Preparation and Safety for Hurricanes and Other Disasters Brought to you by NPV Training Team
Making A Disaster Supply Kit A disaster supply kit for your home or an evacuation should include items in six basic areas: (1) water, (2) food, (3) first aid supplies and medications, (4) clothing and bedding, (5) tools and emergency supplies, and (6) important family documents. Tips for Making Your Kit Keep loose items in airtight plastic bags. Gather the kit s items in easy-to-carry containers or duffle bags. Put kit within reach of your most often used exit. Check and update your kit and family needs at least once a year.
Carbon Monoxide Dangers Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace. NEVER use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO build-up in the home. ALWAYS locate the unit outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents, and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to come indoors. Follow the instructions that come with your generator. Locate the unit outdoors and away from doors, windows, vents, and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to come indoors.
Carbon Monoxide Dangers Install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer s installation instructions. The CO alarms should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards for CO alarms (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, or CSA 6.19.01). Test your CO alarms frequently and replace dead batteries. Remember that you cannot see or smell CO and portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY.
Flood Waters Pose Health Risks Tropical storms and hurricanes can cause flooding. Although skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, health hazards are a concern when waters become contaminated. Flood waters may contain fecal material, associated bacteria and viruses. Basic hygiene is critical. Wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage. Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters. Do not wade through standing water. If you do, bathe and put on clean clothes as soon as possible.
Flood Waters Pose Health Risks Avoid contact with flood waters if you have open cuts or sores. If you have any open cuts or sores and cannot avoid contact with flood waters, keep them as clean as possible by washing well with soap to control infection.. If there is a backflow of sewage into your house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard absorbent household materials, such as wall coverings, cloth, rugs, and sheetrock. Clean walls and hard-surfaced floors with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Thoroughly disinfect food contact surfaces (counter tops, refrigerators, tables) and areas where small children play. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water. Air dry larger items in the sun and spray them with a disinfectant. Steam clean all carpeting.
Slow or Sluggish Plumbing Conserve water as much as possible; the less water used the less sewage the septic tank must process. Minimize use of your washing machine. Go to a laundromat. Rental of a portable toilet for a temporary period may be another option. Do not have the septic tank pumped. Exceptionally high water tables might crush a septic tank that was pumped dry. If the fundamental problem is high ground water, pumping the tank does nothing to solve that problem. If you cannot use your plumbing without creating a sanitary nuisance, i.e., without sewage being exposed, consider moving to a new location until conditions improve. Do not have the septic tank and drainfield repaired until the ground has dried. Often systems are completely functional when unsaturated conditions return. Any repair must be permitted and inspected by your county health department.
Flooding Moving Flood Water During flooding, the greatest threat comes from moving water. The deeper the moving water, the greater the threat. People should avoid driving in moving water, regardless of the size of their vehicle. Pooling Flood Water Heavy rain causes flood waters to rise and pool on streets and throughout neighborhoods. In these situations, be aware of the following: Road surfaces become obscured, and drivers can unknowingly steer into a deep body of water, such as a canal or pond. Electricity from streetlights and power poles may be active through standing water, causing a deadly shock to anyone coming in contact with it.
Flooding Children playing in contaminated standing water can become sick or be bitten by snakes or floating insects. People coming into contact with floodwaters should thoroughly rinse any exposed body parts with soap and sanitized or disinfected water. Contaminated Water Supply Drinking contaminated water may cause illness. You cannot assume that the water in the hurricane-affected area is safe to drink. Listen to local announcements on safety of the water supply. If your public water system lost pressure, a boil water notice will likely be issued for your area. People in these areas should take precautions to avoid contaminated water, especially individuals with private wells. If your well is in a flooded area, your water may contain disease-causing organisms and may not be safe to drink.
Risks After The Storm Power Outages: Preventing fire hazards Using battery-powered lanterns and flashlights is preferable to using candles. If you must use candles, make sure you put them in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood, or other flammable items. Clearing Standing Water: Preventing mosquito-borne Illness Heavy rains and flooding can lead to an increase in mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are most active at sunrise and sunset. Public health authorities will be working actively to control the spread of any diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
Risks After The Storm To protect against mosquitoes, DOH urges the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts. These should include the 5 D s for prevention: 1, 2) Dusk and Dawn Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood. For many species, this is during the dusk and dawn hours. 3) Dress Wear clothing that covers most of your skin. 4) DEET When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N,Ndiethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options. 5) Drainage Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
Mold In Water-damaged Buildings TO PROTECT AGAINST HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MOLD: Remove standing water from your home or office. Remove wet materials. If mold growth has already occurred, carefully remove or clean the moldy material. Consider using personal protective equipment when cleaning or removing mold gloves, goggles and an N-95 particle respirator (found at most local hardware stores). Check with a health care provider before wearing a respirator. Do not use a respirator if you have heart disease or chronic lung disease such as asthma or emphysema. Individuals with known mold allergies or asthma should not clean or remove moldy materials. Remember to not mix cleaners and disinfectants, as hazardous gases may produce hazardous chemical reactions. Read and follow label instructions carefully. Open windows and doors to provide plenty of fresh air.
