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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
BACK TO
http://www.disastersiteworker.com
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.
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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.
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Keep
listening to the radio for news about what to do, where to
go, or places to avoid.
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Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas.
You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the
way.
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If
you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded --
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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.
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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
Cleaning Up and Repairing 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. That way, you can decide
when your home is dry enough to turn it back on.
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Get
a copy of the book Repairing Your
Flooded Home. It will tell you:
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How to enter your home safely.
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How to protect your home and belongings from further
damage.
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How to record damage to support insurance claims and
requests for assistance.
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How to check for gas or water leaks and how to have
service restored.
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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
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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.
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The
Red Cross can provide you with a cleanup kit: mop, broom,
bucket, and cleaning supplies.
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Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.
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Listen to your radio for information on assistance that may
be provided by the state or federal government or other
organizations.
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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
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Stay tuned to
local radio for information.
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Help injured or
trapped persons.
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Give first aid
where appropriate.
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Do not move
seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of
further injury. Call for help.
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Return home only
after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
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Avoid loose or
dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power
company, police, or fire department.
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Enter your home
with caution. Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to
higher ground by flood water.
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Open windows and
doors to ventilate and dry your home.
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Check
refrigerated foods for spoilage.
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Take pictures of
the damage, both to the house and its contents for insurance
claims.
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Drive only if
absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out
bridges.
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Use telephone
only for emergency calls.
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INSPECTING
UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME
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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.
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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.
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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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