Weekend warning for colorado tornado survivors

Windsor, Colorado â€" After a town meeting on Saturday, plans for rebuilding and a warning for residents of homes which were damaged and destroyed by the tornado were issued. The massive tornado destroyed more than 100 homes in Windsor, Colorado. The heavy storm brought with it winds of up to 165 miles per hour, as well as heavy hail, and powerful tornadoes which are thought to have touched down six times in Colorado. The only known fatality is Oscar Michael Manchester, aged 52, who died when the storm struck his camper at a park on the southeast of Windsor. Around 100 residents have been treated for minor injuries. At the Saturday meeting, residents were told that almost 600 homes had been assessed to determine whether it was safe to return to them. Around 340 homes were safe for occupancy, 154 were in need of repair but were safe for occupancy, and 102 were declared unsafe to live in. The American Red Cross is providing short-term housing for people who need accommodation for up to 30 days, while the Department of Local Affairs will assist in providing longer-term accommodation for those who need it. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued a warning to residents about the possibility of dangerous asbestos in homes which were damaged or destroyed by the hurricane. Exposure to asbestos can cause the development of fatal cancers, but the effects of mesothelioma cancer don’t manifest for three to five decades after exposure. Asbestos is a potential problem after a destructive storm due to the presence of the substance in homes built prior to the 1980s. Asbestos was so commonly used in construction materials before the 1980s that most homes built before this time will contain some asbestos in materials such as siding, roofing shingles, or insulation. A storm that damages older homes could potentially release asbestos fibers, making homes unsafe to return to until any damaged asbestos has been cleaned up. According to the Department of Public Health and Environment, residents should be cautious about handling pipe insulation, linoleum flooring, textured ceiling plaster, shingles, drywall, and plaster. The DPHE says any materials which may contain asbestos should be kept isolated from other materials to prevent contamination. In addition, the materials should be thoroughly wetted if they have to be removed or disturbed in any way. Any materials suspected to contain asbestos should not be cut or burned. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)