Source:
Carol Lehtola CJLehtola@ifas.ufl.edu, 352-392-1864 ext. 223

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Hurricane Charley is gone, but danger still lurks in the areas worst hit by the storm, ranging from heat stroke to the mental strain of life in a disaster area.

One guidebook offers expert advice for dealing with almost every danger that can arise in the wake of the storm. Compiled by experts at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, The Disaster Handbook offers detailed and well-researched tips on everything from salvaging personal items to applying for federal financial assistance.

Media professionals and community leaders can find the handbook at http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/, where easy-to-read chapters can be downloaded and printed for distribution to the thousands who still do not have access to the Web. Spanish-language versions of key chapters are also available.

“There’s still a lot left to be done, and the handbook can point people in the right direction,” said Carol Lehtola, an extension safety and health specialist in Gainesville and point person for the UF/IFAS Disaster Information Program.

Despite ongoing efforts to warn people about post-storm dangers, many people are still falling victim to avoidable accidents, say UF/IFAS experts involved in the recovery effort.

“People are getting puncture wounds while trying to clear debris,” said Ralph Mitchell, UF/IFAS extension director for Charlotte County, where the eye of the storm made landfall. “People are climbing onto their houses to do roof repairs, and getting into accidents. They’re using chainsaws and electrical generators without a lot of guidance on how to operate them safely.”

He said many storm victims have become ill after drinking unsanitized tap water in areas where the water is running but not yet clean. And some suffering heat-related illnesses as they try to clean up debris under the hot August sun — with no air-conditioning to go home to. Charley’s victims are also beginning to show signs of the psychological impact of the disaster, Mitchell said.

Here are some of the handbook’s tips for dealing with some of the current issues of concern to hurricane victims:

Chainsaw Safety

• ALWAYS keep both hands on the chain saw handles.
• Cut only on the right side of your body.
• Cut below your head. Never cut over your head.
• Cut with the lower edge of the saw blade whenever possible. Cutting with the tip of the saw is inviting injury.
• Watch out when cutting limbs or branches that are bent: they may snap back at you.
• Let the saw do the work. Don’t try to force the saw.
• Wear protective clothing: hard hat, goggles, safety shoes, gloves and trim-fitting clothes.

Sanitation and drinking water

• Unless you are absolutely certain your home water supply is not contaminated, purify all water before using it for drinking, brushing teeth, food preparation, or dishwashing.
• Boil water for at least 10 minutes to kill any disease-causing bacteria. Add a pinch of salt to each quart of water to improve the taste.

Avoiding heat stress

• If you can, schedule your most strenuous work for the coolest time of day.
• Dress lightly. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain normal temperatures. However, you should dress for safety when using tools or moving heavy debris.
• Eat lightly.
• Drink water. Try to get plenty of fluids, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
• Do not take salt tablet without a doctor’s permission.
• Some medications increase sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet rays. If you can, ask your doctor about the effects of any medications you’re now taking.
• Even when you can’t avoid the heat, try to shield yourself from sunburn. A case of sunburn makes it harder for your body to reduce its temperature.

Coping with psychological stress

• Let people give you a hand. The additional help can make a critical difference between coping and suffering.
• Take care of your physical and emotional needs. See that you and your family members get a balanced diet to fuel your energy. Try to get enough sleep. Fatigue slows you down and makes you more prone to accidents and injury. Talk with others about your feelings and listen to theirs.
• Be patient with one another. Realize that when we suffer losses, it is natural to express disbelief, anger, sadness, anxiety and depression afterwards. Emotions and moods can rollercoaster.
• Don’t overlook the feelings of children as you deal with the disaster. They need to feel they can count on you for additional love and support.
• Refocus on the big picture, instead of little details and problems. Don’t expect things to be instantly restored.
• Remember that a support network is essential. In addition to family members and friends, you may wish to speak with clergy members or professional counselors. In some cases, you may need to refer a family member or friend.
• Show by words and actions that you care. A friendly arm around troubled shoulders or a few words of support can help tremendously. Offer specific types of help or ask how you can help.

This is just a sample of what the handbook has to offer people seeking a quick reference to information to guide their efforts toward recovery from the storm. Other chapters offer advice on roof repair, dealing with creditors, finding contractors for home repairs, tax deductions for property damage, and more.

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