Columbia, MD, May 9, 2006--Volunteers returning from the rebuilding efforts along the Gulf Coast are bringing more home with them than just the satisfaction of a job well done.
Many are experiencing unexplainable health symptoms ranging from persistent coughs and colds to antibiotic resistant infections, meningitis or even post traumatic stress disorder.
The Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration (ASCR), the association of professional restoration and disaster recovery firms, applauds these volunteers and has published guidelines to help ensure that they return to their homes safe and healthy. The guidelines describe the major physical dangers that may be encountered; address the emotional aspects of what volunteers may be seeing or feeling (post traumatic stress disorder); provide practical information for personal hygiene, personal protective equipment, and tools; and outline basic cleanup procedures for structures impacted by rain damage, storm surges or floodwaters. The guidelines are available on the ASCR website at www.ascr.org under the Katrina Resources link or http://www.ascr.org/referrals/clearinghouse.cfm.
Among the hazards are risks of insect stings, reptile bites, significant levels of pesticide residues, mold (visible and hidden), unseen airborne particulates, lack of fresh water and unstable structures. The psychological shock of working in this environment can lead to post traumatic stress disorder, so it’s imperative that volunteers be properly debriefed upon their return home.
“ASCR members have been working throughout the Gulf Coast region since Hurricane Katrina hit last August,” said ASCR president Brian Spiegel, CR. “What they’ve seen and experienced tells us that the thousands of volunteers headed to that area to work need as much information as possible to be properly prepared for what they’ll encounter. Our members are used to working under these conditions and seeing this type of destruction, and even they are affected by the physical and emotional conditions.”
