DEP advisory to residents regarding WTC dust, Oct 2001

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE RE-OCCUPYING COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND RESIDENTS RE-ENTERING THEIR HOMES ft

tPhai steps have buUeBng mvners and managers taken to aanre bftilding safety? Before building owners aud managers allow residents and occupants to return, they have been required by New York Qty to assess and certify the stability and safely of their buildings. Specifically, no building may be re­ occupied unless eadi of the following steps Ims been taken: 1) foe slnicture has been thoroughly assessed for strength ami stability; 2} gas service has been cheti^d and restored, with the help of Con Edison: 3) electrical service is operalixig, and anj' exposed wires or damaged fixtures have been repaired or removed; 4) building water service is operating, roof water tanks have been fluslied and re-fiUod and, if necessary. cleaned; 5) steam service has been cheeked and restored, where appropriate; 6) the building has been assessed for hazardous materials and if any hove been found, they have been removed according to applicable regulations; 7) building mechanical systems have been inspected and cleaned and repaired, a$ necessary, including healing, ventilation and air coudiiionlng systems; 8) foe interior hM been cleared of dust and debris. In addition New York City is lerjuiiing building owners and managers to communicate with building occupants and be available to answer questions regarding building cfiiuhtions. If you have questions about any of the above issues, you should contact your building owner, manager, or superintendent 9tKps ^oitMlUike upon rotuming io wofiplaoe or koatef if you *,ere evacuated from a residence or workplace south of Warren Street, west of Broadway, and north of Exchange Sheet, and have been ajiproved to resume tenancy by your building manager, yon are advised to wear a dust ira^ upon entering thi.^ area to decrease the possibility of dusi inhalation and throat irritation. Outside these boundaries, maslut are not necessary, but may be worn for your own oonifort. If there is dust present indoors, it , should not be necessary to wear this mask if you follow foe cleaning procedures detailed below In a workplace, speak to your supervisor to see if there are special startup and cleaning procedure. In very dusty placre, cIcan-up may be itocessary before equipment can be resUutod Follow foe cireiJng procedures discussed below.

In your home, you should first make sure that conditious are safe. You should enter your home dressed in a long sleeve shirt and pants, and with closed shoes. Upon entry: • Clicck for the smell of gas. IT the apartment smells of gas, leave inmediHlcly and report it to your building manager and to Con Edison. • Cluxl for broken glass and fi.\lurcs Wrap any broken glass in paper and mink it “broken glass '' if huge pieces of glass arc broken, ask your building superintendent for instructions on disposal. • Run hot and cold water from each of the taps for at least two minutes, or until water runs completely clean. « Flush toilets until bowls are refilled. For air pressure systems, you may need to Hush several ihncs. If there arc any problems with llie toilet or plumbing system, call u plumber - do not try to tlx the problem yourself. • Follow the cleaning procedures discussed below. I have heard tiua asbestos vox mleased/roM tiie collapse itfthe ft'orld Trade Center, fnat are tite health of asbestos?

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