Home Clean-up After The Storm Walls, hard-surfaced floors and many other household surfaces must be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to five gallons of water. Thoroughly disinfect surfaces that come in contact with food and children s play areas. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry-clean. Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, must be air dried in the sun and sprayed thoroughly with a disinfectant. Steam-clean all carpeting. Fiberboard, fibrous insulation and disposable filters that have contacted floodwater or sewage should be replaced in your heating and air conditioning system. Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during clean-up.
Safety Tips For Home Repair In Hurricane-damaged Areas If possible, work in pairs or groups. Take short breaks and work during the cooler hours of the day. Wear goggles, heavy gloves and steel-toed boots. Immediately clean all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Cuts beyond minor scratches may require medical attention. Never assume that water-damaged structures are safe; leave immediately if shifting or unusual noises occur. Avoid lifting more than 50 pounds of debris or building materials. Two or more people should move bulky objects. Avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion by wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and drinking a glass of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes.
Safety Tips For Home Repair In Hurricane-damaged Areas Only experienced individuals should use chain saws and specialized equipment. When using chain saws or other heavy equipment, wear earplugs. To prevent electrocution in wet areas, turn power off at the main breaker. Never handle a downed power line. Never bring gasoline- or diesel-powered pumps, generators or pressure washers indoors as they release carbon monoxide a deadly, colorless, odorless gas. Set priorities for clean-up tasks and pace the work over several days or weeks. Avoid exhaustion by taking frequent rest breaks and resuming a normal sleep schedule as soon as possible. Take advantage of disaster relief programs and services in your community.
Proper Sewage Clean Up Procedures How to clean up sewage contaminated items and sewage spills inside your home: Wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and waterproof gloves. Clean walls, hard-surfaced floors, and other household surfaces with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Once cleanup is complete dry out affected items to prevent the growth of mold. Do not mix ammonia cleansers with bleach as toxic vapors will form. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry clean them. Discard Items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, such as mattresses, carpeting, wall coverings and upholstered furniture.
Proper Sewage Clean Up Procedures For spills outside your home: Contact your utility or a registered septic tank contractor for clean up. Minor spills requiring immediate attention may be disinfected with regular garden lime from a garden shop. Follow the lime container s label instructions for personal protective equipment needed. Sprinkle the lime onto the spill so the spill is dusted mostly white on the surface. If the residue is thicker in some places use a rake to mix the lime and the residue. After a day, rake up the thicker residue and place it in a trash bag for disposal with the other trash. Use a sprinkler or hose to water the lime and residue into the soil. Let the area dry in the sun a day before allowing access. If there is still white lime dust visible on the yard, water it in until the white dust is gone.
Hurricane Plan After The Hurricane Clean Up - Phase I Maintenance Duties Walk community with Manager to assess damage Start debris pick up, clear roads Office Duties Gather information on shelters and water/food distribution sites Distribute information to residents Arrange for food for employees Set up resident check-in station Manager Duties Take pictures of damage and report to Home Office
Hurricane Plan After The Hurricane Clean Up - Phase II Maintenance Duties Walk apartments Clean out refrigerators Office Duties Assist with clean-up Maintain a positive attitude and help residents Manager Duties Keep staff morale up! Inform residents of any pertinent information about the community
Discussion Hurricane checklist handout give a copy to all staff
Quiz 1) What are the six basic areas of items when making a disaster supply kit? 2) Where should a generator NEVER be used and why? 3) Is it safe to wade through flood water or standing water? 4) What are the four D s of mosquito protection? 5) What 3 items of personal protective equipment should be used when cleaning or removing mold? 6) Should inexperienced people use chain saws? What PPE should you put on when using a chain saw?
Acknowledgement I understand the intent and contents of this Hurricane Preparedness topic. I understand that I am responsible for following all safety precautions as discussed as they pertain to the property. Employee Signature Print Name