Cleaning Up After A Hurricane? How To Protect Yourself From Waterborne Illnesses
If you're cleaning up after a hurricane, it's time to take safety seriously. There will be many safety hazards that you'll need to be concerned about. Unfortunately, you won't just need to worry about injuries related to clean up operations. You'll also need to be concerned about waterborne illnesses that can run rampant after a disaster. While you're busy cleaning up from the hurricane, make sure you protect yourself, and your family, against waterborne illnesses. Here are four safety tips for you to follow.
Use Bug Repellent
After a hurricane, there will be plenty of stagnant water to attract mosquitoes. Most likely, some – or even all – of those mosquitoes are going to be carrying diseases that cause serious health problems. To make sure you don't get sick from mosquito bites, be sure to use plenty of bug repellent. It's important to note that mosquitoes don't just go after the areas that are exposed. They'll look for ways to get down your shirt, or inside your pant legs. When applying bug repellent, keep that in mind, and use the repellent all over your body, especially when you're going to be in, or near, stagnate water.
Wear Protective Clothing
While you're cleaning up after a hurricane, you'll want to get to work as quickly as you can. Don't cut corners on your safety in an attempt to get to work quicker. Instead, take the time to put your protective clothing on before you start work. Here's a list of protective clothing you should wear when cleaning up after a hurricane.
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Long pants
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Long-sleeved shirt
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Boots
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Safety goggles
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Face mask
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Heavy-duty work gloves.
Drink Water That You Know is Safe
After a severe storm, especially a strong category 4 or 5 hurricane, the water system may be contaminated. To avoid waterborne diseases, only drink water that you know is safe. Bottled water that shows no signs of leaking, or water that has been sterilized are the safest. If you don't have access to clean water, contact a local relief shelter. They can help you acquire safe water to drink.
Know the Warning Signs of Illness
During the cleanup, you're going to be exposed to contaminated water, especially if your home was flooded. While you're cleaning up, it's important that you monitor yourself, and your family, for signs of waterborne illnesses. Some of the symptoms you should watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress and rashes. If you experience any of those symptoms, you need to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
