| The recommendations below have been provided by the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help keep you safe when a flooding situation has ocurred in your community and/or home |
- Roads may be closed because they have been damaged and/or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way.
- Listen to the radio about what to do, where to go or places to avoid.
- Emergency workers will assist people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads & out of the way.
- If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded:
- Stay on firm ground. Moving water 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Water may be electrically charged from underground/downed power lines.
- Avoid walking & driving through flooding. Flooding often erodes roads & walkways, which may cause familiar places to change & hides debris.
- Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately & climb to higher ground.
- TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN.
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| Tips for Staying Healthy |
- A flood can cause emotional and physical stress. Follow the tips below to help ensure that you and your loved ones remain healthy as you focus on clean up and repair.
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Rest often and eat well.
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Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list and do jobs one at a time.
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Avoid direct contact with flood or backed-up water when possible. Children & pets should not play in or near, or come in contact with flood water.
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After cleaning up your home, makes sure to do the following before removing your latex gloves:
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Sanitize or dispose of aprons & other clothing worn during clean-up.
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Disinfect rubber foot-wear in a bucket using bleach disinfectant.
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Disinfect buckets and other such materials used in clean-up before storing them.
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Remove latex gloves from the inside-out & wash hands for at least 2 minutes with warm water & a disinfectant soap to assure all skin surfaces are clean of contaminants.
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Discuss your concerns with others and seek help. Contact the Red Cross for information on emotional support
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| Tips to Clean and Repair Your Home |
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Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your community.
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While cleaning up flooded areas, wear protective clothing & gear, such as latex & waterproof, impenetrable rubber boots to prevent exposure to sewage.
- TIP: Contact the Department of Public Health to receive protective rubber gloves.
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Use a disinfectant solution of laundry bleach (5.25% hypochlorite) for clean-up.
- TIP: You can make this solution by mixing 1 part laundry bleach with 9 parts water.
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Place all disposables in a sealed bag for garbage collection & removal.
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Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.
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Hire clean up/repair contractors.
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| American Red Cross |
Contact your local chapter to receive information about resources and assistance that may be available to you:
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VOUCHER PROGRAM:
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Provides a voucher to assist with the purchase of new clothing, groceries, essential medications, bedding, essential furnishings and other items to meet emergency needs.While cleaning up flooded areas, wear protective clothing & gear, such as latex & waterproof, impenetrable rubber boots to prevent exposure to sewage.
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CLEAN-UP KIT:
- Includes a mop, broom, bucket and cleaning supplies
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BOOK - "Repairing Your Flooded Home":
Available at no charge - this reference book offers educational information to ensure post-flood safety and tips to assist with the clean-up and restoration of belongings and personal property, as well as offering guidance and "how to" help when handling the following post-flood situations:
- Enter your home safely
- Protect your home & belongings from further damage
- Record damage to support insurance & assistance requests
- Check for gas & water leaks
- Have service restored
- Clean up appliances, furniture, floors & other belongings
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