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CNN Live Today
'Daily Dose'
Aired September 19, 2003 - 11:36 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: A lot of people are going back to their homes today to inspect the damage form Isabel. Because there are many hazards a big storm leaves behind, this is when people get hurt the most.
Our medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen is here with timely tips on how to stay safe after the storm.
ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Right, because you might think during the storm is the time when you need to be the most vigilant, and of course you do. But after the storm, there is still are lots of hazards that you need to be aware of.
For example, we were talking earlier about drinking water. People need to keep in contact with local authorities to see what kind of drinking water precautions there need to be.
Now nine out of 10 deaths that are associated with hurricanes are drowning. That's not terribly surprising. Drowning in swiftly moving water. So let's talk about drowning and what people can do to avoid that danger, first. First of all, avoid the ocean. It sounds, obvious, but it's surprising how people disobey that advice. Also, don't enter any kind of moving water, whether it's an ocean or not, and also avoid driving in shallow water. You think you car is strong, but in fact, it can be overtaken by water that's moving quickly.
Let's talk now about downed power lines, which is another danger. If you see a downed power line, notify the utility company. Don't move or repair lines. There's that temptation just to take care of it yourself. Not a good thing to do. Now if a power line false on your car, drive away from the power line, stay in the car, and wait for help. Do not get out. The best thing, of course, is hoping that someone will see you and will come to your aid.
Leon was mentioning dry ice and people trying to keep their food safe. The rule is, if the power has been out, when it doubt, throw it out. If you haven't had power and things are -- even if they're cold in your freezer or refrigerator, when it doubt, throw it out. You don't know what kind of bacteria has gotten in the way there.
KAGAN: Let's get back to the power issue here. People don't have power at their homes. There still are safety issues right at home?
COHEN: That's right, millions of people don't have power because of Isabel, and so there are certain things they need to think about. This one actually is sort of surprising. Don't use candles. You think, oh, well, we don't have power, we'll do it the old-fashioned way. But in fact, candles often cause fires, so don't use them. And if you smell gas, turn off the main valve, leave the house, and notify the utility. So those are some fire dangers you want to be aware of.
KAGAN: And then finally, when a crisis like this comes up, often animals and pets are separated from their owners. What should you know if you see wild animals?
COHEN: Stray animals, animals that -- if it's your own animal, that's one thing, but if you see an animal that you're not familiar with, what you ought to do is stay away. Do not approach that animal. Sometimes even the nicest and calmest of animal under unusual circumstances can get disoriented, and can possibly become violent under strange circumstances. So don't approach them. Also beware of snakes. They end up in the strangest places after a hurricane.
KAGAN: That's a good policy.
COHEN: That's right, they could be anywhere.
And the last one would be secure your food supplies. Make sure that all of your food is airtight, because of the rats and other icky vermin.
KAGAN: And on top of this, we get bad dreams, snakes and rats.
Thank you for that, Elizabeth. Have a good weekend.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired September 19, 2003 - 11:36 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: A lot of people are going back to their homes today to inspect the damage form Isabel. Because there are many hazards a big storm leaves behind, this is when people get hurt the most.
Our medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen is here with timely tips on how to stay safe after the storm.
ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Right, because you might think during the storm is the time when you need to be the most vigilant, and of course you do. But after the storm, there is still are lots of hazards that you need to be aware of.
For example, we were talking earlier about drinking water. People need to keep in contact with local authorities to see what kind of drinking water precautions there need to be.
Now nine out of 10 deaths that are associated with hurricanes are drowning. That's not terribly surprising. Drowning in swiftly moving water. So let's talk about drowning and what people can do to avoid that danger, first. First of all, avoid the ocean. It sounds, obvious, but it's surprising how people disobey that advice. Also, don't enter any kind of moving water, whether it's an ocean or not, and also avoid driving in shallow water. You think you car is strong, but in fact, it can be overtaken by water that's moving quickly.
Let's talk now about downed power lines, which is another danger. If you see a downed power line, notify the utility company. Don't move or repair lines. There's that temptation just to take care of it yourself. Not a good thing to do. Now if a power line false on your car, drive away from the power line, stay in the car, and wait for help. Do not get out. The best thing, of course, is hoping that someone will see you and will come to your aid.
Leon was mentioning dry ice and people trying to keep their food safe. The rule is, if the power has been out, when it doubt, throw it out. If you haven't had power and things are -- even if they're cold in your freezer or refrigerator, when it doubt, throw it out. You don't know what kind of bacteria has gotten in the way there.
KAGAN: Let's get back to the power issue here. People don't have power at their homes. There still are safety issues right at home?
COHEN: That's right, millions of people don't have power because of Isabel, and so there are certain things they need to think about. This one actually is sort of surprising. Don't use candles. You think, oh, well, we don't have power, we'll do it the old-fashioned way. But in fact, candles often cause fires, so don't use them. And if you smell gas, turn off the main valve, leave the house, and notify the utility. So those are some fire dangers you want to be aware of.
KAGAN: And then finally, when a crisis like this comes up, often animals and pets are separated from their owners. What should you know if you see wild animals?
COHEN: Stray animals, animals that -- if it's your own animal, that's one thing, but if you see an animal that you're not familiar with, what you ought to do is stay away. Do not approach that animal. Sometimes even the nicest and calmest of animal under unusual circumstances can get disoriented, and can possibly become violent under strange circumstances. So don't approach them. Also beware of snakes. They end up in the strangest places after a hurricane.
KAGAN: That's a good policy.
COHEN: That's right, they could be anywhere.
And the last one would be secure your food supplies. Make sure that all of your food is airtight, because of the rats and other icky vermin.
KAGAN: And on top of this, we get bad dreams, snakes and rats.
Thank you for that, Elizabeth. Have a good weekend.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
