| What to do after a Flood |
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| Monday, 07 March 2011 10:08 |
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After a flood, danger and injury are still possibilities. It is extremely important to keep the following information and safety standards in mind: If you evacuated the community or are in a safe location, stay where you are until local authorities say that it is safe to leave. Stay tuned to local radio or television stations for information such as caring for your family, finding medical help, or applying for financial assistance. Talk with your children about what has happened and how they can help during the recovery. Being involved will help them deal with the situation. Consider the needs of your neighbors. Stay away from disaster areas unless local authorities request volunteers. If you are needed, bring your own drinking water, food, and sleeping gear. Another way to help is to donate money to a recognized disaster relief organization. Do not donate food, clothing, or other personal items unless they are specifically requested. Stay away from flood waters, river banks, and streams. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Stay away from moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Drive only when necessary and be especially careful. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company. Consider your family's health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters. Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink. Contact your insurance agent. If your policy covers your situation, an adjuster will be assigned to visit your home. Take photos or videotape of the damage. Separate damaged and undamaged belongings. Locate your financial records. Keep detailed records of cleanup costs. An adjuster will be assigned to visit your home. Check your home for structural damage before entering. If you have any doubts about safety, have your home inspected by a professional before entering. Wear sturdy shoes in areas covered with fallen debris and broken glass. Do not turn on the electricity until the circuits have been checked by a qualified electrician. Moisture may still be trapped within electrical boxes, receptacles, motors and switches. Use flashlights when inspecting the house. Cover broken windows or holes in the roof to prevent further damage. Dry wooden furniture out of direct sunlight. Remove debris before it has a chance to dry. Flooded basements should be drained and cleared after flood waters have subsided. Pump water out of basements slowly, at a rate of 1/3 of the water per day, to avoid wall failures and permanent structural damage. For more information about floods and how to recover from them, please call the City of Vicksburg Building & Inspection Department at (601)634-4528, or the Vicksburg Warren County Emergency Management Agency, at (601)636-1544. |
| Last Updated on Monday, 21 March 2011 12:36 |
