the equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician. Never handle a downed power line by yourself.
Cleanup work often relies on pumps and generators powered by gasoline or diesel. Because the combustion produces carbon monoxide, any gas- or diesel-powered engines should be run outdoors.
Cleanup almost always involves bending, lifting and moving. With weight and repetition, serious musculoskeletal injuries can occur. Hands, back, knees and shoulders can suffer stress from handling objects repeatedly or from lifting heavy objects. Prevent these kinds of injuries by working in teams of two or more. Get help when lifting objects that weigh over 50 lbs. and whenever possible, use lifting devices.
Heat and cold can put cleanup crews at risk. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and hypothermia are all potential risks. Protect against them by drinking plenty of fluids, wearing high rubber boots in flooded areas, taking frequent breaks and changing into dry clothes whenever possible.
Any building or structure that has been submerged or withstood heavy wave action or water flow may have suffered structural weakening. Never assume that such a building is stable. If you hear noises that indicate movement or heaving, leave the building. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave the area. If you are uncertain, get a professional inspection. Any building damaged by water should be examined by a certified building inspector, professional engineer or licensed architect before cleanup begins.
The disruptive water and winds that hurricanes bring can cause hazardous spills by dislodging and moving storage tanks. If a spill occurs, contact your local fire department immediately.
Here is a handful of general safety tips and other considerations for hurricane cleanup crews:
- Wait until authorities have declared the area safe before returning home
- Stay alert for road debris when driving
- Set priorities for cleanup tasks
- Set a work pace that avoids exhaustion
- Try to maintain normal sleep hours to prevent exhaustion
- Avoid working in areas with moving water
- Storms can disable smoke and fire alarms; keep a fire extinguisher nearby
- Take advantage of disaster relief programs
For information on hurricane cleanup from OSHA, go to:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=11477
For information from the CDC on hurricane preparation and response, go to:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/hurricanes/index.asp
For more information from the CDC and NIOSH, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/94-123/
For information on hurricane response from the Red Cross, go to:
http://www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_312_4371,00.html
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