Ponca Health Services would like to urge all members, clients, and the public to exercise caution in the aftermath of yesterday’s tornadoes, and offers these safety tips as we begin the recovery process.
If you are injured, or find someone who is injured:
- Do not attempt to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Get medical assistance immediately.
- If someone has stopped breathing, begin CPR if you are trained to do so.
- Stop a bleeding injury by applying direct pressure to the wound.
- Clean open wounds and cuts with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Contact a physician to determine whether more treatment is needed (such as a tetanus shot).
- Have any puncture wounds evaluated by a physician.
Be aware of hazards around you caused by storm damage:
- Carefully check your home’s walls, floors, doors, windows, and staircases for damage. If you see structural damage, like cracks in the foundation or missing support beams, you may need to relocate to a shelter or another safe location.
- Check gas, electrical, and water lines for damage. If you smell gas or see a broken line, shut off the main valve from the outside.
- Only use matches, lighters, appliances, or light switches once you know there are not gas leaks. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite gas, causing an explosion.
- Watch out for and stay away downed power lines.
- Do not enter any damaged building until local authorities confirm it is safe.
Exercise caution when participating in clean-up and recovery activities:
- Wear long sleeves, gloves, closed-toe shoes, and eye protection when handling debris.
- Operate and adjust chainsaws according to manufacturer instructions.
- Check the area where you are working for potential hazards before starting.
- Maintain an awareness of current weather conditions and how those might impact your activities.
In the interest of everyone’s safety, we ask that our members, clients, and the community cooperate with the public safety officials who are assisting in recovery efforts, and respect their direction to avoid damaged and unsafe areas.