If there is a silver lining to infer from the generational transcending destruction from Tropical Storm Helene in western North Carolina, it’s the absence of a coinciding hazardous material incident on the natural disaster bingo card for the region. Cataclysmic chemical incidents invariably follow most natural disasters. Although most storm-stricken residents immediately notice the absence of electricity, internet, and other daily creature comforts, the scope of the damage wrought to other everyday necessities that so often goes unacknowledged is not acutely felt until long after storm clouds have passed with the receding waters. Fuel lines and larger inventories of hydrocarbons, industrial cleaners, fertilizers, household cleaners, and automotive products are particularly vulnerable to exposure during severe weather events. Reliable natural disaster chemical storage from U.S. Hazmat Rentals can protect volatile payloads in the eye of the storm.
Why are Hazardous Materials Prone to Storm Destruction?
Mother Nature doesn’t discriminate on who or what she damages during natural disasters. Hazardous materials are treated like any other inanimate object left unsecured during a storm. Surging storm waters and howling winds can topple, destroy, or degrade exposed objects. While Instagram reels documenting flooding destruction commonly capture footage of vast swaths of debris floating in flooded communities and adjoining tributaries, what might be lurking beneath the deluge’s surface is most terrifying. Flood waters can easily dislodge propane tanks, fuel canisters, paints, cleaners, and hazardous waste receptacles from businesses and homes hit hardest by natural disasters. These chemical drums, totes, or standard containers can become compromised by other debris, allowing dangerous chemicals to leak into the ecosystem. Sparking downed power lines and static charges accumulating with thousands of veritable debris rubbing against each other can inadvertently ignite damaged hazmat containers, resulting in a catastrophic fireball compounding an already dire situation.
Omnipresent Compliant Natural Disaster Chemical Storage
While any quantity of hazardous material should be safeguarded from extreme weather exposure, the most volatile chemicals take precedence over all other classifications. Flammable materials stockpiles exceeding 25 gallons require continuous protection in a chemical storage locker during tranquil or calm weather, with the stakes reaching critical mass during heavy rains and flooding. Our fire-rated chemical storage lockers can provide continuous, around-the-clock protection for various-sized chemical payloads with thick steel paneling and solid steel welds. U.S. Hazmat Rentals’ hazmat units can safeguard chemical stockpiles from top-to-bottom and withstand high wind speeds while remaining virtually impervious to water leaks and other structural breaches. With the benefit of the inherent tonnage weight, our heavy-duty chemical storage lockers are unmovable as they are impregnable. Project managers and business owners can rest assured their dangerous chemical inventories are protected during common natural disasters, including floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation.
