Media Contact: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu

Be aware of flood-related farm safety hazards

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/6/2009) — Persons working in and cleaning up previously flooded areas will likely be exposed to unique hazards that could lead to serious injury or even death.

Be extremely wary of electrical equipment that has been exposed to flood water or other moisture. Don't turn the power back on until it has been inspected by a qualified electrician. Unless you are certain that the power is off, never enter flooded areas or touch electrical equipment if the ground is wet. NEVER handle a downed power line.

Flood clean-up may involve the use of gasoline or diesel powered pumps, generators, and pressure washers. Because these devices release carbon monoxide, a deadly, colorless, odorless gas, operate all these devices outdoors. NEVER operate the power unit indoors. It is virtually impossible to ensure adequate ventilation.

Farm tractor and equipment operators should be extremely cautious when using towing chains to free or move "stuck" equipment. Hitch only to the drawbar to avoid tipping the tractor over backwards. Never use a nylon rope—several fatalities have occurred in recent years when ropes, clevises, or hooks broke, turning the tow rope into a deadly sling-shot. Use only a long towing chain designed to support the towed load. Check the machine's operator's manual for additional safe towing information.

For more detailed information, check Extension's flood impacts website, www.extension.umn.edu, click on "Floods & Rain." This website connects Minnesotans to the most up-to-date information on flood response, safety and cleanup issues. More information is being added to the site each day.

If you do not have Internet access, you can call Extension’s Flood & Farm Information Line (800) 232-9077, staffed by Extension personnel Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Flood & Farm Information Line is a resource for questions about water, crops, horticulture and climatology issues. Questions at other times of the day and on weekends can be left on voicemail and will be returned during staffed hours. In addition, questions can be e-mailed to the Flood & Farm Information Line at fil@umn.edu, and a written response will be returned. For household and family oriented questions, you may call Extension's AnswerLine at (800) 854-1678. AnswerLine is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

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Source: Katherine Waters, U of M Extension

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URL: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2009/be-aware-of-flood.html This page was updated April 6, 2009 .
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