DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

Watch out - Look for critters, especially snakes (flooding will carry them)and use a stick to poke through debris.Take & share pics - If you have a camera phone, take shots of the damageto your home or place of business since it may take days before an adjustergets there. It can also be a way to share updates with neighbors who aren’table to get to the site. The photos could also be uploaded to FirstResponders and/or media to help prioritize the response efforts.Things to check - Some things you want to do first…• Check for cracks in the roof, foundation and chimneys.• Watch out for loose boards and slippery floors.• Check for gas leaks (smells like rotten eggs, hear a hissingor blowing sound or see discolored plants or grass) ...- Start with the hot water heater then check other appliances.- Turn off main valve from outside and call gas company.• Check electrical system (watch for sparks, broken wires orthe smell of hot insulation) ...- Turn off electricity at main fuse box or circuit breaker.- DO NOT touch fuse box, circuit breaker or wires if inwater or if you’re wet!• Check appliances after turning off electricity at main fuseand, if wet, unplug and let them dry out. Call a professionalto check them before using.• Check water and sewage system and, if pipes are damaged,turn off main water valve.• Clean up any spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, etc.• Open cabinets carefully since things may fall out.• Look for valuable items (jewelry, etc.) and protect them.• Try to patch up holes, windows and doors to protect homefrom further damage.• If possible, download Iowa Conservation and PreservationConsortium’s “Flood Recovery Booklet” to learn how todry materials like artwork, books, photographs, CD/DVDs,etc. at www.neilsa.org• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet (bleach is best)since mud left behind by floodwaters can contain sewageand chemicals. Wear gloves, mask and eye protection whenusing disinfectants.• If basement is flooded, pump it out slowly (about 1/3 of thewater per day) to avoid damage since walls may collapse ifsurrounding ground still waterlogged.• Check with local authorities about water since it could bewww.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325145