2013 should see a continuation of unpredictable and at times extreme weather conditions. The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, www.nycosh.org, warns that hurricane cleanup and restoration work may have serious risks. Doing the wrong thing can endanger your safety, your health, and possibly your life.
Asphyxiation (death from lack of oxygen) - Do not work in poorly ventilated areas which may be subject to emissions from gasoline-, diesel-, or propane-powered generators, vehicles, or equipment. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur outdoors as well as indoors.
Building collapse or shift - Do not enter a space that has any sign of not being structurally sound (for example, large cracks in the walls). If in doubt, stay out until it can be professionally evaluated.
Debris piles - Where possible, avoid direct contact with unstable surfaces. Use bucket trucks, stable and secure scaffolding, and/or fall protection with secure anchor points.
Electrocution - Assume that all power lines are energized unless you know they have been deenergized and tested. Do not enter any space that still contains flood waters until you are 100% certain that the electricity is off and will remain off.
Explosion - Do not enter any space where there is a natural gas odor. If possible, do not enter any impacted space until you are sure that gas feeds have been shut off and will remain off.