For Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: September 14, 2005

Keep Past Experiences in Mind while Dealing with Ophelia

RALEIGH – Officials with the N.C. Division of Public Health say that past hurricanes offer valuable lessons for dealing with Tropical Storm Ophelia.

“Many hurricane deaths are preventable – they involve people going outside when they should have stayed inside,” said State Health Director Dr. Leah Devlin. “And, that’s been the unfortunate case during past hurricanes in North Carolina. Fifty-two North Carolinians died as a result of Hurricane Floyd. An analysis of those deaths by the State Medical Examiner’s Office showed that many of them were the result of driving during and after the storm. Twenty-four people were drowned in their motor vehicles as they attempted to navigate flooded roads, another seven were killed in motor vehicle accidents.”

The current Ophelia forecast calls for heavy rains over eastern North Carolina with totals of 5 to 10 inches (possibility of isolated amounts of up to 15 inches). That means that flooded roads could become a problem.

The Division of Public Health also analyzed injuries in the wake of Hurricane Isabel, which struck North Carolina in 2003. Experts looked at emergency department visits post-Isabel and found that animal bites increased by five times, insect bites by 250 percent, burn-related incidents doubled and falls increased 85 percent. There was also a higher frequency of eye injuries.

“After the storm passes, there are still many opportunities for injury,” said Devlin. “Animals and insects may have been displaced by the storm; they’re more likely to be buzzing about or present in areas where they have not been previously. Apply insect repellant according to label directions and look out for snakes. And, even domestic animals like dogs may be frightened and more likely to bite you. Always be cautious when approaching any animal and stay clear of wild animals.”

Cleanup can also bring problems. “People fall off ladders or they don’t use chain saws properly,” said Devlin. “You need to know what you’re doing and follow proper precautions. If you’ve never operated a chainsaw, now is probably not the time to learn. And, you should never operate power tools of any kind without wearing safety glasses.”

Officials also caution people who are not physically fit from over-exerting themselves. Past storms have also seen an increase in heart attacks.

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