LDH Offers Safety Tips for Storm Recovery - KATC

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) urges residents to take precautions and follow post-hurricane guidelines to stay safe in the wake of Hurricane Francine.

They sent us a list of safety tips and useful links.

Here's what they sent:

According to the LDH Office of Vital Records and Statistics, heat-related illnesses and carbon monoxide poisoning are the leading causes of death from severe weather as of 2020. Due to power outages, these dangers are particularly great when temperatures remain high after hurricanes and the use of generators.

The National Weather Service is forecasting sunny skies for the weekend with highs in the upper 80s and heat indicators near 100°F for much of southern Louisiana.

Louisiana has recorded 23 storm-related deaths from heat-related illnesses since 2020: nine after Hurricane Laura, 14 after Hurricane Ida and one after a June 2023 storm in Caddo Parish. Of those deaths, 15 were due to generator-related carbon monoxide poisoning: seven after Hurricane Laura and eight after Hurricane Ida.

LDH has not attributed any storm, heat or carbon monoxide-related deaths to Francine as of 1 p.m. on September 13th.

Cleaning up after a storm can also be dangerous for residents. Falls, snake bites and other cleanup-related injuries, such as cuts from storm debris and power tools, are common after hurricanes.

LDH also urges residents to take food safety precautions following power outages. In general, people should throw away foods such as meat, fish, eggs, milk and leftovers that have been stored in the refrigerator without electricity for more than four hours. Assume that any food or water that has come into contact with floodwaters is contaminated and should not be consumed.

Tips to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones After Hurricane Francine:

heat

• Extreme heat is dangerous. Excessive heat exposure can lead to heat stress and heat-related illnesses. Heat stress and heat-related illnesses occur when the body cannot cool itself sufficiently to maintain a healthy temperature.
• Know what to do if you suffer from heat exhaustion.
• Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include muscle pain or cramps; cold, pale, clammy skin; tiredness or weakness and dizziness; and headaches and fainting.
• Go to a cool place and loosen your clothing, place a cool, wet cloth on your body, or take a cold bath.
• Drink water and seek medical attention if you vomit and/or symptoms last more than an hour.
• Know what to do in case of heat stroke.
• Symptoms of heat stroke may include a high body temperature (45°C or more); hot, red, dry, or moist skin; rapid and strong pulse; headaches and dizziness; nausea and confusion; and unconsciousness (fainting).
• Call 911 immediately: Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
• Go to a cool place and loosen your clothing, place a cool, wet cloth on your body, or take a cold bath.
• To reduce the risk of choking, do not force water into anyone's mouth, especially if the person is not fully conscious.
• Be aware of your risk. The groups at greatest risk for heat-related illness include:
• External employees
• People with heart, lung and/or kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
• pregnant women
• old man
• sportsman
• small children
• Air conditioning is the best protection against heat-related illnesses. Using air conditioning, even for just a few hours a day, reduces the risk of health-related illnesses. If your air conditioner isn't working, go to a public place with electricity, such as a library or mall, or to a local animal shelter to get some relief from the heat.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Don't wait until you're thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.
• Stay in the shadows.
• Limit outdoor activities to the morning and evening hours.
• Consult people who live alone, especially the elderly.
• Check with local authorities for refrigeration locations 211 (statewide) and 311 (Orleans Parish).

Cooling centers

• New Orleans (all locations open until Friday, 9 p.m.)
• Joe W. Brown Park Recreation Center, 5601 Read Blvd.
• Treme Community Recreation Center, 900 N. Villere Street
• Court, 6600 Belgrade Street.
• Rosenwald Recreation Center, 1120 S. Broad St.
• Additional Community Lighthouse locations are listed at www.togethernola.org [dslglkcbb.cc.rs6.net] . Opening hours vary by location.
  

