(AGENPARL) – Rome, 12 September 2024
(AGENPARL) – gio 12 settembre 2024 EPA Urges Those Affected by Hurricane Francine to Avoid Indoor Air Dangers, Use Generators Safely
DALLAS, TEXAS (Sept. 12, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reminds communities affected by Hurricane Francine to be aware of potential safety concerns in homes and other buildings. Most importantly, always operate portable generators according to the instructions and always run them outside, far away from buildings. Running a portable generator inside or too close to your home can lead to injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Indoor air quality can be impacted by many conditions that commonly occur following a hurricane. Please be aware of these hazards if your home, school, or business sustains damage from Hurricane Francine. As always, please heed instructions from local authorities on when it is safe to return to an evacuated area, and do not enter a damaged building unless it is safe to do so.
Use portable generators safely
Ensure portable generators are set up outside, away from open doors and windows. Never use a portable generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Avoid contact with building debris
Debris from damaged homes and buildings can contain hazardous substances, especially in older buildings. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials present in the home are disturbed. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children. Disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based paint can result in an elevated concentration of lead dust in the air. When entering a storm-damaged building, at a minimum, wear an N-95 respirator mask, goggles and protective gloves.
Mold can form after floods
Flood water can make the air in your home unhealthy, because when things remain wet for more than two days, they usually get moldy. Inhaling mold can cause adverse health effects, including allergic reactions. Mold also can damage materials in your home. When entering a flood-damaged building, at a minimum, wear an N-95 respirator mask, goggles and protective gloves.
______________________
Environmental Protection Agency, 1201 Elm Street, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75270 United States
**Hurricane Francine: Safety Precautions and Updates**
Table of Contents
Hurricane Francine: Safety Precautions and Updates
Hurricane Francine has made landfall in Louisiana, bringing with it heavy rainfall and flash flooding to communities along the Texas Gulf Coast [[3]]. As the storm continues to move across the region, it’s essential for those affected to take necessary precautions to stay safe.
EPA Urges Caution on Indoor Air Dangers and Generator Safety
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reminding communities affected by Hurricane Francine to be aware of potential safety concerns in homes and buildings [[1]]. One of the primary concerns is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators. The EPA stresses the importance of operating portable generators according to the instructions and always running them outside, far away from buildings. Failure to do so can lead to injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Indoor Air Quality Concerns
Indoor air quality can be severely impacted by conditions commonly occurring after a hurricane. The EPA advises communities to be aware of these hazards if their homes, schools, or businesses sustain damage from Hurricane Francine. It’s crucial to heed instructions from local authorities on when it’s safe to return to an evacuated area and not to enter a damaged building unless it’s safe to do so.
Generator Safety Tips
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s essential to follow these generator safety tips:
Ensure portable generators are set up outside, away from open doors and windows.
Never use a portable generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas.
* Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
Avoiding Contact with Building Debris
Debris from damaged homes and buildings can contain hazardous substances, particularly in older buildings [[1]]. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, which can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. Lead is also a significant concern, as it can produce a range of adverse health effects, especially in young children. When entering a storm-damaged area, it’s crucial to avoid contact with building debris.
Updates from Local Authorities
The City of New Orleans is providing updates on storm preparations and emergency response efforts [[2]]. The city is working to keep residents informed and safe during this critical time.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
As Hurricane Francine continues to move across the region, it’s essential for those affected to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe. By following the advice of local authorities and taking steps to avoid indoor air dangers and contact with hazardous building debris, communities can minimize the risks associated with this powerful storm.
References:
What safety precautions should be taken during and after Hurricane Francine to avoid indoor air quality hazards?
Hurricane Francine: Safety Precautions and Updates
Hurricane Francine has made landfall in Louisiana, bringing with it heavy rainfall and flash flooding to communities along the Texas Gulf Coast [[3]]. As the storm continues to move across the region, it’s essential for those affected to take necessary precautions to stay safe.
EPA Urges Caution on Indoor Air Dangers and Generator Safety
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reminding communities affected by Hurricane Francine to be aware of potential safety concerns in homes and buildings [[1]]. One of the primary concerns is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators. The EPA stresses the importance of operating portable generators according to the instructions and always running them outside, far away from buildings. Failure to do so can lead to injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Indoor Air Quality Concerns
Indoor air quality can be severely impacted by conditions commonly occurring after a hurricane. The EPA advises communities to be aware of these hazards if their homes, schools, or businesses sustain damage from Hurricane Francine. It’s crucial to heed instructions from local authorities on when it’s safe to return to an evacuated area and not to enter a damaged building unless it’s safe to do so.
Generator Safety Tips
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s essential to follow these generator safety tips:
Ensure portable generators are set up outside, away from open doors and windows.
Never use
