After the hurricane’s winds and rain finally stop, new dangers may emerge. Specifically, injuries related to storm cleaning and recovery.
After a major storm like Hurricane Ian, emergency departments often see an increase in the number of storm-related injuries as a result of cleaning up. Her Dr. Brittany Beel, an emergency physician at the Mayo Clinic, has some key tips for staying safe during reconstruction.
“Common injuries after a storm are related to cleanup, from someone falling from a ladder and being injured while clearing debris to someone being injured with a chainsaw while trying to remove a fallen tree.” Biel said. “If you don’t usually do it, don’t do it”
If you do have to start cleanup, it is recommended that you wear goggles or safety glasses to keep debris out of your eyes. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes. And don’t forget bug spray.
Stay away from rising water and floods. Standing water can attract mosquitoes, but all water after a storm can pose potential health risks from bacteria such as E. coli and Shigella.
“You want to stay out of water. Please don’t,” Beer said, noting that contaminated water increases the risk of infection.
Power and water tend to be an issue after a storm, so beer should drink bottled water and use generators and gas grills only in outdoor, well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. I also recommend
— Tribune News Service
