1. Common Hazards of Homeless 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 citiesGroups living under freeway overpasses I-5 Seattle Seattle Courtesy of Chris Ott, City of Tacoma

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

5. Homeless Encampments take a variety of forms Blue Tarp Camper Zen Bentwood Chalet 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! 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