![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090122115024im_/http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/images/line.jpg)
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Hazards
may still exist after firefighters leave the scene of a farm
fire. Contaminated water runoff and hazardous debris are two
of the most common challenges for farmers during clean-up
efforts. With a little foresight, you can avoid injury to
yourself, your family and your livestock. You also can streamline
clean-up and rebuilding.
- Contaminated
water runoff. When water used in firefighting mixes
with pesticides, fuels or other hazardous materials, the
result is a harmful runoff. It poses an immediate threat
to groundwater (including your wells), surface water, humans,
animals and the environment. By law, appropriate steps must
be taken for containment and clean-up.
a)
Notify authorities. If hazardous materials
have been released in the course of firefighting, local
and state authorities must be notified and consulted for
legal clean-up methods. Immediately contact your Local
Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), as well as the Wisconsin
Division of Emergency Government Spill Hotline at (800)
943-0003.
b)
Containment. In some cases, the fire department
may help build dikes or ditches to help contain water
runoff until local emergency response teams (hazardous
materials specialists) arrive. In other cases, emergency
response teams will be called in to contain and clean
up the spill. If a spill is very small, officials may
request that you clean up the spill and dispose of waste
at the next Agricultural Clean Sweep event. In either
case, try to direct hazardous runoff away from porous
(sand or gravel) soils to avoid groundwater contamination.
c)
Take safety precautions. Wear protective
gear if you must enter a contaminated area, such as a
flooded pesticide storage room. Keep livestock away from
contaminated waters. Place warning signs on contaminated
areas and/or fence them off so that livestock, children
or others aren't accidentally exposed.
- Building
debris. Before beginning clean-up, take photographs
or make a videotape of damage. This will be helpful for
insurance records and/or income tax loss deductions. Also,
have an insurance adjuster inspect the premises. Based on
insurance reimbursement and advice from a building inspector
or contractor, make decisions about whether to rebuild or
restore existing facilities (See the fact sheet, "Salvaging
Buildings After a Fire.") Some clean-up suggestions:
/UL>
a) Turn off the power to damaged buildings.
Normally, power is shut off during firefighting. Nevertheless,
be absolutely sure you are not dealing with live wires.
b) Wear protective gear and use caution. Falling
debris, exposed nails, glass, contaminants and sharp edges
all pose hazards during clean-up. Wear steel-toed boots,
a hard hat, gloves and other protective gear when necessary.
c) Ask about local and state requirements for refuse
disposal, including any special requirements for livestock
killed by fire.
d) Hire a professional contractor for demolition.
A professional is your best bet for safe, efficient clean-up.
- Farm
equipment and vehicles. Contact your insurance
agent to ascertain coverage and decide whether restoration
is feasible. Even if vehicles were not burned, heat can
damage rubber, plastic, glass and paint. If farm vehicles
and field equipment have sustained only minor to moderate
smoke damage, specialty cleaning companies can provide
steam cleaning. Smoke cannot get into sealed engines,
so reconditioning usually is not a concern. For milking
equipment, contact the manufacturer about clean-up and
testing service.
Your county agricultural agent, your insurance agent
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090122115024im_/http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/images/line.jpg)
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
|