The West
Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Heath is
encouraging residents in areas impacted by flooding to use caution and be aware
of the risk of chain saw injury during tree or debris removal.
“If you must
use a chain saw, be sure to wear a hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs, thick
work gloves, chaps, and boots,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, State Health Officer and
Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health. “Always hold the saw at waist
level or below, and make sure that others remain far away.”
Trees entangled in power lines must be
deferred to the local power company. For downed trees across roadways, calls
should be routed through the West Virginia Department of Transportation
highways district offices http://www.transportation.wv.gov/highways/districts/Pages/default.aspx.
“Bent trees or
branches can also be an issue, especially if they have gotten twisted, hung up
on, or caught under another object,” said Gupta. “If the tree or the
branch is suddenly released, it may strike the person cutting it, or a
bystander.”
Individuals
who are injured and cut while using a chain saw should apply direct pressure on
the wound to stop bleeding and get medical help as soon as possible.
More
information on chain saw safety is available at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/chainsaws.asp.