As more evacuation orders are lifted or downgraded – and evacuees are allowed to return to their homes – authorities are warning returning residents of the potential dangers they may encounter. The El Dorado County Department of Environmental Management has released a list of potential dangers from the fire. -affected areas. This list includes live power lines that could cause serious injury. Evacuees should also be aware of ash, asbestos, heavy metals, oils, fire retardants, pesticides, broken pipes, exposed nails, shattered glass and explosive objects such as as fuel tanks. propane, ammunition and solvents. The agency said returning residents should protect themselves by wearing gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and goggles. Contact with wet ashes may cause chemical burns or skin irritation. They suggest changing clothes and shoes before leaving the decontamination site to avoid following potentially toxic ash into a car or home. Additionally, evacuees should not use a leaf blower, as this could push potentially toxic ash into the air you are in. breathing. When it comes to food, most of the affected areas have lost electricity, and if refrigerated items are left without power for at least four hours, they are considered dangerous. So throw it away. Canned products damaged by heat or water should also be discarded. Regarding water, commercial bottled water should be used for drinking and oral hygiene until the water suppliers give the green light that the water supply is safe. Residents should also remember to flush all lines once the water supplier has determined it to be safe. Find the full list of health and safety precautions for returning residents here.
EL DORADO COUNTY, CA –
As more evacuation orders are lifted or downgraded – and evacuees are allowed to return home – authorities are warning returning residents of the potential dangers they may encounter.
The El Dorado County Environmental Management Department has released a list of potential hazards in areas affected by the fire.
This list includes live power lines, which could cause serious injury.
Evacuees should also be aware of ash, asbestos, heavy metals, oils, fire retardants, pesticides, broken pipes, exposed nails, broken glass and explosive objects such as propane tanks. , ammunition and solvents.
The agency said returning residents should protect themselves by wearing gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and goggles. Contact with wet ashes may cause chemical burns or skin irritation. They suggest changing clothes and shoes before leaving the decontamination site to avoid following potentially toxic ash into a car or home.
Additionally, evacuees should not use a leaf blower, as this could push potentially toxic ash into the air you breathe.
When it comes to food, most of the affected areas have lost electricity, and if refrigerated items are left without power for at least four hours, they are considered dangerous. So throw it away. Cans damaged by heat or water should also be discarded.
Regarding water, commercial bottled water should be used for drinking and oral hygiene until the water suppliers give the green light that the water supply is safe. Residents should also remember to flush all lines once the water supplier has determined it to be safe.
Find the full list of health and safety precautions for returning residents here.