Even if you and your family have escaped injury and death during the storm, there are some not so obvious hazards after a hurricane. You think that just because the winds have died, the sun is shining and the clouds are light and wispy, the worst of the hurricane is gone. Here are Seven challenges to overcome after the storm, starting from the smallest:
Virtually invisible, nigh indestructible and a terror to those whose sinuses easily go into overdrive, pollen can be spread for hundreds of miles by hurricane force winds. If you are lucky the light winds at the leading edge of the storm will take the pollen off the flowers and the heavy rain will wash it from the air into the soil. Even if that does happen, the plant world is not done with you yet . . . . .
Water, water everywhere. And I do mean everywhere. Leaks in ceilings, flooding, rain beaten through the walls by high wind leads to dampness in places you’d never expect. Even places that are not directly subject to water are affected. Combine with the artificial climate of a modern house and you have molds’ paradise. Given that mold can cause long-term health problems and even death, you might want to take it seriously.
3. Creepy crawlies
Hurricanes can easily dump over a foot of rain in a few hours. The things that live outside in the ground need someplace to go. Why not inside with you, where it’s warm and dry -ish. Roaches, millipedes, centipedes, and snakes all need to get away from the water or drown. You don’t mind sharing your house, do you?
4. Fridges
With electricity out, and with a week’s supply of food, the inside of a fridge can come to resemble a portable biohazard. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, they came to be a phenomenon called, Katrina fridges, replete with hand-painted signs warning all passerby not to open. Google it and see for yourself.
5. Restaurants
Just because the power went out, and the food started to spoil doesn’t mean that your nearby restaurant won’t cook it and serve it to you. Almost 18 years ago, I sat down for lunch with some workmates a week after a hurricane at an internationally known red and white striped chicken franchise. The first bite into a thigh let me know, I’d better stop eating or risk a trip to the ER for food poisoning. Your best bet, stick with canned goods.
6. Cars
Vehicles that have been totally submerged or floated for miles in flood waters will show up in the ‘for sale’ column of your local newspaper. Water damage is permanent. Even if the car looks good, the wiring, computer and small motors like the ones in power windows are not waterproof. Ahead, years of trouble for the new (gullible) owner + our old friend mold, is growing in the carpet and seating.
7. People
Disasters, tend to bring out the best in people most of the time. Most of us are more helpful, and more likely to share and communicate. But not everyone buys into the idea of community survival. There is often looting during and after hurricanes, violence can rise if emergency services are not restored quickly enough and people get desperate. False reports on social media can also cause panic which further worsens conditions for survivors.
There you have it. Any surprises? Drop me a line and let me know if I missed anything.
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