Photo Credit NOAA
# 5883
With hurricane conditions forecast along a major stretch of the Atlantic coast this weekend, people need to be aware that many of the dangers from a hurricane come after the storm has passed.
Downed electrical lines, power outages, dangerous debris, flood waters, fallen limbs, weakened and compromised structures, and even displaced wildlife can pose threats in the days and weeks following the storm.
A review, therefore, of some of those threats and how to avoid them:
First, many people may find themselves without electrical power for hours, or possibly even days. In extreme cases, as we saw with Hurricane Katrina in 2005, power may be out much longer.
And when that happens some of the food that people have in their homes can go bad quickly. Particularly during the heat of summer.
The USDA maintains a Food Safety and Inspection website with a great deal of consumer information about how to protect your food supplies during an emergency, and how to tell when to discard food that may no longer be safe to consume.
Yesterday they posted the following news release. Follow the link to read it in its entirety:
USDA Offers Food Safety Tips In Advance of Hurricane Irene
WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 24, 2011 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing recommendations for residents in states that might be affected by Hurricane Irene to minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses in the event of power outages, flooding, and other problems that could be associated with the storm.
"Hurricanes not only pose dangers to people's physical safety, but the resulting power outages and other effects of hurricanes also can affect the safety of the food people may rely upon after hurricanes strike," said FSIS Administrator Al Almanza. "The American public should be aware of things they can do to protect the safety of their food before and after natural events."
Next stop, an audio podcast (5 minutes) and some short food safety videos.
Surviving a Power Outage: Don't Be in the Dark When it Comes to Food Safety (Jun 2, 2010; 4:45) | Script
FSIS Food Safety staff discusses tips on how to be food safe during a power outage.
Food Safety Advice for Power Loss (2:10) | Spanish (3:02)
USDA Food Safety Advice after Power Loss (1:26)
Next we’ve this extensive guide on food safety during and after severe storms and Hurricanes.
A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes
Note: This text-only version of the Guide has been optimized for accessibility. The illustrated PDF version (2.1MB) is recommended for printing.
- Power Outages
- Safety of Food in Containers Exposed to Flood Waters
- Removing Odors from Refrigerators & Freezers
- Refrigerator Foods
- Frozen Food
- Food Safety Contacts for Areas Affected by Severe Storms and Hurricanes
Another concern dealing with power outages is the use of generators, and improvised cooking or heating , which if done improperly can result in (preventable) Carbon Monoxide poisonings.
In Carbon Monoxide: A Stealthy Killer I wrote in depth on the issue, but this brief video from the CDC will provide you with an overview.
Chainsaw accidents also figure prominently after many weather-related disasters. The CDC maintains a chainsaw safety webpage:
Preventing Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal After a Disaster
Be aware of the risk of chain saw injury during tree removal
Each year, approximately 36,000 people are treated in hospital emergency departments for injuries from using chain saws. The potential risk of injury increases after hurricanes and other natural disasters, when chain saws are widely used to remove fallen or partially fallen trees and tree branches.
And finally, from the Boston office of the National Weather Service, these post-hurricane safety tips.
Post Hurricane Safety
Though the hurricane has passed, many dangers still exist. You must be alert at all times and follow the directions from your local officials.
For Those Who Have Evacuated
- Do not return to your home until you have been directed to do so.
- Upon returning, do not turn on any electric or gas service until the safety of these utilities has been confirmed.
- Be sure to check all electronic equipment for water damage before use. If you are uncertain, throw the item away. It is better to be safe than to risk electrocution.
- Try to be patient. Emergency officials will be working hard to return you to your home as quickly, and more importantly safely, as possible.
Tips For Everyone To Follow
- If there has been structural damage to your home, or to trees in your yard, be very careful. Ask for assistance from Fire and Rescue officials before you risk getting injured from fallen debris.
- Test drinking water for potability. Heed any boil water orders from local officials. Wells should be pumped out, and the water tested, before drinking.
- Get bottled water. Have enough on hand to supply 1 gallon of water to each person in your family for drinking and sanitation each day. It is quite possible that local water supplies may be contaminated.
- If power remains disrupted use flashlights. Candles left unattended can start fires.
- Be sure to guard against spoiled food. If the power was disrupted, food in the refrigerator may have spoiled.Freezers will keep food for several days if the doors were left closed after the power went off. Do not refreeze food once it begins to thaw.
- Do not use fresh food exposed to flood waters. Wash canned foods thoroughly before opening.
Beware of Outdoor Hazards
- Watch for loose or dangling power lines. Do not enter flood waters where there may be submerged appliances. Many lives are lost by electrocution.
- Be extra careful when clearing fallen trees and limbs with a chain saw. Power lines could be entangled.
- Do not be a victim of a chain saw accident. When in doubt, leave the work to professionals.
- If you have a generator, be sure to turn the master power switch in your circuit breaker box off prior to turning the generator on. Also, be sure that the generator is outdoors and in a well ventilated area.
Take your time and be extra careful. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance. If there has been damage to your property, contact your insurance agent, but have patience for there will be many others with damage as well.
