Emergency response staff members are distributing informational flyers that caution flood victims about the dangers of exposure to hazardous waste materials due to the flooding, and notify them about toxic waste curb-side pickup. The second team is working with Coast Guard officials to identify and collect any hazardous debris that floats downstream. Individuals working with flood debris are reminded that certain materials are potentially dangerous and that special precautions should be taken to identify hazardous materials. Even ordinary items can become toxic if contaminated by floodwater. Floodwater picks up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories and storage buildings.
Officials warn residents to clean and disinfect all personal items that got wet.
However, emergency response staff has met with local officials from Roseville and will continue to meet with other officials in affected counties to extend our efforts to flood victims. Although it takes more time to verify damages and losses, the government has to take a tough stand on fraud to discourage those few would-be abusers. According to Witt, FEMA uses a number of methods to discourage fraud. An automated system cross-checks information with other agencies and insurance companies to weed out duplicate applications. State inspectors confirm residence information to make sure that claims are filed by the true property owner.