THE HIDDEN HAZARDS IN DISASTER CLEANUP

There are visible, obvious hazards present after a disaster, but there are also hazards you cannot see. These “invisible” hazards may be much more dangerous than the visible ones. After all, it is easy to avoid downed power lines or stay out of deep water, but it is not as easy to see the dangers presented by microbes and mold.

The Centers for Disease Control have published a set of useful guidelines for individuals who are facing a cleanup after a disaster. The best solution is to call an expert like J&M Keystone to help clean up, particularly in industrial or commercial buildings; however, business and home owners can also follow these guidelines to ensure safety for everyone involved in the cleanup.

• Stay out of buildings until they have been examined by experts. There can be significant structural damage to a building that does not look as if it has sustained loss, so do not judge only by appearances.
• If you smell gas or hear any noises such as creaks or groans that could indicate structural shifting, leave immediately. Never strike a match or light a lantern unless you are certain there is no gas in the vicinity.
• Do not allow children or pets into an area until it has been professionally cleaned.
• Keep at least two fire extinguishers available at all times during a cleanup.
• While cleaning, be sure to wear safety equipment. Sturdy boots, hard hats and safety goggles can prevent a great deal of injury.
• Never try to move bulky equipment or furniture without help. Always work in pairs during a cleanup in case there is an emergency.
• Guard against heat stroke by drinking water frequently and stopping work periodically to rest.
• Never use any type of gasoline-fueled equipment such as a pressure washer inside your home. Carbon monoxide can build up and cause illness or death.
• Items that cannot be washed or sanitized should be discarded as soon as possible to avoid mold buildup.
• Do not enter standing water to turn off the electric main. If you can reach the main without entering any water, turn it off before starting any cleanup. Otherwise, call an electrician to turn off the power. This must be done even if your power is out at the time of the cleanup, as it can come back on suddenly.

Contact J&M Keystone for more information on your cleanup needs after a fire, flood or other disaster.