The Problem: On October 29, Hurricane Sandy made landfall along the mid-Atlantic Eastern seaboard. Although wind damage was extensive, storm surge and associated flooding created hundreds of thousands of water-damaged structures from Delaware to Connecticut, with severe impact in New York and New Jersey. While many commercial structures and residences have insurance proceeds and other financial resources from which they can draw to repair and rebuild, many homeowners do not have access to such funds.
Some of the risks facing individuals dealing with homes flooded during the hurricane change over time. Contractors and volunteers dealing with the initial response are exposed to safety hazards, such as sharp objects, slips and trips from wet and cluttered conditions, and back injuries from improper lifting. Health concerns stem from exposure to bacteria carried in by floodwater, asbestos in building products, lead in paint, oils, PCBs, pesticides and heavy metals that were churned up during the storm from river and ocean sediments. As the time period from the flooding to the repairs lengthens, mold growth becomes more acute, posing a hazard to the health of occupants and workers.