Getting Help

■ The American Red Cross can help you by

p roviding you with a voucher to purchase 

n ew clothing, groceries, essential medications,

bedding, essential furnishings, and other items

to meet emergency needs. Listen to local

radio stations to find out where to go for this

assistance, or look up American Red Cross in

the phone book and call.

■ The Red Cross can provide you with a

cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and 

cleaning supplies.

■ Contact your insurance agent to discuss

c l a i m s .

■ Listen to your radio for information on 

assistance that may be provided by the 

state or federal government and other 

o r g a n i z a t i o n s .

■ 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 re f e re n c e s .

Issued in furtherance of the In t e rnational Decade 

for Natural Disaster Re d u c t i o n .

ARC 4476

FEMA L-198

Aug. 1992

After

a Flood:

The

First

Steps
Your home has been flooded. Although 

floodwaters may be down in some areas, 

many dangers still exist. He re are things to

remember in the days ahead.

■ Roads may be closed because they have been

damaged or are cove red by water. Ba r r i c a d e s

h a ve been placed for your protection. If yo u

come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go

another way.

■ Keep listening to the radio for news about

what to do, where to go, or places to avo i d .

■ Emergency workers will be assisting people in

flooded areas. You can help them by staying

off the roads and out of the way.

■ If you m u s t walk or drive in areas that have

been flooded —

• Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 

6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

Standing water may be electrically charged

f rom underground or downed power lines.

• Flooding may have caused familiar places to

change. Floodwaters often erode roads and

walkways. Flood debris may hide animals

and broken bottles, and it ís also ve ry slipp e ry. Avoid walking or driving thro u g h

f l o o d w a t e r s .

■ 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 gro u n d .

Staying Healthy

■ A flood can cause emotional and physical

s t ress. You need to look after yourself and

your family as you focus on cleanup and

re p a i r.

• Rest often and eat we l l .

• Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list

and do jobs one at a time.

• Discuss your concerns with others and 

seek help. Contract the Red Cross for

information on emotional support 

a vailable in your area. 

Cleaning Up and Repairing 

Your Home

■ Turn off the electricity at the main breaker 

of fuse box, even if the power is off in yo u r

c o m m u n i t y. That way, yo u can decide when

your home is dry enough to turn it back on.

■ Get a copy of the book Repairing Your Fl o o d e d

Ho m e. It will tell yo u :

• How to enter your home safely.

• How to protect your home and belongings

f rom further damage.

• How to re c o rd damage to support 

insurance claims and requests for assistance.

• How to check for gas or water leaks 

and how to have service re s t o re d .

• How to clean up appliances, furniture ,

floors, and other belongings.

Repairing Your Flooded Ho m e is ava i l a b l e

f ree from the American Red Cross or yo u r

state or local emergency manager.