Many South Mississippi residents purchased their first chain saws as the storm approached, but the risks abound for experienced operators as well.
Accidents happen when people let their guard down.
Remember, the chain saw is designed to cut wood. The chain won't have any problem cutting flesh and bone, and it won't be like nicking yourself with a knife or razor blade. Grace said the aftermath of a natural disaster often brings major injuries and deaths to both professional and amateur chain saw users. For example, in the first week after Hurricane Hugo when through South Carolina, two people were killed with chain saws in the cleanup efforts, she said. The federal government wrote guidelines for professionals, and every rule is written in blood.