AFTER FRANCES – What to do when returning home; Flooding and Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment

American Red Cross
Tuesday, 7 September 2004

The last time two major hurricanes hit Florida in rapid succession was 1950. With flooding and water damage from Hurricane Frances, the American Red Cross is providing post-hurricane plans and guidelines to Floridians returning home after this one-two punch.

After providing shelter and food to over 174,000 people, the American Red Cross will now begin assessing the damage caused by Hurricane Frances. Red Cross volunteers and staff – over 5500 nationwide – will begin positioning fresh water, supplies and clean-up kits for affected Floridians. The American Red Cross also works closely with government and non-profit partners to help provide relief after the storm.

Safety is the primary concern when families begin to leave the shelters and return home. Follow all public safety and law enforcement directives.

Here are some tips for Post-Hurricane Safety:

* Perimeter Check – check the home by walking around outside before entering. If there are cracks around the foundation, call a home construction professional to inspect the home.

* Check for Gas – Do not use an open flame, candles or lighter to illuminate the internal environment. Use a flashlight. If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call the fire department.

* Water Damage – If water has been inside your home, turn off the power or circuit breaker with a dry stick to prevent shock while inspecting. You need to remain in control of when it is safe to restore electrical service. Wait until appliances are dry before turning them back on.

* Listen to News – A transistor or portable radio can help you stay on top of the news. Instructions from public utilities will be posted on-the-air.

* Sewer & Water – If the sewers have overflowed or water contaminated, do not run the water faucet or flush the toilets.

* You can get more information about Repairing Your Flooded Home at www.redcross.org.

Food Safety:

* For the first twp days after a power outage, start by eating the food from the refrigerator. Food from the freezer will last longer and can be eaten last.

* If the power is out for two days or longer, it is likely that food in the refrigerator has been spoiled. Discard all food from the refrigerator. Food in the freezer that still has ice on it may be alright, but if it has thawed or reached a temperature above 40 degrees, it should also be discarded.

* Get more information on food safety during a power outage at www.redcross.org.

Water Safety:

* Drink plenty of water throughout the storm – about eight glasses per day.

* Avoid alcohol – it can dehydrate and make a person more thirsty.

* Drink bottled water until you know that the water supplies are safe. If you run out, drink water from melted ice or even from the water heater once it has cooled.

* You may use water stored in a bath tub for cleaning or flushing the toilet, but not for drinking or cooking.

* The American Red Cross provides water in conjunction with local governments. Portable kitchens are also heading to Florida and have potable water supplies.

* More information on water treatment go to www.redcross.org.

With over 5,500 American Red Cross personnel and volunteers mobilized around the country, restoring communities and assisting in disaster relief is the next challenge.

For further information on returning home after a flood, please go to www.redcross.org. For more information regarding tropical storm and hurricane preparedness information, please visit more of our disaster readiness online resources, contact your local Red Cross chapter, or call the toll-free American Red Cross hotline 1-866-GET-INFO.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of Hurricane Frances and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org