Ward Newsletter - May

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FLOODS IN UTAH -- bereadyutah.gov

I have provided links to several government websites that contain lots of information on flooding. You can find the links in the menu to the right. Scroll down until you see the category FLOODS. Click on the links under FLOODS to be directed to each website.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE A FLOOD:

Know how to monitor the hazard whether via radio or television.

Know what flood risks exist related to your location.

Consider purchasing flood insurance.

Consider options to protect your property

• Document personal property with photos or video.

• Store the documentation and valuable documents in a safe place away from your home.

• Install flood protection measures in and around your home.

Some measures recommended by ready.gov are:

Elevate the furnace, water heater & electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.

Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.

If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.

Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting www.FoodSafety.gov

Prepare a plan for your household:

• Be prepared to evacuate. Plan a safe retreat and for a place to meet in case you are separated.

• Choose an out-of-town contact to for everyone to call to let them know where you are.

• Prepare and maintain 72-hour kits for each family member.

• Prepare and maintain an emergency kit for your car.

• Get to know your neighbors and discuss how you can help each other.

• Plan how to take care of pets. Emergency shelters may not allow pets

Prepare to leave your home.

• If time allows, move valuables to highest inside part of your residence.

• If you can do so safely, turn off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves.

• Know where the gas pilot lights are and how the heating/cooling system works.

WHAT TO DO DURING A FLOOD:

Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly.

If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate:

• Secure your home. If you have time, tie down or bring outdoor equipment and lawn furniture

inside. Move essential items to upper floors.

• If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances.

Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

• Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or unavailable. Before

filling, sterilize the tub with a diluted bleach solution.

Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off of your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

Do not drive into flooded areas. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of water will wash away almost all vehicles. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A FLOOD:

Avoid floodwaters and moving water. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

Be aware where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.

Stay away from designated disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.

Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Stay out of buildings if surrounded by floodwaters. Use extreme caution when entering buildings. There may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

Consider your families health and safety needs:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water if you come in contact with floodwaters.

• Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.

• Listen for news reports to learn if the water supply is safe to drink.

• Listen to news reports for information about assistance for housing, food and clothes.

• Seek necessary medical care at the nearest medical facility.

Damaged Sewage systems are serious hazards.

Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible.

Contact your insurance agent.

• Take photos or videos of the damage.

• Separate damaged and undamaged items.

• Locate your financial records.

• Keep detailed records of cleanup costs.

Information from bereadyutah.gov and ready.gov.

Keep Foods Safe During Flooding

When Flooding Occurs — Keep Food Safe

Follow these steps to keep your FOOD SAFE during — and after — flood conditions.

1. