Protecting Your Eyes Before, During, and After a Storm
Make Eye Safety A Part of Your Emergency Plan
When severe weather threatens Hawaii, families naturally focus on securing their homes, stocking emergency supplies, and protecting themselves from wind, rain, and flooding. But there is another important part of storm preparedness that is easy to overlook: protecting your eyes.
Fierce winds, flying debris, broken glass, dust, chemicals, tree branches, and damaged building materials can all create serious eye hazards during and after a storm. Children are especially vulnerable because they may not recognize the danger of playing near debris or helping with cleanup.
“Some of the greatest risks to our eyes can occur after a storm during cleanup, when communities are exposed to dust, dirt, broken glass, flying particles and chemicals,” said Dr. Steven Rhee, of Hawaiian Eye Center. “Parents should make eye protection part of their family’s emergency plan and remind children that storm debris is not something to play around. A few precautions can help prevent an eye injury that could have lasting consequences for your vision.”
Hawaii families can take several simple steps before severe weather arrives:
- Add eye protection to your emergency kit. Keep a pair of properly fitting safety glasses or protective goggles available for adults and older children who may be involved in storm preparation or cleanup.
- Keep prescription eyewear safe. Store an extra pair of prescription glasses in your emergency kit if possible. Losing or damaging glasses during a disaster can make it more difficult to safely navigate an unfamiliar or damaged environment.
- Protect children from storm-preparation activities. Children should stay away from window boarding, power tools, yard equipment and other activities that can send particles or debris into the air.
- Secure outdoor items. Toys, furniture, gardening equipment and other loose objects can become airborne during high winds and potentially cause eye injuries.
- Know where your eye-care provider and emergency facilities are located. Have important phone numbers available in case someone experiences an eye injury.
During the Storm: Stay Away from Windows
One of the simplest ways to protect your eyes during a major storm is to stay indoors and away from windows when conditions become dangerous. High winds can break windows or send objects through them. During severe weather, children should remain in a designated safe area and should never approach windows to watch the storm.
After the Storm: Be Careful During Cleanup
Once the storm has passed, resist the temptation to immediately begin exploring damaged areas.
Storm cleanup can expose families to some of the greatest eye hazards, including broken glass, wood fragments, nails, dust, insulation, metal particles, mold, chemicals and other debris. Prevent Blindness recommends wearing safety glasses with side protection when there is a risk from flying objects and using goggles when chemical splashes are possible.
Parents should:
- Keep children away from damaged buildings and cleanup areas.
- Wear protective eyewear when clearing debris, cutting branches, repairing structures or using power tools.
- Use goggles when there is a possibility of chemical splashes or heavy dust.
- Never allow children to pick up broken glass, nails or other storm debris.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with dirty hands.
- Be particularly careful around generators, fuel, chemicals, and other hazardous materials.
“When in doubt, have an eye injury checked by a medical professional rather than assuming it is minor,” said Dr. Rhee. “Some eye injuries may not look serious initially but can result in permanent vision problems if they are not treated promptly.”
Protect your home. Protect your family. And protect your vision — before, during and after the storm.