Health and Safety challenges with Hurricane Sandy

It’s been a difficult 2 weeks for all of us in the Northeast. Our hearts go out those of you who have suffered significant losses. This is a time we will long remember both because of the difficulties—the flooding, evacuations, cold weather, and power outages; and also because of the comradeship we continue to find with our brothers, sisters, colleagues, neighbors, friends, and families.

Please remember that hurricane cleanup and restoration work may have serious risks. Doing the wrong thing can endanger your safety, your health, and possibly your life. Here’s a new fact sheet from NYCOSH which provides basic Health and Safety information.

The Watchdog coordinators here at the PSC are rolling up our sleeves and are ready to assist We’ll help you identify emerging problems and work with you as we seek solutions. Please email [email protected] and let us know what you face.

When describing conditions, consider the following:

• Has there been any physical damage to the campus? If so, how extensive?
• Was your campus flooded? What areas? What buildings? What floors?
• Did buildings leak during the storm? Are the interiors now dry?
• Have the flooded areas been cleaned (or are they being cleaned)?
• Do you see evidence of mold (either visual or by odor)?
• Is there significant debris/garbage? Is it being removed?
• Did your campus have an emergency plan to ensure that laboratories remained safe during the closing?
• Can students and faculty get to campus? By public transit? By road?
• Is your campus currently being used as an evacuation center?
• Is your campus holding all normally scheduled classes? If not, why?
• Do all parts of your campus have heat?
• Do all parts of your campus have electricity?
• Does your campus have reliable communications (telephone, internet)?
• Are the bathrooms clean and functional?

Best wishes,

PSC Environmental Health and Safety Coordinators
Jacqueline Elliot
Jean Grassman
Diane Menna