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FEMA-DR-(XXXX)-PR#1

**MEDIA CONTACT:** ***[(DATE)]{.underline}***

***[(NAME)]{.underline}*** Federal Emergency Management Agency
123-456-7890

***[(NAME)]{.underline}*** State Emergency Management Agency
098-765-4321

**RESIDENTS WARNED TO BE CAREFUL**

**WHEN RETURNING TO FLOOD- DAMAGED HOMES**

(CITY, STATE)**---**Federal and state disaster officials urge people to
take extra precautions when returning to flood-damaged homes, apartments
or businesses.

"The dangers are not over just because the water has receded," said
(NAME), state coordinating officer. "Flood hazards such as exposed
wires, contaminated floodwater or a weakened foundation are not always
obvious but can be life-threatening. We urge people to be very careful."

(NAME), federal coordinating officer for the disaster recovery, also
warned flood victims to be careful of potential chemical hazards such as
solvents, car batteries, propane tanks and other industrial chemicals.
"If you are unsure of a situation, ask for help or seek advice from an
expert," said (NAME). "Play it safe."

Disaster officials are urging people to keep these safety tips in mind:

**BEFORE ENTERING A BUILDING:**

*[Check the outside of the building]{.underline}:* Call the utility
company immediately if you find downed power lines or detect gas leaks.
(Gas leaks will emit an odor of rotten eggs.)

*[Look for external damage]{.underline}:* Examine the foundation for
cracks or other damage. Inspect porch roofs and overhangs to be sure
they are adequately supported. If any portion of the foundation has been
undermined, it may not be safe to enter the building. If you find
obvious damage, ask a building inspector to check the building before
you go inside.

*[Enter the building carefully]{.underline}:* If the door sticks at the
top as it opens, it could mean the ceiling is ready to cave in. If you
decide to force the door open, stand outside the doorway to avoid being
hit by falling debris.

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**AFTER ENTERING A BUILDING:**

*[Look before you step]{.underline}:* Floors and stairs may be covered
with debris and may be very slippery. Watch out for broken bottles,
nails and other hazards.

*[Be alert for gas leaks]{.underline}:* Do not strike a match or use an
open flame when entering a building unless you know the gas has been
turned off and the area has been ventilated. Use a flashlight to inspect
for damage.

*[Turn off the electricity]{.underline}:* Even if the power company has
turned off electricity to the area, be sure to disconnect your house's
power supply. Do not use appliances or motors that have gotten wet until
they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.

*[Watch for animals, especially snakes]{.underline}:* Small animals that
have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Scare
them away by poking a stick into likely hiding places, taking particular
care to listen for the warning sound of a rattlesnake.

*[Carbon monoxide exhaust kills:]{.underline}* Do not use generators or
other gasoline-powered machines indoors. All cooking on camp stoves and
charcoal grills should be done outside. Gas and charcoal fumes can be
deadly.

*[Drain the basement carefully and slowly]{.underline}:* Groundwater
creates hydrostatic pressure on basement walls and floors. Drain the
basement no more than one foot per day to minimize further structural
damage.

*[Hose the house]{.underline}:* Many health hazards are found in mud and
silt which floodwaters leave behind. Shovel as much mud as possible out
of the house, then hose it down, inside and out.

*[Be aware of health hazards]{.underline}:* Flood waters pick up sewage
and chemicals from roads, farms, factories and storage buildings. Many
flooded items, such as wallboard and mattresses, will hold mud and
contamination forever. Spoiled food, water-logged cosmetics and medicine
are also health hazards. [When in doubt, throw it out]{.underline}.

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More information is available on FEMA's For the Media site, at
**www.fema.gov/media**, and radio actualities are available from the
FEMA Radio Network **(1-800-323-5248).**