Is the aftermath much scarier?
Unexpected danger lurking "after" the typhoon September 21, 13:00
Typhoon No. 14 landed in Kyushu with record-breaking strength and traversed Japan.
It finally disappeared yesterday.
Well, you might think that all that's left to do is clean up, but did you know that there is an unexpected danger lurking in that cleanup?
The typhoon season continues.
By all means, I want you to remember that the typhoon is dangerous even after it has passed.
(Network Press Department Yuki Ishikawa Ayumi Yanagisawa Good Morning Japan Karen Ikeda)
Be careful after
“The 2019 Boso Peninsula Typhoon caused an incomparable number of emergency patients after the typhoon had passed, rather than during the typhoon’s onslaught.
This was tweeted by Jun Shiraishi, director of the emergency department at Kameda General Hospital in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture.
In September 2019, from the experience of examining emergency patients due to Typhoon No. 15, which caused great damage mainly in the Boso Peninsula of Chiba Prefecture, he warns that caution is necessary after the typhoon.
Three years ago, many emergency patients occurred after the typhoon passed, not when it was approaching.
Most of them were not injured by rain, wind or landslides, but were injured while cleaning up.
Dr. Atsushi Shiraishi, Kameda General Hospital
"As far as I remember, the most common people fell from the roof. It seems that they climbed up on the broken roof by themselves and tried to cover the hole from which the rain leaked with a blue sheet. Some people stepped on nails while trying to clean up the rubble, and others were injured by falling objects.I think there were many elderly people.”
In addition, there was a series of transportations that were thought to be caused by power outages caused by typhoons.
"Some people were brought in because of carbon monoxide poisoning because they turned on their own generator indoors due to a power outage. People who spend their time indoors get poisoned by their entire family. Multiple people are taken to the hospital at once. There have been several cases where
What risks are there after a typhoon passes?
I'll try to organize it again.
◎Examples of typhoon damage and the risk of transport and injury ◎
Damage
case
1 The
house was destroyed.
People in their 40s and older may be at risk of developing tetanus because the antibodies to the tetanus vaccine have run
out.Damage
case
2 Water supply, electricity, etc. stopped.
There
are cases where the elderly get sick and fall into a serious situation.
Dr. Shiraishi calls on people to put safety first, such as enlisting the help of people around them and volunteers, or asking specialized contractors, instead of trying to clean up on their own.
Dr. Atsushi Shiraishi, Kameda General Hospital
"If there's one thing I can tell you from those days, it's that if your house breaks down or your electricity, gas, or water supply stops, first calmly move to a safe place such as an evacuation shelter. In addition, I
would
like you not to try to solve it by yourself, but to deal with it in a group with local people. But if it's a group, I think someone has the necessary equipment and knowledge.I think it's better to wait for trained volunteers, contractors, and other professionals to come."
If you still have to clean up... What are the points to be careful about?
I think some people have to clean up their homes by themselves.
So, after a typhoon, what should we pay attention to when starting to clean up damaged houses?
We interviewed Mr. Tobu Maehara, a representative of an NGO who has extensive experience in the field, having been in disaster-stricken areas for more than 10 years to support recovery efforts.
Mr. Maehara was on the way to support the disaster area in Niigata, which was damaged by heavy rain last month, so he responded to an online interview in the car.
First of all, Mr. Maehara said, "Don't rush."
I understand that you want to return your home to the state before the disaster as soon as possible, but there are things you want to confirm.
Disaster NGO Yui Maehara Tobu, Representative
“In the past, we hurriedly proceeded with the cleanup, but when we were asked to hand out the Disaster Lighting Documents later, the height of the inundation was different from what the government had grasped. There were cases where there was no support available.First of all, it is important to take pictures of the damage from various angles, both indoors and outdoors.”
And the most important thing is to wear clothes that prevent injuries.
We also asked Mr. Maehara and other “recovery professionals” about what they wear when they go to support disaster-stricken areas.
Working in this way makes it easier to clean up and prevents unexpected injuries.
▽Long sleeves and long pants that hide the skin
▽Boots (with stainless steel insoles)
▽Helmet
▽Headlights (to open both hands)
▽Gloves with rubber (work gloves get dirty
easily )
Even if you don't have it, you can quickly change your clothes if it gets dirty when working in a place with muddy water.)
Mr. Maehara also told us something surprising, saying, "You can always throw things away."
In tidying up, we tend to pay attention to "disposing of things", but it seems that rushing is prohibited.
Disaster NGO Yui Maehara Tomu
: “Many people feel a sense of loss after a disaster. I keep it as a printed photo, but when it gets wet, many people throw it away.And later, they complain of sadness that the memories of the past are gone.But now, There are volunteer groups that restore photos, and in some cases data from computers can be restored.
Finally, just like Dr. Shiraishi at the beginning, Mr. Maehara also pointed out the importance of "getting help."
Instead of trying to clean up by himself, he emphasized the importance of getting help from people around him and volunteers.
Tsutomu Maehara, Representative of Disaster NGO Yui
: “The important thing is the ability to receive aid, but it is also the ability to ask for help. I've seen a lot.It is very important to work on the restoration work within a reasonable range, and it is important to consult with people who have knowledge and experience.Even if it's a neighbor or relative, it's okay. I want you to give me
Safe handling of electricity, gas, automobiles, etc.
It is necessary to pay attention to the safe handling of electricity, gas, and automobiles after being hit by a typhoon.
Finally, we will introduce each representative site that will be useful at such times.
Click here for how to deal with blackouts and disasters (Kansai Electric Power)
* Leaving the NHK site
Precautions for handling gas appliances in the event of a disaster (Tokyo Gas Network)
* Leaving the NHK site
Precautions for cars during typhoons and heavy rain (Japan Automobile Federation / JAF)
* Leaving the NHK site
Be careful even after the typhoon has passed
The typhoon will come after this.
In addition to being prepared for the typhoon itself, I would like you to remember the dangers that will come "afterward" so that you do not get hurt after the typhoon has passed.
Click here for instructions for those who have suffered flood damage or roof damage
How to clear and clean flooded houses Click here for details [Disaster Islands]