APOPKA, Fla. – As the winds die down and the rain subsides, it’s tempting to think the worst is over once a storm has passed. However, the reality is often quite different. According to experts, the dangers after a storm can be just as significant as those during the event itself.
Alan Harris from Seminole County Emergency Management highlighted that the aftermath of a storm can bring about hidden threats.
One such hazard that often goes unnoticed is trees.
“So there’s two different things that could happen. Of course, the wind type of damage where the trees get snapped. We saw a lot of that in the Panhandle during Hurricane Irma. We saw that back in 2004, Hurricane Charley and Francis, the trees were just snapped in two,” Harris explained.
But what about trees left standing in flooded areas? Harris warned, “If the root structure gets soft, we see trees toppled down much, much later.” He adds, “And we have had trees toppled down, you know, a week or two later, but it’s normally again, right around that flooded area.”
Driving through flooded areas also poses significant risks.
“If you can’t see where a road could be washed out, turn around, don’t drown,” he said.
Moreover, walking in floodwaters is strongly discouraged.
“Water is contaminated... it is not safe to be in flooded water,” Harris said.
Aside from the risks of contaminated water, post-storm floods can conceal other dangers, such as power lines and debris.
“Many of the homes that were out here along the St. Johns River were flooded over 50 days, up to 60 days, because of the amount of water from Hurricane Ian,” he said.
In response to these ongoing risks, Seminole County has introduced new tools to enhance its hurricane response capabilities. Tod Zellers, assistant chief of Special Operations at Seminole County Fire Department, explained the utility of high-water rescue vehicles.
“We just purchased these vehicles last year, in an effort to be able to get the people who are trapped by floodwaters... We don’t want to be walking around in that kind of an environment,” Zellers said.
These vehicles offer significant advantages, with 54 inches of water fording capability and space for 28 people along with additional rescue equipment.
Zellers stressed the importance of preparedness during the weeks following a storm, as medical emergencies are still prevalent.
“And during those weeks, you know, we do see medical emergencies, we see people that aren’t able to get here. So we have to get people in and out of these areas in a safe and efficient manner,” Zellers said.
While the immediate danger of a storm may have passed, it’s crucial to remain vigilant in the aftermath, as hidden hazards can persist for weeks or even months.
Stay informed, stay safe and be prepared for the unexpected.
Listen to Talk To Tom in the media player below: