From carbon monoxide to critters: Safety advice you should follow as you clean up from Hurricane Milton

Most of us are breathing a collective sigh of relief Friday that we missed the worst Hurricane Milton dished out.

But many will still be cleaning up through the weekend.

You might not know that poisonings are one of the leading causes of death in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Mike McCormick from the Florida Poison Information Center shared some important safety tips as you begin the cleanup process.

Avoiding critters

Despite the tree trimming Hurricane Helene did a few weeks ago, Milton brought down another round of limbs and leaves, which become perfect places for venomous critters displaced by the rains to hide.

So during clean up, you should:

• Wear protective clothing: Closed toed shoes, thick pants, gloves and goggles if needed
• Survey the area before diving in
• Go to the ear if you are bitten by a snake, and call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222
• Remove insect spines and stingers if you’re stung
• Avoid do-it-yourself remedies to treat injuries. Just call Poison Help at 1-800-222-122

Cleaning products

Cleaning products can also create a dangerous situation because mixing bleach with either ammonia or vinegar can form a poisonous gas.

While you’re cleaning, you should:

• Wear gloves
• Follow all instructions
• Ensure you have ventilation
• Store all products up and away and in their original containers

Food safety

For folks who lost power, one of the questions people wonder about is the safety of the food in the refrigerator.

Here’s a good rule of thumb to follow:

• Food can stay safe for up to four hours in a cold refrigerator (keep the door shut!)
• Food in a half-full freezer will last 24 hours, while food in a full freezer will last 48 hours
• Keep food below 40 degrees

Carbon monoxide dangers

Carbon monoxide safety is paramount after a storm.

Anyone still waiting on power should follow these carbon monoxide safety tips:

1. Keep your generator at least 20 feet from your house
2. Don’t bring grills in the house
3. Pull cars out of the garage if you’re using them to charge cellphones
4. Have a CO detector

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include fatigue, headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, confusion or bizarre behavior.

If you believe you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide, get to fresh air.

Call 911 if a person is seizing, unconscious or not breathing; otherwise, call poison control and save the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) in your phone.

You can call for questions or emergencies. All calls are completely free and confidential.