By
Linda Breazeale MISSISSIPPI
STATE -- After Hurricane Katrina has passed, the deadly
aftermath may be just beginning. Glenn
Hughes, a professor of forestry with Mississippi State
University's Extension Service, said older, historic-type
neighborhoods are often the hardest hit. Those areas
typically have trees that are past their prime and possibly
not as healthy. Hughes,
who is based in Hattiesburg, said each time a major
hurricane hits the state, people learn the importance of
removing at-risk trees before a storm hits. "We
don't always get warnings that heavy rains and strong winds
are coming. Diseased, dying or dead trees are more likely to
fall in high winds and are even more unpredictable (than
healthy trees) when they are sawed," he said. "The results
are usually better if trees are removed on your schedule,
not a storm's." Hughes
also recommends that people replace damaged trees with
longer-lived species. "Species such as water oaks are past
their prime in about 80 years, but they still might not show
signs of disease," he said. "Live oaks are ideal for
hurricane-prone areas, but they do not grow as fast as water
oaks." Many
Mississippians will purchase their first chain saws as a
result of Katrina's winds, and inexperience is one of the
leading causes of tree-removal accidents. Herb
Willcutt, Extension safety specialist, said rushing to clean
up can be a deadly mistake. New chain saw operators should
take the time to review the instructions in the owner's
manual and not assume they intuitively know how to run a
saw. One-on-one instructions from experienced operators also
can be helpful. "Many
chain saw accidents occur when the operators fail to respect
the deadly potential of their saw," Willcutt said.
"Remember, the chain saw is designed to cut wood. The chain
won't have any problem cutting flesh and bone, and it won't
be like nicking yourself with a knife or razor
blade." Even
experienced operators have accidents as a result of the
unpredictability of fallen trees and the potential of
letting their guard down. Everyone should analyze the job
realistically and decide if a more experienced operator
should be called or if exhaustion could be increasing the
danger. No one should work alone. "Sharp
chains make the job easier and safer from a fatigue
standpoint," Willcutt said. "A sharp chain can mean the
difference in a few seconds to cut a limb and much
longer." Willcutt
said people should make sure their saws are in proper
working order, and see that all the safety features are in
place. Follow recommended techniques for starting and
holding the saw. Work from the outside edge of a project and
clean debris from the ground to provide a clear escape route
if needed. Stand firmly on the ground and do not hold the
saw overhead. Keep spectators and assistants far from the
saw and falling or rolling limbs. "Watch
for power lines near trees. Contact the power company or
other tree-removal experts for the riskier jobs," Willcutt
said. "If there is a building nearby at risk from the tree,
use plenty of ropes to prevent it from damaging structures
with an unpredictable fall. That situation also would be a
good time to call professionals." Willcutt
said protective clothing can help reduce injuries from the
saw or from sharp limbs. At a minimum, wear long-sleeved
shirts, long pants, eye protection, ear plugs, gloves and
boots with a good nonslip sole and steel toes. A hard hat
and leg protection such as chaps or cut-resistant pants add
an extra margin of safety to an operator. -30- Released:
Aug. 31, 2005
Forestry,
Wildlife & Fisheries News
Tree damage
brings more deadly risks
Contact: Herb Willcutt, (662) 325-3103 or Glenn Hughes,
(601) 794-0671
Visit: DAFVM
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Last Modified: Friday, 19-Dec-08 10:29:28
URL: http://msucares.com/news/print/fwnews/fw05/050831.html
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