Clean Up Safely After a Disaster - General Safety Tips
Get the right safety gear
Hard hats, Goggles, N95 masks (or a respirator with a higher protection level), Heavy work gloves, Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank), Earplugs or protective headphones (if you’re working with noisy equipment), At least two fire extinguishers (each with a UL rating of at least 10A)
If sewage is involved, make sure to wear the following during your cleanup:
Rubber boots, Rubber gloves, Goggles
Use teams to move heavy/bulky objects
Have teams of at least two people work together to move heavy or bulky objects.
Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).
Pace yourself
Cleaning up your home can be a big job. Be sure to take care of yourself.
Take precaution when using a chainsaw
When using a chain saw, always follow manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to wear appropriate protective gear, and be sure that bystanders are a safe distance away.
Avoid contact with power lines, and take extra care in cutting trees or branches that are bent or caught under something else.
Use extreme caution to avoid electrical shock when using an electric chain saw.
Stay safe in hot weather
In hot weather, try to stay cool by staying in air-conditioned buildings, taking breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms, drinking water and nonalcoholic fluids often, and wearing light and loose-fitting clothing.
Mold - Prevent mold growth
Clean up and dry your home quickly after the storm or flood ends- within 24 to 48 hours if possible. Click here for more information about drying out your home.
Clean up mold with a mix of bleach and water
Never use bleach in a closed space. Open windows and doors first. Clean everything with mold on it.
Hygiene & Preventing Diseases
Disinfect toys
Make a cleaning fluid by mixing 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Wash off toys carefully with your cleaner. Throw out toys you can’t clean.
Wash up with soap and water
Wash up with soap and water once you’re done cleaning.
If there is a boil-water advisory in effect:
Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing).
If you have any open cuts or sores that were exposed to floodwater, wash them with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent an infection.
Be careful when entering damaged buildings
Stay away from any damaged buildings or structures until a building inspector or other government authority has had a chance to examine it and certify that it’s safe.
Wait until daylight to return to buildings so it’s easier to see and avoid any hazards- especially if the power is out.
Leave your home or other building if you hear any shifting or strange noises- this could mean it’s about to fall.
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave your house/building and contact emergency authorities right away! Don’t turn on the lights, light matches, smoke, or do anything that can cause a spark. Don’t return to the building until you’re told it’s safe to do so.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Never use generators, pressure washers, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper—or even outside near an open window, door, or vent. Carbon monoxide—an odorless, colorless gas from these sources that can cause sudden illness and death—can build up indoors and poison the people and animals inside.
Be aware of any electrical hazards
If electrical circuits and electrical equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off.
Never turn power on or off or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
Do not connect generators to your home’s electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard and it may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area.
Be careful with dangerous materials
Call the fire department to inspect or remove chemicals, propane tanks, and other dangerous materials.
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