Tropical cyclone response

[1] Maritime response activities include checking for submerged obstructions and updating nautical charts for affected port areas; aerial survey missions to assess damages to affected areas to provide information for emergency responders; identification and survey of vessels or containers that may be leaking hazardous materials; and assessment of environmental impacts of contaminants in coastal and estuarine waters, including the health risk of eating fish and shellfish.

[3][5][6] In addition, the use of generators, heaters, or stoves can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if used indoors or close to an open window or air conditioner.

[5] Injuries may also result from entering buildings with compromised structural integrity, noise, unexpected start-up or release of stored energy by machines or equipment, impact to the eyes or face, manual lifting, animal bites, poisonous plants, and sunburn.

Additionally, heat stress is a concern as workers are often exposed to hot and humid temperatures, wear protective clothing and equipment, and have physically difficult tasks.

[5][6] Heat stress may increase the risk of other injuries due to sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, mental confusion, and dizziness.

Photograph of the inside of a cargo jet, containing people in military field uniforms, equipment, and trucks
Personnel and equipment from the National Guard of the United States en route to Hurricane Florence response efforts in 2018
A photograph of two men walking on a flooded street towards a group of men in rafts in the background
Hurricane response involves working in hazardous conditions, including contamination and electrocution hazards from floodwater.