Common Hazards of Homeless Encampments

1. Common Hazards ofHomeless Encampments Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

2. Homeless Population • Transients • Squatters • Hobos • Tramps • Vagrants • Bums • Vagabonds "The hobo works and wanders, the tramp dreams and wanders, and the bum drinks and wanders." Dr. Ben L. Reitman • Single Men • Unemployed • Victims of the recession? • Poor / destitute • Suffer from addictions • Alcoholism • Drug abuse • Mental illness • Depression Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

3. Homeless Encampments take a variety of forms Tent cities Groups living under freeway overpasses Seattle I-5 Seattle Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

4. Homeless Encampments take a variety of forms Skid Row Groups sleeping in parks Occupy Tacoma Portland Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

5. Homeless Encampments take a variety of forms Zen Bentwood Chalet Blue Tarp Camper Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

6. Common Hazards Blood-borne Pathogens HIV / AIDS Hepatitis Bio-Hazards Feces Sharps Vector Hazards Rats and mice Hanta Virus Spiders Poisons Drug Labs Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

7. Blood-borne Pathogens • Blood-borne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. • These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). • Needle sticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to blood-borne pathogens. Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

8. Blood-Borne BMPs • Wear disposable gloves and sturdy shoes • Do NOT pick up bundles of debris • Don’t put your hands inside anything • Carefully place syringes in a Sharps Container • If you do get a needle stick; DON’T PANIC! Wrap the needle in a secure package and take it with you to the hospital. Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

9. Bio-Hazards • Feces • Vomit • Food Waste • MRSA Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

10. BIO-Hazard BMPs • Wear disposable gloves • Wear sturdy shoes • Use a shovel to remove anything gross • Put gross things in secure containers • Use Sharps Containers for syringes Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

11. MRSA • MRSA - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type (strain) of staph bacteria that does not respond to some antibiotics that are commonly used to treat staph infections. Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

12. MRSA BMPs • Don’t go inside tents. • Don’t generate dust and avoid breathing dust • Protect your skin, eyes, ears, nose, and throat • Wash with soap! • Wash with soap! • Wash with soap! Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

13. Vector Hazards • Beware of rats and mice nesting in garbage • Avoid breathing dust • Watch for spiders Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

14. Meth Labs Do NOT pick up drug lab materials ! Call your local police or sheriff (non-emergency) Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

15. Homeless Encampment BMPs • Report Homeless Encampments to : • Do not argue with or provoke homeless people; they have nothing to lose and you have nothing to gain. • Wear Personal Protective Equipment when removing camps or debris • Wash your hands and change your clothing before you go home! Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma