Debris can be hazardous.
- It often has sharp or rough edges.
- It can cause falls.
- It may contain hazardous material such as asbestos, lead or fiberglass.
- It may have been contaminated with chemicals or germs by the flood or storm.
Contamination
During a flood, water may flow through the local sewerage system before reaching your property. Floodwater containing contaminated runoff can have elevated levels of fecal coliform and/or chemicals. Floodwaters can also pick up pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, gasoline and other chemicals commonly stored in household storage areas.
Bacteria which cause tetanus or lockjaw may lie dormant in soil. This is why cuts from tools or other objects that have been on the ground are particularly hazardous. Once the dormant forms (spores) of tetanus enter the body, they begin to multiply and form a powerful toxin that affects muscles. The most common symptoms are a stiffness of the neck muscles and painful spasms of the jaw muscles. Other muscle spasms may occur later. Symptoms of tetanus can appear from four days to three weeks after the wound is infected.
Tetanus can be fatal. If you are not immunized against tetanus and receive a scratch, cut or brush burn, consult a physician immediately. An injection of tetanus antitoxin, if given in time, will last long enough to prevent the infection.
Hazardous Materials
Some of the debris on your property, such as roofing, siding or floor tiles, may contain asbestos or be painted with lead-based paint (pre-1978 paint). Airborne asbestos and lead dust are dangerous to inhale or ingest, but they are generally harmless when wet. They should be handled with gloves and carefully collected and bagged while wet. Fiberglass fibers from insulation will irritate skin and lungs after contact or if inhaled.
Burning
In areas where burning is permitted, be particularly careful not to burn asphalt roofing, vinyl siding or any form of treated lumber. The smoke from these materials can cause eye and lung irritation or other problems. Do not burn wood with lead-based paint. The lead fumes are poisonous.
Infestation
Proper cleanup and disposal of debris will reduce the potential for nesting by rodents, snakes and insects. If your debris will not be disposed of quickly, be sure to pile it as far from the home as possible to keep infestations away from your family. Don’t let children play on or around debris.
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