If you have an emergency call your police / fire department most jurisdictions are 911.  Even if they can't get to you immediately they best be alerted in case you have an emergency that is life threatening or serious.  

FEMA FEDERAL GOVERMENT  http://www.fema.gov/hazard/index.shtm

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Your home has been flooded. Although floodwaters may be down in some areas, many dangers still exist.. Here are some things to remember in the days ahead.

  • Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged 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.

     

  • Keep listening to the radio for news about what to do, where to go, or places to avoid.

     

  • Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.

     

  • If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded --

     

    • Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
       

    • Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.

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  • Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground.

Staying Healthy

  • A flood can cause emotional and physical stress. You need to look after yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.

     

    • Rest often and eat well.

       

    • Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list and do jobs one at a time.

       

    • Discuss your concerns with others and seek help. Contact Red Cross for information on emotional support available in your area.

Cleaning Up and Repairing Your Home

  • Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your community. That way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn it back on.

     

  • Get a copy of the book Repairing Your Flooded Home. It will tell you:

     

    • How to enter your home safely.

       

    • How to protect your home and belongings from further damage.

       

    • How to record damage to support insurance claims and requests for assistance.

       

    • How to check for gas or water leaks and how to have service restored.

       

    • How to clean up appliances, furniture, floors and other belongs.

       

    Repairing Your Flooded Home is available free from the American Red Cross or your state or local emergency manager.

Getting Help

  • The American Red Cross can help you by providing you with a voucher to purchase new clothing, groceries, essential medications, bedding, essential furnishings, and other items to meet emergency needs. Listen to the radio to find out where to go for assistance, or look up American Red Cross in the phone book and call.

     

  • The Red Cross can provide you with a cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and cleaning supplies.

     

  • Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.

     

  • Listen to your radio for information on assistance that may be provided by the state or federal government or other organizations.

     

  • If you hire cleanup or repair contractors, be sure they are qualified to do the job. Be wary of people who drive through neighborhoods offering help in cleaning up or repairing your home. Check references.

AFTER THE STORM: Wind & Flood - Rebuilding Techniques

  • Stay tuned to local radio for information.

     

  • Help injured or trapped persons.

     

  • Give first aid where appropriate.

     

  • Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

     

  • Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.

     

  • Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police, or fire department.

     

  • Enter your home with caution. Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.

     

  • Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.

     

  • Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.

     

  • Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents for insurance claims.

     

  • Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.

     

  • Use telephone only for emergency calls.

     

  • INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME

     

    • Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

       

    • Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

       

    • Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

 

If you have an emergency call your police / fire department most jurisdictions are 911.  Even if they can't get to you immediately they best be alerted in case you have an emergency that is life threatening or serious. 

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