The 5 Safety Hazards in a Disaster Area

A Kentucky Building after a Tornado

The unbelievably active Tornado season we experienced in the US this year has resulted in destructive events that have leveled cities in multiple states. It isn’t until the storm is over that we realize how much devastation it has caused. I’ve been to a lot of these disasters, both as a working emergency manager and as a victim of one, and I am continually amazed by the power of Mother Nature.

In our contemporary dialogue on rebuilding, there is always a rush to “get things back to normal” as quickly as possible. However, what also needs to be considered in that process is safety. To be succinct, disasters areas are highly unsafe places, and extreme caution should be exercised during any cleanup activity.

These are just some of the hazards you should consider as you work or live in a rebuilding disaster zone:

1. Technological Hazards

Of the five I enumerate here, this one is perhaps the most visible. Technological hazards include anything that is man-made that is either damaged or compromised as a result of the disaster. A short list includes: power lines, broken glass, water mains, concrete broken off a building, etc. Just because the storm is over doesn’t mean these are not a continuing hazard.

Power lines, for example, are a major source of concern for several reasons: first, live lines don’t have to have “sparks”, and may not look like the stereotype depicted in movies; second, electricity can be easily conducted through water; third, even if the power is out, that doesn’t mean current isn’t flowing through the lines.

To stay safe:

·  Stay away from down power lines;

·  Watch for chemicals or other hazardous substances;

·  Wear closed toe shoes; (ideally boots)

·  Use common sense;

2. Animals

This is a hazard that I think isn’t taken as seriously by some, because, as a civilization we humans feel a special kinship with animals. My ten-year-old cat (Buster) is sleeping soundly as I type away at this moment, and I would be very upset if anything happened to her, which is why I have taken precautions for her safety if disaster strikes. However, things can happen in a disaster that should give us all cause for caution.

Any unfamiliar animal encountered after a disaster should be considered dangerous. They may seem harmless, but looks can be deceiving. Disasters (particularly weather-related) are incredibly distressing for an animal, and they can quickly revert back into their wild instincts. Even animals known to you to be friendly can bite or scratch in this state, so remain wary. As a long-time volunteer for an disaster animal rescue organization, I received intense training on handling animals like this, and I can tell you that those skills are not intutive or "obvious".

Weather-related disasters can bring an artificial introduction of wild or farm animals into areas domiciled by humans. Hurricane Katrina is perhaps the most dramatic example, with alligators, snakes and various creatures wandering on streets, buildings and homes.  Animal control in New Orleans even experienced a small spike in calls regarding bats that had taken refuge in abandoned buildings and residences.

Regardless, a professional exterminator should inspect the building before being reoccupied by your family or your business. If domesticated animals are discovered, animal control or the appropriate animal agency in your jurisdiction should be contacted.

3. Criminal Activity

Without question, the chaos and confusion of a disaster can be an easy predicator of increased criminal activity. Property and violent crime has a tendency to spike when civil authority is believed to be absent or “too busy” to respond.  If you notice a burglary or some other criminal activity taking place, contact law enforcement.

The immediate temptation in some places is to carry a weapon and confront a suspect directly. This is not wise, as this can lead to violence and bloodshed on both sides. Not only would lives be put at risk, but an incident of this type would only add additional burdens to EMS ambulance and law enforcement agencies trying to handle the disaster.

4. Biological Hazards

An immediate concern after a disaster is availability of food and water. And, unfortunately, after every disaster, I hear stories about people who became ill after consuming food left in damaged homes or businesses. Many believe that most food is “probably fine” when, in fact, it probably isn’t.


The bottom line is this: most food and drink left in a damaged home is inedible and should not be consumed.

First, all items in the fridge and freezer should not be eaten. Second, depending on the container, certain canned foods that remain on the shelf can be consumed later if they are properly cooked. This would depend on a lot of factors that, for reasons of space, cannot be listed here. However, in a future blog, I will discuss this in full detail. However, the general rule is:


When it doubt, throw it out.


It isn’t worth the risk of getting food poisoning like E. coli, Salmonella, or Ciguatera which could result in severe illness or even death. Spending a couple hundred dollars replacing food is better than having to spend time in the hospital or having a severe reaction to food or drinks that are unsafe for consumption.

5. Psychological Hazards  

Psychological hazards have come into greater focus for emergency responders in the last ten years. Last year I was a contributing author on a textbook for Advanced EMTs, and the chapter I wrote on disaster response had a good paragraph or two on psychological issues. And in a future blog I will write about it in more detail, because, unequivocally, that information can cross-apply to anyone returning after a disaster.

Be aware of yourself, and what you can and cannot handle.  

A disaster may bring out horrific, almost apocalyptic scenes of devestation. Homes and livelihoods may be completely destroyed, and people returning to view the destruction may be  emotionally distraught. Therefore, minimize your exposure. There is no reason (rational or otherwise) to “tour the damage” or look for injured victims. Let law enforcement, rescue personnel and EMS handle that. This will help prevent unnecessary distress on yourself and your family.

It is important to do a self-evaluation. Will scenes like this create a psychological hardship on you? Can you handle scenes of dead animals or people, destroyed buildings, distressed neighbors and friends? It’s ok if you can’t. It doesn’t mean you are “weak” or “spineless”. That recognition means you have taken an honest assessment of your psychological profile.

Conclusion

Safety after a disaster is paramount, because there are so many hazards that can be encountered. As a longtime emergency manager, and I can tell you that injuries resulting from these hazards can be deadly. Don’t take unnecessary risks.  Be safe as you proceed; this is the quickest route to Reverse Disaster. 

Patrick Hardy

www.hytropy.com

Twitter: @hytropy

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