COLUMBIA, Md., May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Volunteers returning from the
rebuilding efforts along the Gulf Coast are bringing more home with them
than just the satisfaction of a job well done. Many are experiencing
unexplainable health symptoms ranging from persistent coughs and colds to
antibiotic resistant infections, meningitis or even post traumatic stress
disorder.
The Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration (ASCR), the
association of professional restoration and disaster recovery firms,
applauds these volunteers and has published guidelines to help ensure that
they return to their homes safe and healthy. The guidelines describe the
major physical dangers that may be encountered; address the emotional
aspects of what volunteers may be seeing or feeling (post traumatic stress
disorder); provide practical information for personal hygiene, personal
protective equipment, and tools; and outline basic cleanup procedures for
structures impacted by rain damage, storm surges or floodwaters. The
guidelines are available on the ASCR website at http://www.ascr.org under
the Katrina Resources link or
http://www.ascr.org/referrals/clearinghouse.cfm.
Among the hazards are risks of insect stings, reptile bites,
significant levels of pesticide residues, mold (visible and hidden), unseen
airborne particulates, lack of fresh water and unstable structures. The
psychological shock of working in this environment can lead to post
traumatic stress disorder, so it's imperative that volunteers be properly
debriefed upon their return home.
"ASCR members have been working throughout the Gulf Coast region since
Hurricane Katrina hit last August," said ASCR President Brian Spiegel, CR.
"What they've seen and experienced tells us that the thousands of
volunteers headed to that area to work need as much information as possible
to be properly prepared for what they'll encounter. Our members are used to
working under these conditions and seeing this type of destruction, and
even they are affected by the physical and emotional conditions."
The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR),
located in Columbia, Maryland, is the only international trade association
in the cleaning and restoration industry. Its more than 1,100 national and
international member firms specialize in cleaning, treating, and repairing
damaged buildings and their contents. Three Institutes comprise ASCR: the
Environmental Institute, the Restoration Institute, and the Textile
Institute. More information is available on the ASCR website:
http://www.ascr.org.
SOURCE ASCR International
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Related links:
http://www.ascr.org
CONTACT:
Patricia L. Harman of ASCR International,
Main: +1-443-878-1002, Cell: +1-410-456-3700, pattih@ascr.org
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