Repairing Your Flooded Home PDF - American Red Cross

9S T E PPrepare for the Next FloodSources of informationThe following people can provideadvice or assistance on floodrecovery. Some of these peoplemay be able to speak to neighborhoodgroups or help in developinga community flood protectionprogram.Flood Preparedness and SafetyThe American Red Cross andlocal emergency managers conductsessions to increase public awarenessand to educate the communityin ways to prevent, prepare for,and cope with emergencies. Localemergency managers also sponsorpublic meetings on damage reduction,safety, response planning,how to handle stress, and otherflood-related topics.The following publications areavailable from the American RedCross. Contact your Red Crosschapter for more information:• Your Family Disaster Plan(ARC 4466)• Su plan para el hogar en caso dedesastres (ARC 4466S)• Your Family Disaster SuppliesKit (ARC 4463)• Su Equipo de suministros para lafamilia en caso de desastres (ARC4463S)• Safe Living in YourManufactured Home (ARC4465)• Are You Ready for a Flood orFlash Flood? (ARC 4458)• ¿Está preparado para una inundaciónor inundación súbita?(ARC 4458S)• Are You Ready for a Hurricane?(ARC 4454)• ¿Está preparado para unhuracán? (ARC 4454S)Clean upMany Cooperative ExtensionService offices have home economistsand food and farm experts.Check your telephone book underthe county name. For example, ifyou live in Pittsburg County,check under “Pittsburg CountyCooperative Extension Service”.Questions on cleaning or disinfectingof specific materials can beanswered by manufacturers ofcleaning products. Check theproduct labels for toll free telephonenumbers.Flood insuranceYour property insurance agent isthe best source of information onflood insurance. He or she cangive you forms and instructionsfor making your own propertyinventory. a free copy of Answersto Questions about the NationalFlood Insurance Program, FIA—2,is available from the FederalEmergency Management Agency.(See address below.)Repairs and rebuildingLocal building and housingdepartments, and hardware storesare excellent sources of technicaladvice. Their staffs have manyyears of experience in dealing withlocal construction conditions.Home maintenance and repairbooks that are found in libraries orbookstores are invaluable referencesfor the do-it-yourselfer.Private home inspectors cangive you itemized lists and costestimates of needed repairs. (Lookin the yellow pages under BuildingInspection Services.) Buildingtrades associations and the BetterBusiness Bureau can provide guidanceon dealing with contractors.50