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FLOOD
BEFORE THE FLOOD
1. Have an adequate supply of protection materials on hand-such things as sandbags. (available from the public works department). Plastic sheeting and lumber. (Remember that sandbags should not be stacked directly against the outer walls of a dwelling since, when wet, they can create added pressure.
2. Have an adequate supply of emergency food and first-aid equipment on hand. Keep a stock of food which requires little or no cooking. (Even milk is now available in non refrigeration boxes.) Have a portable radio and emergency cooking equipment, lights and flashlights in working order.
3. Make an itemized list of personal property including furnishing, clothing, and valuable, photographs of your home, inside and out and other valuables are helpful. (This is a good idea for insurance purposes, whether or not you are in danger of being flooded). Keep this list, as well as insurance policies and other important papers, in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box.
5. Prevent sewage from backing up into your home by installing check valves or plugs in basement drains and fixtures. Most drains, for example, are threaded so a plug cap (available in plumbing supply houses) can be screwed into them. "Toilets are harder to plug; you may want to remove them temporarily and install plugs, or at least stuff the bowl tightly with rags.
6. Remove as many of your valuables and furniture as possible to upstairs rooms, or at least store on high shelves.
7. Pumping water from the house is the homeowner's responsibility; make arrangement to use the necessary equipment if needed.
8. Learn the safest route from your house to high ground in case you are forced to evacuate. Keep your car gassed up (with at least a half tank of gas) in case electricity to service station pumps is cut off.
9. Buy flood insurance. Most regular homeowner policies exclude flood damage. Rather this damage is covered by a separate policy underwritten by the government through the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance is available to all property owners within certain flood plain areas, at a standard rate.
NOTE: This article was written in 1983. This may have changed. For more information on flood insurance you can call this tool-free number to the national offices of the NFIP: 1-800-638-6831.
10. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy. Helpful numbers include; State Division of Comprehensive Emergency Management, State Department of Health, Highway Patrol, Emergency Services.
Other numbers you might need include your county civil defense or emergency services office, your insurance agent, police, fire, ambulance.
IF YOU RECEIVE A FLOOD WARNING
1. Listen to area radio and television stations for reports on flooding.
2. Store water in clean bathtubs and containers (plastic polyethylene containers such as those milk come in or bleach containers that are thoroughly cleaned are good-if you use bleach bottles, be sure to label the bottle to avoid the potential hazard of drinking bleach.
3. If you are forced to evacuate-and only if time permits-you can move essential items to high ground, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve. Bring outdoor possessions inside the house. Tie them down securely.
4. If it is safe to evacuate by car, stock with nonperishable foods, water, blankets, first aid kit, flashlight, dry clothing and any specific medication you might need. Do not drive on roads already covered by water, part of the road could already be washed away.
If you car stalls in a flooded area, abandon as quickly as possible. Flood water can rise quickly and wash away cars-and occupants.
5. If time allows, you can board up windows to keep out as much water as possible.
6. Report flooding as soon as possible to state or county emergency officials.
AFTER THE FLOOD
1. If your house or apartment has suffered flood damage, call the agent or broker who services your flood insurance policy. (Emergency substations are often set up in areas of heavy flooding.)
2. Before entering a building, check for structural damage. Make sure it won't collapse.
3. Turn off your gas and notify gas company. They will come and inspect things to make sure they are functioning properly. (If gas hadn't been turned off previously, the water could douse pilot lights and could mean straight gas is going into your water heater).
4. Watch for any electrical shorts or live wires before making sure the main power switch is turned off. Don't turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has check the system for
short circuits.
5. Proceed with immediate clean-up measures to prevent health hazards. Cover broken windows and holes in roofs or walls. (Save all receipts, as the cost of these temporary repairs is usually covered by your flood insurance.)
6. Be sure yo use only water from a safe source, or boiled vigorously for 10 minutes (the flat taste can be removed by pouring boiled water from container to container for several minutes to increase the oxygen content: a pinch of salt can also be added.)
7. Do not use any fresh food that has been contaminated by flood waters. Canned goods can be washed off and used.
8. Refrigerators, sofas and other hard goods should be hosed off and kept for the insurance adjuster's inspection. You can also take pictures of damage to substantiate your claim. Take all wooden furniture outdoors, but keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid warping. Remove drawers and other moving parts as soon as possible, but don't pry open swollen doors and drawers (if possible you can remove all the backing and pus drawers out).
9. Shovel out mud while it is still moist, to give walls and floors a chance to dry. Walls and floors other than carpet can be washed with a solution of water and bleach (2 tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon of water). A solution of baking soda and water (about one teaspoon soda to a quart of water) is a good cleaner for kitchen appliances. Carpets should be steam cleaned and air dried.
10. Clean Metal at once, then wipe with a kerosene-soaked cloth. A light coat of oil will prevent iron from rusting.
11. Flooded basements should be drained and cleaned as soon as possible. But remember, cautions the Division of Comprehensive Emergency Management, that structural damage can occur if you pump water out too quickly. After the surrounding waters have subsided, begin draining the basement in stages, about a third of water volume each day.
12. Practice good personal hygiene during the clean-up. Avoid hand-to-mouth contact, keep hands washed.
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