Storm Recovery Remains Hazardous, State Officials Warn

Concord, NH: Cleanup and recovery from Thursday’s destructive tornado and high winds began almost as soon as the storm was over, but officials caution that recovery work is dangerous and affected residents need to protect themselves.

"The storm caused one fatality and only a handful of injuries," said Christopher M. Pope, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. "But cleanup work is dangerous and could lead to more injuries or even deaths than the storm itself."

Pope said cleanup work is taking place among unstable buildings and damaged trees. People are working with power equipment such as chainsaws that are particularly dangerous to inexperienced operators.

"We understand that people want to get cleanup work done, but only experienced sawyers should be handling chainsaws," Pope said. "Anyone cleaning up their property should also take care to avoid exertion while working during hot and humid weather, get sufficient rest and drink plenty of water."

Pope encouraged property owners to contact their insurance agents as soon as possible to file damage claims, and to take photographs of damage and document all expenditures. Property owners should only deal with reputable contractors and be on the alert for scam artists seeking to prey on storm victims.

GETTING HELP

Anyone needing emergency help from police, fire or emergency medical services should call 9-1-1 as usual, but help with a variety of other public inquiry numbers.

• For non-emergency inquiries about storm damage, the Homeland Security and Emergency Management public inquiry line is 1-888-330-6764.
• The state Insurance Department has established a hotline for consumer complaints or questions related to insurance issues. That number is 1-800-852-3416.
• To report hazardous materials, waste or petroleum spills, contact the Department of Environmental Services at 271-3899, Monday through Friday during business hours and through State Police Communications at 271-3636 on weekends and non-business hours.
• Donations to help storm victims should be made through Granite Chapter, American Red Cross, 2 Maitland Street, Concord, NH 03301, or by calling (800) 464-6692 or (603) 225-6697.