Don’t forget July 4 flood

March 17, 2008 08:44 pm

— Statistics reveal the 2003 Independence Day flood on Wildcat Creek in Howard County was the kind of event that happens once every 50 years. If accurate, we have a one-in-45 chance of experiencing a similar flood this year.
Unfortunately, too many people forget what happened five years ago and aren’t interested in preparing for another flood.
We should learn to lesson our personal losses from future floods.
We should store our keepsakes and valuables in places that are well above the water line of that horrible flood in 2003. We should make plans for saving our vehicles and know when to evacuate flooded areas before water cuts off escape routes. We should decide where we still stay during another flood, until it is safe for us to return to our homes.
And if are homes sustain flood damage, here are some steps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help you stay safe:
• Check for damage. Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. Contact the appropriate people immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric and sewer lines.
• Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters. Boil water until authorities declare the water supply safe to drink.
• Call the insurance agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. Have the following information with you when you place the call: (1) the name of your insurance company, (2) your policy number and (3) a telephone number or e-mail address where you can be reached.
• Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. If necessary, place these items outside the home. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items.
• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their age and value where possible.
• Prevent mold and remove wet contents immediately. Wet carpeting, furniture and bedding can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours.
• Thoroughly dry out the building’s interior. Portable dehumidifiers are useful, and rental casts may be covered under your flood policy.
• If the walls are damaged, take photos of the baseboard. Then remove the baseboard. Knock small holes at floor level in the drywall, between the wall studs. This will permit moisture trapped behind the drywall to seep out and start drying.
• Have your furnace checked for damage.
Thursday’s the first day of spring. Flood and tornado seasons are right around the corner. It’s time to get prepared.

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