|
Hurricane Recovery and Indoor Air Quality
If you or someone you know has been affected by Hurricane Harvey and subsequent flooding, or if you are in a position to provide guidance or support in the recovery and response, keep in mind these important safety rules to help prevent serious illness and fatality.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning—Do not use portable generators indoors.
One of the most immediate public health threats following any power outage is carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of portable generators. If you use a portable generator, make sure it is outdoors, far from buildings. Do not use portable generators in your house, garage or other indoor location. Do not use them on balconies or porches, or in tents or carports; those places may be outdoors, but they do not have enough air circulation for safe operation of a generator. Also, keep portable generators away from windows to prevent the fumes from entering the home.
Learn more at www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/carbon-monoxides-impact-indoor-air-quality.
Protect yourself—Wear an N-95 mask if you need to enter a moldy home.
 |
Flooded buildings can become moldy quickly. Exposure to mold can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs, even if you are not allergic to mold.
If you enter a home that has been flooded, wear an N-95 respirator mask to protect yourself from mold and other germs. N-95 respirators can be purchased at hardware stores or online.
|
Learn more at www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-after-floods.
|
