Although Hurricane/Tropical Storm Florence has come and gone, authorities caution that hazards related to the storm persist and deaths are still occurring.
The latest and most controversial fatalities occurred on Tuesday, when a sheriff’s van became submerged in floodwaters and the two people being transported in it – mental health patients – drowned.
Hurricane Florence is no longer a hurricane, but other ferocious storms will likely make an appearance during hurricane season. Among the hazards associated with hurricanes are electrical dangers. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says the following electrical safety tips that can help reduce the risk for injury and damage to homes:
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Florence is a reminder that severe weather can wreak havoc on human, animal and environmental health and welfare.
OSHA is reminding employers and workers that September is National Preparedness Month – a good time to prepare for severe weather emergencies whether or not you live in a hurricane zone. Other parts of the country may experience tornadoes, extreme storms, flooding, wildfires and other acts of nature that threaten safety.
VelocityEHS, the global leader in cloud-based environment, health, safety (EHS) and sustainability solutions, announced today it will provide disaster relief organizations, emergency responders and local businesses affected by Hurricane Florence access to its MSDSonline safety data sheet (SDS) library at no cost.
Although Florence may no longer be a hurricane, the storm still poses plenty of danger for people who are in or will be returning to affected areas. Electrocution, water-borne infections and drowning are among the health risks associated with flooding, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has issued the following safety tips:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is warning drone owners and operators they may face significant fines if they interfere with emergency response operations in the areas affected by Hurricane Florence.
Many aircraft that are conducting life-saving missions and other critical response and recovery efforts are likely to be flying at low altitudes over areas affected by the storm.
OSHA is reminding emergency crews and residents of the Gulf Coast region of Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi faced with debris caused by Tropical Storm Gordon to be aware of hazards they may encounter and take steps to stay safe.
Regardless of where in the world your facilities are located, natural disasters present a potential risk. From tornadoes and hurricanes to massive blizzards and wild fires, countless events happen without warning throughout the year.
Still-raging wildfires in California have already claimed eight lives and destroyed countless homes and other buildings – and they are likely to be followed by more fires, say the experts. Extreme heat and breezy conditions are forecast for the week ahead. That and the bone dry landscape make residents who’ve escaped the worst so far unable to breathe a sigh of relief – yet.
The Communications Workers of America (CWA), Public Citizen and more than 130 other unions, and public health and allied organizations have submitted a petition (PDF) to OSHA demanding a standard to protect workers whose jobs expose them to extreme heat.
