hht presentation: water damage/flooding
DESCRIPTION
Presentation by Dwane Hubert, Maine Emergency Management Agency about home flooding and water damage at the Maine Asthma Coalition's Healthy Homes TrainingsTRANSCRIPT
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME Healthy Homes
Dwane HubertMaine Emergency Management Agency
April, 2011
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
Agenda
Flood Facts What to do before a flood. What to do during a flood. What to do after a flood.
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME Flood Facts
• Flooding: the #1 cause for natural hazard disasters in Maine (and US).• Causes: coastal storms, heavy rains/runoff, snowmelt, ice jams, etc.• Flash floods often bring walls of water 10 to 20 feet high.• A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of floodwater.• Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.• Everyone lives in a flood zone – low, moderate, or high risk areas.• Approximately 33,000 structures are at high risk of flooding in Maine.• Up to 75% of homes and businesses in floodplains in Maine are NOT covered by
flood insurance. • In high-risk area, a home is more than twice as likely to be damaged by flood
than by fire.• In high-risk area, a home has a 26% chance of suffering flood damage during
the term of a 30-year mortgage.• New land development can increase flood risk.
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME Flood Facts . . . (cont.)
• Millions of dollars in property damages occur in Maine. • 1 of 4 floods occurs in a moderate-to-low risk flood zone.• Last year, about 25% of all claims paid by the NFIP were for policies in moderate-
to-low risk communities.• Average annual US flood losses (1994-2004): over $2.4 billion.• Flood damage is NOT covered by homeowners policies.• Flood insurance: for anybody, anywhere, anytime. . . easy to get and affordable. . .
for contents and/or structure.• Usually a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect.• Flood insurance pays even if a disaster is not declared.• Federal disaster loans cost more than flood insurance. • Maine statistics: 8,902 flood insurance policies in effect and over $1.8 billion in
flood coverage.
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
What to do before a flood.
Determine your risk (FIRM). Get flood Insurance (NFIP) – 30 day rule. Check & repair drainage system, basement. Install sump pump & back up power. Tie down oil tank and furnace.
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
What to do before a flood. . . (cont.)
Remove valuables from the basement.Eliminate mold breeding grounds.Document your belongings (pictures)! Emergency preparedness 101 – make a plan; assemble
supplies; stay informed; help others.Repetitively flooded? Think hazard mitigation grant.
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
What to do during a flood.
Stay informed. Ask your neighbor if he/she needs help. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Follow instructions by local officials. When flood warning is issued, evacuate to high
ground with your Go-Bag and seek shelter.
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
What to do during a flood. . . (cont.)
Time permitting, turn off main water, power and gas. Avoid floodwaters, downed power lines & debris. When driving, turn around, don’t drown! Be especially careful at night. Let your family know that you’re safe*.
* RedCross.org/SafeandWell or 1-866-GET-INFO
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
What to do after a flood.
Return home ONLY when officials say it’s o.k.Before entering your home, look, listen, smell, & avoid… Keep children & pets away from hazardous sites &
floodwater.Document damages (pictures)! Contact your insurance agent.
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
What to do after a flood. . .(cont.)
Clean-up & restoration Wear protective clothing - rubber boots/gloves, etc. Dispose of hazardous materials. Avoid risk - get assistance. Clean up mud and silt before it dries. Make sure food and water are safe. If in doubt, throw it out! Contaminated water? Contact experts about boiling/treating. Prevent mold BEFORE it grows. Get rid of Mold!
Document flood-related, clean-up & restoration expenses!
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
What to do after a flood. . .(cont.)
More about Cleaning. . . www.maineprepares.com > Recovery Appliances, Electric Motors, Fixtures & Electronic Equipment Bedding, Linens, Clothing, and Draperies Books and Papers Concrete Dishes and Cooking Utensils Floors, Rugs, Carpets, and Tiles Food Furniture Paintings Plaster Walls and Ceilings. Refuse
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What to do after a flood. . .(cont.)
More about Mold. www.maineprepares.com > Recovery Common inside homes. Will grow anywhere where there is moisture. Spores enter from openings/vents or attach themselves to people,
pets, things, etc. Favorite places to grow: moist cellulose materials (paper & paper
products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood & wood products). Other places: dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall,
carpet, fabric, upholstery. People most at risk of health problems: those with allergies, immune
suppression or underlying lung disease (Egs. COPD, Asthma). Health effects include: nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, sneezing, skin
irritation. Severe reactions may include: fever, shortness of breath. Some may develop fungal infections in their lungs.
FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
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What to do after a flood. . .(cont.)
More about Mold. . . (cont.) www.maineprepares.com > Recovery Removing mold: use commercial cleaners, soap & water, or bleach
solution of < 1 cup bleach/1 gallon water. Ventilate, wear non-porous gloves/eye protection.
NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Prevent mold by routinely inspecting for water damage and visible mold. Keep humidity between 40-60%. Use AC or humidifier. Ventilation is key. Fix leaks, clean up and dry out home w/in 24-48 hours after flooding. Add mold inhibitors to paints and clean bathrooms with mold-killing
products. Remove/replace carpets and upholstery that can’t be dried promptly.
FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
A word about the Maine VOAD.
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
And finally?
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME
Don’t procrastinate!
Get ready now.
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FLOODING IN YOUR HOME