Our beloved “Music City”, Nashville, has become a devastated area, following heavy thunderstorms and flash flooding, which caused the Cumberland River to rise almost 12’ above flood level last weekend.  At least 30 deaths in Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi have been blamed on the recent storms.  The Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Opryland Hotel, and Opry Mills have been inundated with water.  The field of the Tennessee Titans was flooded, as well.  Ironically, this is “National Music Week,” stressing the role music plays in our lives.  Several country music stars lost valuable equipment in storage, as well as damage to their homes.  They, along with entertainers across America, have been performing to raise money to help residents who have lost everything.
Here are some helpful tips for those who are trying to retrieve whatever they can from their flooded property:

• Extreme caution should be used because of possible chemical and electric hazards.

• Wear special chemical protective outerwear and safety goggles

• Also wear rubber or plastic gloves, boots, and other protective clothing to guard from contact with floodwater.

• Be sure tetanus shot is current (within 10 years).

• Hazardous waste and chemical containers may be moved or buried by floodwaters far from their regular storage places, which are risky for those who come in contact with them.  The fire department or police should handle these circumstances.

• Maintain good hygiene during cleanup operations, wash hands with soap and running water as often as possible during the day.

• Do not allow children to play in floodwaters, or with toys that have been in floodwaters.

• Wear eyewear and head protection.  Sunscreen needs to be worn, as well.

• Take precaution from insect and mosquito bites.

• Get medical attention for all animal bites immediately.

It will take time to rebuild the attractions that draw tourists to Nashville and the surrounding area, but with the determination their citizens have shown, it will happen.  We can’t stop the music; it will always be what keeps us all going!

Sources:  OSHA Natural Disaster Recovery: Flood Cleanup
EPA-Homeland Security