Generator safety

• Improper use of a generator can be fatal. The second leading cause of death from hurricanes was carbon monoxide poisoning due to misuse of generators.
• Place your generator outside. When using a generator, always place it outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from doors, windows and vents. Generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal in high concentrations. Avoid using generators in garages, basements or enclosed spaces.
• Ventilation is essential. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent dangerous levels of carbon monoxide from forming. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from living spaces and direct exhaust fumes away from windows, doors and other openings. Use battery-operated CO detectors in your home to provide additional protection.
• Store and handle fuel safely. Store generator fuel in approved containers in a safe, well-ventilated location away from heat sources or combustible materials. Turn off the generator and allow it to cool before refueling. Avoid spilling fuel and never store excess fuel inside. Generators get hot. Therefore, be careful when touching them until they turn off and cool down.
• Use the correct extension cables. When connecting devices to your generator, always use heavy-duty, grounded extension cords that are rated for outdoor use. Make sure the cables are in good condition and have no frayed or exposed wires. Do not overload the generator by connecting too many devices.
• Avoid electrical risks. To avoid electric shock, keep the generator dry and use it on a dry surface. If you must connect the generator to your home's electrical system, use a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician to prevent electricity from flowing back into the power lines, which can be dangerous to utility workers.
• Don't forget about regular maintenance. Inspect and maintain your generator regularly to ensure safe and efficient operation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding maintenance and service intervals and never attempt to repair or modify the generator yourself unless you are qualified to do so.
• Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and fatigue. If you or others experience these symptoms, get some fresh air immediately and call 911 for emergency medical help.

Cleaning safety

• Always wear sturdy gloves, boots and protective clothing when handling dirt as it may contain sharp objects or hazardous materials.
• First, consider the safety tips when felling fallen trees:
• When using a chainsaw, cut at waist height or below, cut away from the body, and turn the saw off when refueling or carrying more than a few feet.
• Identify work that should be done by professionals, including work that requires climbing.
• Stay away from standing water as it may be contaminated by sewage or chemicals. If you come into contact with flood water, wash yourself thoroughly with soap and clean water.
• Dry and clean any water-damaged areas or materials quickly to prevent mold growth. Ensure adequate ventilation and consider seeking professional help if you have significant mold problems.
• Eliminate all opportunities for moisture intrusion by pinpointing the location where moisture enters your home.
• If you notice areas where mold is beginning to grow, take steps to remove it immediately.
• Wear N95 masks inside the building and when cleaning.
• Throw away items that cannot be washed or disinfected.
• Scrub hard surfaces with soap and water and dry completely.
• Consider having your air ducts professionally cleaned.
• Have a heating and air conditioning professional inspect your HVAC system for mold.
• Beware of Wildlife: Displaced animals may seek refuge in residential areas. Avoid contact with wild animals. If you find injured or distressed wildlife, contact your local animal control or wildlife agency.
• Natural disasters can be overwhelming. Please reach out to local resources for emotional support and care for your mental well-being during this difficult time. Louisiana 988 specialists are available 24/7, it's free and confidential. Simply call or text 988 or visit Louisiana988.org [dslglkcbb.cc.rs6.net] .
• Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date, as it is ideal to get the tetanus shot before you suffer an injury. People with an injury or an injury who have not received a tetanus vaccine in more than five years should receive a tetanus vaccine within 48 hours of the injury.
• In the event of severe trauma such as deep cuts, puncture wounds or injuries caused by rusty objects, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will evaluate the need for a tetanus shot based on the type and severity of the injury and your vaccination history.

Food and water safety

• Avoid eating food damaged by flooding. Do not eat food that has been in contact with flood water or stored in a flooded area. Discard all perishable foods, including vegetables, meat, dairy and eggs, if they have been exposed to flooding.
• Be careful with refrigerated foods. In the event of a power outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep temperatures low. A refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours if it is not opened. Afterwards, throw away any perishable items that have been stored above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours.
• Use safe water sources. If local water supplies are affected during a storm or hurricane, use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes. If bottled water is not available, boil tap water for at least a minute before using it for drinking.
• Avoid using contaminated water. Do not use floodwater for any purpose, including drinking, cooking, or washing utensils. Floodwaters can contain harmful pollutants that can cause serious illness.
• Be aware of the symptoms. If you or someone in your household experiences symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or fever after consuming food or water during or after a thunderstorm, seek immediate medical attention and inform them of the situation.
• Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before handling food, even if you think your hands are clean. Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Mosquitoes

• When outdoors, you should use an EPA-approved mosquito repellent and always follow the product label instructions.
• Apply the repellent to exposed skin and clothing, but do not apply it under clothing or on broken skin.
• If you also use sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and then insect repellent.
• To protect yourself from mosquitoes indoors, make sure windows and doors fit properly and that any fly screens have no holes.

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