By KENYATTA ESTERS |
Emergency Preparedness Manager, LDH Office of Management and Finance
Did you know that after a storm such as a tropical system has passed, many people are
injured or die from hazards that are not directly associated with the storm?
In a 2016 study,
researchers Dr. Edward N. Rappaport, former acting director of the National
Hurricane Center, and Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard, retired Higher Education Project
Manager at FEMA, analyzed 50 years of tropical cyclones and found that there
were over 1,400 indirect deaths
associated with these storms. These deaths included heart attacks,
electrocutions and car accidents.
Let’s look at some of these “indirect
hazards” of tropical systems and ways that we can prepare for them.
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| Credit: Rappaport and Blanchard (2016) |
Cardiovascular incidents
Rappaport and Blanchard found that heart-related problems
resulted in about 34% of all indirect deaths associated with tropical cyclones.
Both the physical and emotional stress of dealing with a storm’s aftermath may
result in a worsening of symptoms for those with heart disease.
Tips:
- Take breaks during strenuous post-storm activities such as debris removal.
- If possible, work in groups or utilize community resources to assist in post-storm cleanup.
- Ensure that all heart medications are refilled before a storm arrives, and check with your health insurance company to see if extra refills can be authorized before the storm.
- Stay aware of stress levels after the storm. If you are overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety or depression, seek medical care and try to stay connected with friends and family. You can also use resources such as the Disaster Distress Helpline, a crisis counseling and support line for those experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
Vehicular incidents
After a storm has passed, our first instinct can be to get in
our vehicles to tour damage in neighborhoods. This can be a very dangerous
action, as many roadways remain hazardous well after a storm has passed due to
floodwaters and debris. Traffic lights may not function, and street and road
hazard signs may be displaced. These hazards can result in dangerous traffic
accidents.
Tips:
- Always remained sheltered after a storm until authorities tell you it is OK to leave your home.
- When you are allowed to leave your home, always yield the right of way to any emergency vehicles that may approach.
- Stay aware of road conditions through local news and radio stations and through the 511 travel information line.
- Never drive around barriers or through flooded roadways, and be aware of downed trees and power lines.
- If a traffic signal is not operating at an intersection, treat the intersection as an “all-way” stop.
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| Visit 511LA.org or call 511 for travel information in Louisiana. |
Power problems
Power outages can be an inconvenience for some, but may
result in serious medical consequences for others. Many storms have affected Louisiana
in the months of August and September, a period when the state experiences high
and humid temperatures. The lack of cool air can make heat-related illness in
vulnerable populations worse.
Power outages can be especially dangerous for citizens who
use electricity-dependent medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators,
feeding pumps and nebulizers. Injuries from falls can occur due to the lack of
light, and frozen and chilled foods can become contaminated due to lack of
refrigeration. Unsafe generator usage during power outages can lead to deadly
carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tips:
- If you or your loved ones are sensitive to heat or use electricity-dependent medical equipment, be sure to plan for evacuations well in advance of a storm.
- Instead of open flames as light sources, use flashlights and battery-operated lanterns to prevent fires.
- Purchase battery-operated fans to use in homes.
- Stay away from downed power lines that could still be electrically charged.
- Heed any boil water advisories.
- Never use a generator inside your home. The CDC recommends using generators more than 20 feet away from your home, doors and windows.
- To prevent foodborne illnesses, discard refrigerated foods when the power has been off for four or more hours.
With a little preparation and awareness, you will be capable
of keeping yourself and your loved ones safe before, during and after a storm.
Resources
For more information on how to stay safe from both direct
and indirect hazards of tropical systems, visit these links:
- CDC: Be Safe After a Hurricane
- CDC: Preparing for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm
- National Weather Service: After a Hurricane
- National Weather Service: What to Do Before the Tropical Storm or Hurricane
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