Facility Management Market Expected to Grow by $ 660 Billion | Cleaning and maintenance management

Hurricane Ida also hit Louisiana yesterday, causing flash floods as well as falling trees and power lines. Category 4 Hurricane Ida came on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which caused more than 1,800 deaths and $ 125 billion in damage in late August 2005.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers advice on three of the top risks for residents and workers in hurricane-hit areas: avoiding flooding, avoiding electrical hazards, and avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning.

The CDC reminds motorists not to drive in flooded areas as their vehicle can be swept away or get stuck in running water. In general, stay away from floods as they contain many elements that can be dangerous to your health, such as fallen power lines, human and animal waste, hazardous medical and industrial waste, and wild or stray animals such as rodents and snakes.

Contaminated floods can lead to wound infections, rashes, gastrointestinal disorders and tetanus. If you have to enter floodwater, wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and eye protection. If you are exposed to flooding without wearing this personal protective equipment:

• Wash the area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. If you don't have soap or water, use wipes or an alcohol-based hand cream.
• Treat wounds and see a doctor if necessary.
• Wash clothing contaminated by flood or sewer in hot water and detergent before reuse.

After a hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster, you need to be careful both in your work place and at home to avoid electrical hazards . Turn off power and natural gas or propane tanks to avoid fire, electric shock, or explosion.

Never touch a fallen power line. Call the utility company to report the failed power lines. Avoid contact with overhead lines during cleaning and other activities.

Since many companies turn to generator sets in the event of a power outage after a hurricane, here are tips to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:

• Check or change the batteries in your CO alarm every six months.
• Have a qualified technician inspect your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal appliances every year.
• Keep ventilation slots and ducts free from dirt. Deposits can block ventilation slots.
• Never operate a generator within 6 m of an open window, door, or opening where exhaust gases can escape into a confined space.
• Never operate a generator in a basement, garage or other closed building, even with the doors or windows open.
• If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911 or a doctor immediately.

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