KDHE Issues Health and Safety Tips for Persons Affected by Storms

Tag : Gasoline Powered Tools
The Kansas Department of Health andEnvironment ( KDHE ) is providing health and safety information toprotect residents in the wake of Wednesday evenings storms incentral and northeast Kansas:

Heat-related illness: Follow these steps to minimize the risk ofheat-related illness:

Drink plenty of fluids; especially water. Avoid alcohol andcaffeinated beverages, which dehydrate the body. Drink at least agallon of water a day when spending time outdoors.
When working in the heat, wear sunscreen, sunglasses and loose,light-colored clothing whenever possible. Take frequent breaks tocool off.
Friends, relatives and neighbors of elderly people shouldperiodically visit them during the summer months and take them to acooler environment if needed.
Create airflow in hot indoor work areas, but be cautious when usingportable generators ( see below ).
How to Recognize Heat-related Illness:
Watch for signs such as faintness, dizziness, cramps, headache,chest pain and/or breathing problems. Heat stroke, the most severeform of heat related illness, is considered a medical emergency.Heat stroke is characterized by headache, hot and dry skin,temperature of 103 degrees or higher, rapid and shallow breathing,disorientation and changes in consciousness. The person should becooled quickly with cold, wet sheets or a cool bath and taken tothe nearest medical care facility.

Carbon m onoxide ( CO ) poisoning: Generators and gasoline enginesare often used when there are power outages. CO is a poisonous gasis found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by smallgasoline engines, stoves, and generators. CO cannot be seen orsmelled and can kill in minutes. Tips to avoid CO poisoning:

Never run a generator or any gasoline-powered engine inside abasement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors orwindows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installedand vented. Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially ifwinds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.

Never run a motor vehicle, generator, or any gasoline-poweredengine within 20 feet outside an open window, door, or vent whereexhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
How to Recognize CO Poisoning:
Exposure to CO can cause loss of consciousness and death. The mostcommon symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness,nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who aresleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from COpoisoning before ever having symptoms. If CO poisoning issuspected, seek medical attention right away.

Food Safety: KDHE recommends the following to protect againstpotential foodborne illness due to loss of electrical power thatkeeps foods refrigerated:

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
Refrigerators will keep food cold for about 4-6 hours if unopened.
Refrigerated foods should be kept at 40F or below wheneverpossible.
When Power is Restored:

If an appliance thermometer was kept in the unit, check thetemperature when the power comes back on. If the thermometer reads40F or below, the food is safe and may be kept refrigerated. It issafe to refreeze the food, but the quality and flavor of the foodmay be affected.

If a thermometer has not been kept in the unit, check each packageof food to determine its safety. You cant rely on appearance orodor. If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40F or below,it is safe to refreeze or cook and use.

Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out forno more than 4-6 hours. Keep the door closed as much as possible.

Discard any perishable food ( such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs orleftovers ) that has been above 40F for two hours or more.

Remember: When in doubt, throw it out!
Boil Water Advisory: The City of Chapmans water system sufferedstorm damage Wednesday night, resulting in a loss of pressure inthe system. Once water service is restored, customers shouldobserve the following precautions until further notice:

Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation, oruse bottled water.

Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automaticicemaker.

Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion forat least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoonof unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by lettingthe water run until it clears.
The advisory for Chapman will remain in effect until testing ofwater samples indicates no evidence of contamination and all otherconditions which place the systems at risk of contamination aredeemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. The city and/or KDHE willnotify media when the boil water advisory has been rescinded.

Stream Advisory Issued for Smoky Hill River Below Chapman: KDHE hasissued a stream advisory for the Smoky Hill River in Dickinson andGeary Counties. This stream advisory applies the Smoky Hill Riverfrom Chapman and continues downstream to the confluence of theSmoky Hill River with the Republican River at Junction City.

The public and landowners along the Smoky Hill River are advised toavoid contact and to restrict pets and livestock from contact withthe river until the extent of the impact from the release can bedetermined.

The wastewater treatment plant is not functioning as a result oftornado damage to the electrical system. Raw sewage will continueto flow into the Smoky Hill River until power is restored to thewastewater plant.

KDHE anticipates elevated levels of pathogens in this area of theSmoky Hill River as a result of the release. The stream advisory isin effect until Tuesday, June 17. KDHE will evaluate the need tofurther extend the advisory at that point in time.

General Safety Precautions: Here are some safety precautions thatcould help you avoid injury after a tornado:

If possible, continue to monitor radio and television for emergencyinformation.
Be careful when entering any structure that has been damaged.
Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves when handlingor walking on or near debris.
Be aware of hazards from exposed nails and broken glass.
Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downedlines. Report electrical hazards to law enforcement or the utilitycompany.
Use battery-powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles tolight homes without electrical power. If you use candles, make surethey are in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood, or otherflammable items. Never leave a candle burning when you are out ofthe room or asleep.
Hang up displaced telephone receivers that may have been knockedoff by the tornado, but stay off the telephone, except to report anemergency.
Cooperate fully with public safety officials.
Respond to requests for volunteer assistance by law enforcement,firefighters, emergency management and relief organizations, but donot go into damaged areas unless assistance has been requested.Your presence could hamper relief efforts, and you could endangeryourself.
Inspecting the Damage:

After a tornado, be aware of possible structural, electrical, orgas-leak hazards in your home. Contact your local city or countybuilding inspectors for information on structural safety codes andstandards. They may also offer suggestions on finding a qualifiedcontractor to do work for you.
In general, if you suspect any damage to your home, shut offelectrical power, natural gas, and propane tanks to avoid fire,electrocution, or explosions.
If it is dark when you are inspecting your home, use a flashlightrather than a candle or torch to avoid the risk of fire orexplosion in a damaged home.
If you see frayed wiring or sparks, or if there is an odor ofsomething burning, you should immediately shut off the electricalsystem at the main circuit breaker if you have not done so already.
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve,open all windows, and leave the house immediately. Notify the gascompany, law enforcement or fire department and do not turn on thelights, light matches, smoke, or do anything that could cause aspark. Do not return to your house until you are told it is safe todo so.
Safety During Clean Up:

Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves.
Learn proper safety procedures and operating instructions beforeoperating any gas-powered or electric-powered saws or tools.
Allow safety personnel to oversee the clean up ofcommercial/institutional food and drug supplies, flammable liquids,and other potentially hazardous materials.
Anxiety: Symptoms of anxiety may not appear for weeks or evenmonths after a tornado; they can affect people of any age. Ifanxiety disrupts daily activities for any member of your family,seek professional assistance through a school counselor, communityreligious organization, your physician, or a licensed professional.Counselors are listed under Mental Health Services in the yellowpages of your telephone directory.

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As the states environmental protection and public health agency,KDHE promotes responsible choices to protect the health andenvironment for all Kansans.

Through education, direct services and the assessment of data andtrends, coupled with policy development and enforcement, KDHE willimprove health and quality of life. We prevent illness, injuriesand foster a safe and sustainable environment for the people ofKansas.