If you have ever witnessed a storm, you are aware of the mess and disorder it creates. The amount of work that follows storms is overwhelming. Cleaning the debris, getting rid of the standing water, attending to fallen trees and broken windows — there are so many tasks to take off that ‘to-do’ list before your house becomes habitable again.
Most people dislike this clean up process. After all, having to deal with dirty stuff does not sound fun. But cleaning is also a risky job as you could end up hurting yourself in the process. While you may remember putting on your safety glasses and gloves, you will probably leave your feet uncovered — and that is where the broken glass come into play!
Covering your feet is essential while cleaning since you are actually standing on debris that could cause injury to your feet. Here are three precautions you should take before cleaning up after a storm.
Cover your feet
Cleaning barefooted will only cause injuries since you are in the middle of a chaotic place filled with pieces of broken glass, nails and debris you may not notice until it’s too late. The best precaution you can take to avoid cuts and bruises is to cover your feet. Slippers and open-toed sandals aren’t the best choice as they are almost as good as cleaning up barefoot because they do not cover your feet entirely.
The ideal footwear to put on while cleaning up is heavy-duty work boots. Go for the ones with steel toes and insoles, as they provide both safety and optimum comfort. They are made to be used in hazardous environments and completely cover feet, protecting your feet against sharp objects lying on the floor.Watch your steps
Considering the floor you are standing on, you might have to actually take one step forward and three steps back. This stands true, especially if your house is flooded. Floodwaters are murky, and you cannot see what you are stepping on. It can be harder to differentiate between a nail and a twig!
Therefore, walk slowly and mind your steps. In a hurry to make the house spotless, do not get careless. Do not let the overwhelming amount you work cause you to avoid safety. Be patient, walk slowly, and mind your steps.
If you are stepping on unstable surfaces, say a heap of debris, be extra careful. It would be great to have something to hold on to so you don’t lose your balance. Thus, there are more chances of injury. Be vigilant, and you will be safe.
Immediately attend to injuries
“It is just a minor cut. I will deal with this later.” This is the most common phrase we hear when one is cleaning after a storm. When dealing with something as major as a storm, people often forget “minor” cuts. Well, if you leave them untreated, they will escalate into a major problem, a serious health risk.
First, there is the risk of peripheral neuropathy (also called peripheral neuritis). Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve damage. If you experience a sharp burning sensation or numbness on your feet, you might be experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to infections, burns, and falls over time — and that is why it should be treated as quickly as possible.
Neglecting a wound also encourages bacteria, fungi, and viruses to enter your skin, which leads to infection. And infection further leads to sepsis. Sepsis occurs when your body overreacts to infection and releases chemicals into your bloodstream. This can cause organ failure and eventually death. So, never underestimate the severity of your injury. As soon as you get injured, wash your injury with clean water. Follow it by applying topical antibiotics. Top it with a waterproof bandage.
It is only when your feet are protected when cleaning up after a storm that you can provide the best protection for your feet. So, consider these safety measures and make sure your feet are adequately covered before you kick-start a post-storm cleaning process.
More information on how to keep your feet and ankles healthy can be found on the FootDocStore.com blog.