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," State
Coordinating Officer (NAME) said. "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."

The federal coordinating officer for the disaster recovery, (FCO NAME)
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," (FCO NAME) said. "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. For obvious
damage, ask a building inspector to check the house 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.

**AFTER ENTERING A BUILDING:**

*[Look before you step]{.underline}:* Floors and stairs may be covered
with debris and 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.

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# CAREFUL RETURNING, Page 2

*[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
unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.

*[Replace exposed wires]{.underline}:* Electrical wires that have been
exposed to salt water should be considered recyclable junk and be
replaced.

*[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.

*[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}:* Floodwaters 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 them out]{.underline}.

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