Electrical Hazards
If water has been present anywhere near electrical circuits and electrical equipment, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician. Never enter flooded areas or touch electrical equipment if the ground is wet, unless you are certain that the power is off. Never handle a downed power line!

When using gasoline and diesel generators to supply power to a building, switch the main breaker or fuse on the service panel to the "off" position prior to starting the generator. This will prevent inadvertent energization of power lines from backfeed electrical energy from the generators, and help to protect utility line workers from possible electrocution.

If clearing or other work must be performed near a downed power line, contact the utility company to discuss de-energizing and grounding or shielding of power lines. Extreme caution is necessary when moving ladders and other equipment near overhead power lines to avoid inadvertent contact.

Carbon Monoxide
Flood cleanup activities may involve the use of gasoline or diesel powered pumps, generators and power washers. Because these devices release carbon monoxide (a deadly, colorless and odorless gas) operate all gasoline and diesel powered devices outdoors and never bring them indoors.

Cold
Standing or working in water which cooler than 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) will remove body heat quicker than it can be replaced, resulting in hypothermia. To reduce the risk of hypothermia, wear high rubber boots. Ensure that clothing and boots have adequate insulation. Avoid working alone. Take frequent breaks out of the water and change into dry clothes when possible.

Hazardous Materials
Flood waters can dislodge tanks, drums, pipes and equipment which may contain hazardous materials such as pesticides or propane. Do not attempt to move unidentified dislodged containers without first contacting the local fire department or hazardous material team. If working in potentially contaminated areas, avoid skin contact and inhalation of vapors by wearing protective clothing and respirators. Frequent and through washing of exposed skin areas may reduced exposure to pesticides and other hazardous chemicals.

Fire
Fire can pose a major threat to an already badly damaged flood area for several reasons: in operative fire protection systems, hampered fire department response, inoperable firefighting water supplies and flood-damaged fire protection systems. Workers and employers must take extra precautions. At least two fire extinguishers with a U.L. rating of at least 10A should be provided for each cleanup site.

Drowning
When entering moving water, you are at risk for drowning, regardless of your ability to swim. Because those in vehicles are at greatest risk from drowning, it is important to comply with all hazard warnings on roadways and to avoid driving vehicles or heavy equipment into water of unknown depth. Avoid working alone and wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when working in or near flood waters.

First Aid
First aid, even for minor cuts and burns, is extremely important when exposed to waters potentially contaminated with human, animal and toxic wastes exists. Immediately clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Most cuts, except min scratches, inflicted during flood cleanup activities will warrant treatment to prevent tetanus. If you are injured, contact a physician to determine what kind of treatment you may need.

Working On or Near Power Lines
Several workers have died of electrocution following natural disasters. Workers and employers must take extra caution while attempting to restore power or clean area near downed power lines. In one instance, a worker lost his life following a hurricane after removing trees from a de-energized power line that had been knocked down by the storm. While inspecting the completed work the man stepped on the line and was electrocuted by "feedback" energy from a portable generator at a nearby gas station. Feedback energy occurs when a de-energized lines becomes energized by a secondary power source.

A year later another worker died cleaning branches from a power line, following a tropical storm. He was electrocuted after falling from a tree onto a line thought to be de-energized. Although workers had opened a fused switch on a transformer, the line remained energized through another transformer.

Treat all power lines as energized until you have followed the required procedures for personally de-energizing and testing with with an appropriate testing device. Do not rely on "fuzzing" to determine of a power line has been de-energized.

Verify that a line is not energized may not ensure your safety. You must also ground lines on both the load and supply sides of the work area. Grounding is necessary to protect you from the hazards of feedback electrical energy from a secondary power course, such as a portable generator.

When restoring power to underground vaults, additional precautions are necessary to avoid explosion hazards. As vaults containing electrical connections are drained or pumped out and subsequently energized, potentially explosive gases may form.

Confined Spaces on Farms
Molding or fermenting agricultural materials in confined spaces may generate large amounts of toxic gases which could cause lung damage or death if inhaled. Turn on fans or blowers in silos and other storage areas at least 30 minutes before entering and leave them on while working. Never open an oxygen-limiting silo if heating is suspected. Never enter these areas alone and use a full body safety harness.

Respiratory Hazards
Wet hay, grain, silage, compost and other organic agricultural materials often grow large amounts of bacteria and mold during warm summer weather. Breathing these organisms and the organic dust produced may cause lung damage. Use proper engineering controls, including adequate fresh air ventilation. When exposure to organic dust can not be avoided, use NIOSH-certified air-purifying respirators with high efficiency particulate (HEP) filters to reduce the risk.

Stored Hay
Wet hay will mold very quickly. The biological processes involved in the formation of bacteria and mold can cause the hay to undergo spontaneous combustion. Monitor wet hay for odors, hot and damp areas, and rising vapors. If you detect these hazards, remove the wet hay from the building.