DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

contaminated. Wells should be pumped out and the watertested before using, too.• Throw out food, makeup and medicines that may have beenexposed to flood waters and check refrigerated foods to seeif they are spoiled. If frozen foods have ice crystals in themthen okay to refreeze.• Throw out moldy items that are porous (like rotten wood,carpet padding, furniture, etc.) if they’re too difficult toclean and remove mold. Remove standing water and scrubmoldy surfaces with non-ammonia soap or detergent, or acommercial cleaner, rinse with clean water and dry completely.Then use a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts cleanwater to wipe down surfaces or items, rinse and dry. Ifpossible, visit California Dept of Health Services web sitefor tips on cleaning mold at www.cal-iaq.org/MOLD• Consider having your house tested for mold. (see AIRQUALITY MITIGATION)• Call your insurance agent, take pictures of damage, andkeep ALL receipts on cleaning and repairs.Protect stuff? - Secure valuable items or move them to another location, ifpossible. Sometimes looting can occur after a disaster, but be smart aboutprotecting your property ... it’s not worth getting hurt or shot defending it.GETTING HELP: DISASTER ASSISTANCE“The government will save me” - Officials and groups will try to keep basicfunctions working while helping as many people as possible, but it takestime so expect delays. Local First Responders will be overwhelmed andmay not be able to help if you need Police, Fire or EMS services.Listen - Local TV and radio will announce where to get emergencyhousing, food, first aid, clothing and financial assistance after a disaster.Help finding family - The Red Cross maintains a database to help peoplefind family, but don’t call office in the disaster area since they’ll beswamped.Agencies that help - The Red Cross is often stationed right at the scene ofa disaster to help people with immediate medical, food, and housing needs.Some other sources of help include Salvation Army, church groups and synagogues,and various other Social Service agencies.President declares a “Major Disaster” (in U.S.) - According to FEMA’sFloodsmart.gov web site, less than 10% of all weather emergencies in the146 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325