There are plenty of unsung heroes in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, but the story of how those at New York’s least desirable address lent their muscle and might is perhaps among the most compelling.
Thanksgiving Day 2012 Driving back to my home that I left over three weeks ago, I pass trees and familiar landscapes that I have seen a thousand times, and see them today like I have seen them for the first time.
Suggested guidance for Volunteers working in Rockaway:
Indeed, hand washing frequently, not touching their eye, nose our mouth and wearing a dust mask are essential steps out of doors. Working in an area with high level of mold is particularly dangerous and requires a higher level of respiration protection than just a simple dust mask. Also, clothing worn inside a home contaminated with significant mold should be doffed (taken off) outside of their homes and not brought inside unless rolled up, bagged and sealed until they can be placed directly into a washing machine to avoid introducing mold spores into their own homes. Respiration protection should not be removed until thee clothes are doffed and secured. Ideally, those working inside of mold contaminated homes should wear disposable TYVEK outer wear or overalls or something similar, gloves and eye protection that can be doffed outside and put directly into trash bags for disposal. Then they should shower thoroughly.
After days of volunteering across storm-ravaged Brooklyn, Anna Leath found herself standing in a friend’s kitchen in Rockaway. A week had passed since Hurricane Sandy struck, and the basement of the house–home to three generations of her friend’s family–was still flooded with several feet of filthy water.
“She just looked at me and said, ‘I don’t need anything. There are people who need it more than I do,’” Ms. Leath said of her friend. “And you hear that over and over and over again.”
submitted by Gary Vroegindewey - (This information is also available in attachment below - login required to view)
7 Food Safety Steps for Successful Community Meals
Whether preparing food for a family reunion or a community gathering, people who are great cooks at home don't necessarily know how to safely prepare and store large quantities of food for large groups. Food that is mishandled can cause foodborne illness. However, by following some simple steps, volunteer cooks can make the event safe and successful!
1. Plan Ahead — Make sure the location meets your needs.
Be sure you have enough oven, stovetop, refrigerator, freezer, and work space.
Find out if there's a source of clean water. If not, bring water for preparation and cleaning.
Greetings friends, I'm happy to announce that Hunter College will be offering gratis Mold Assessment and Remediation Training shortly (gratis of course). Jolanta and I see a 2 hour session covering these topics (with heavy emphasis on the last 3 items).
1. Biology and Sources of Mold
2. Health Effects
3. Identification (visual and lab)
4. Assessment of hazard
5. Control / cleanup (worker protection and site protection)
Our intent is to provide cleanup crews with vital and correct information regarding entering a home with active mold contamination. The curriculum will follow factual guidelines from the NYC Dept of Health.
Stay tuned and feel free to email me or Jolanta for details.
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