POST-HURRICANE SAFETY

Beware of unstable structures

Never assume that water-damaged structures or ground are stable. Buildings that have been submerged or have withstood rushing flood waters may have suffered structural damage and could be dangerous.
Don't work in or around any flood-damaged building until it has been examined and certified as:

Safe for work by a registered professional engineer or architect.
Assume all stairs, floors, and roofs are unsafe until they are inspected.
Leave immediately if you see or feel shifting or hear any unusual noises. These signal a possible collapse.

Tiredness can lead to injuries

Continued long hours of work, combined with exhaustion, can create a highly stressful situation during cleanup. People working on hurricane cleanup can reduce their risks of injury and illness in several ways:

Set priorities for cleanup tasks and pace the work. Try not to get totally exhausted.
Resume a normal sleep schedule as quickly as possible.
Be alert to emotional exhaustion or strain.
Consult family members, friends or professionals for emotional support.

Carbon Monoxide Can Kill!

Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is poisonous to breathe and is even more dangerous because it cannot be smelt or seen. CO is formed in the exhaust of Gasoline-powered devices such as generators, pumps and pressure
washers, as well as by using camp stoves or charcoal grills or coal pots/stoves. These items are commonly used in the aftermath of a storm if there is a power outage.

To be safe:

Use these items outdoors, never indoors.
If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using or near a generator, pumps, pressure washers, camp stoves or charcoal stoves get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY.
Carbon monoxide can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death.
If you experience serious symptoms go to the hospital immediately and inform medical staff that CO poisoning is suspected.

Generator Safety

Portable electric generators offer great benefits but can be hazardous if used improperly. They can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution and fires. Follow these safety tips on the proper use of generators:

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

NEVER use generators indoors, including in homes, garages, and other enclosed or partiallyenclosedm areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO build-up in the home.
Only operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home, and protected from direct exposure to rain, preferably under a canopy, open shed, or carport.
Install battery-operated certified CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Prevent electrocution

Keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. To protect from moisture, operate it on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Dry your hands if wet before touching the generator.
Plug appliances directly into the generator. Or use a heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as “backfeeding”. This is an extremely dangerous practice that presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.
If you must connect the generator to house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician make the appropriate connection.

Prevent fires

Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
Do not over-fill the tank; only fill to level line or about 90% of the tank’s capacity.
Refuel generators in a well ventilated area and clean up all spills before restarting the machine, or move it from the refuelling area.
Check for leaks before starting the generator. If the generator is giving problems get it repaired by a mechanic.

Handling Hazardous Chemicals

Store used oil, solvents and batteries in a safe and secure location outside of the home before transporting to the landfill.
Always protect yourself from chemical burns by wearing work gloves and work shoes when handling dangerous chemicals and batteries.

Gasoline and diesel

Never drink water from a container that has held gasoline or diesel. Gasoline contains an ingredient that is known to be capable of causing cancer.
Never siphon gas by mouth or put gasoline in your mouth for any reason. Gasoline can be fatal if swallowed. If someone does swallow gas do not induce vomiting. Contact a doctor immediately.
Separate gasoline, oil, solvents, lubricants and household cleaners in secured containers for storage.
Store gasoline only in containers made for the purpose. These are of red plastic and have “UL®“ imprinted on them. This is an international symbol that lets you know the container is safe for gasoline. Hardware and supply stores sell these containers.
Other containers such as glass bottles, soda cans, bleach bottles, etc., used to store gasoline can break or leak.
Don’t store gasoline containers in the same place as a fuel-burning appliance. Gasoline vapors can travel invisibly along the ground and catch afire from pilot lights or arcs caused by activating electric switches.
When filling the container place it on the ground to avoid fuel vapours catching fire because of static electricity.
Never fill a container with gas when it is inside a vehicle, in the back of a pickup truck or on the floor of a trailer.
Make sure containers are secure with lids before transporting.

Vehicle Batteries

Keep batteries upright and place side by side without stacking to prevent leakage.
Don’t dump battery acid – instead store it in an appropriate container.
If battery acid spills on your skin rinse immediately with soap and water.
Battery acid spilt on clothing ruins clothing and cannot be removed – discard these clothes.

In-home Fire Safety Tips

Avoid using open flames such as candles or kerosene lamps for lighting as these carry a great risk of starting a fire. Flashlights provide the safest light. If you have no choice follow the tips below:

Candles

always place candles on fire resistant holders or in containers made for such use
keep candles away from open windows and doors, curtains, paper towel holders, tablecloths etc.
never leave candles unattended
never allow children to play around lit candles
always extinguish candles before going to sleep
Keep lighters and matches in a safe place and away from children.
Make sure matches are properly snuffed out before throwing away.

Gas stoves & gas lanterns

Before using, make sure anyone who will be in using the stove knows how to operate it. Read the instruction manual.
Never use in enclosed room; always ensure proper ventilation is available
To avoid the build up of gas in a gas stove or lantern always light the match or lighter and hold it to the burner before turning on the valve.
Never allow children to operate a gas stove
Keep all combustible materials such as towels, paper holders, pot holders etc, away from stove when in use
Never leave a lit stove unattended
Propane cylinders used for cooking must be kept outside of building. This includes the small 20-lb cylinders.
Always turn off cylinder after each use.

Grills and Charcoal stoves

Keep lighter fluid away from burning coals, and other open flames
Never use a grill inside the home
Make sure coals are properly snuffed out after each use.

Oil lamps

Refuel oil lamps in a ventilated area and clean up any spills before lighting.
Move the lamp away from the area where it was refueled.
Keep lamps away from any possible moving objects such as curtains, fans etc.

Fire Extinguishers

always ensure that your home has adequate fire extinguishers
learn how to use extinguishers before they are needed

Gasoline

always store gasoline/petrol in proper storage containers, away from flames and outside of the home

Smoke Detectors

Make sure your home is equipped with at least one working smoke detector.

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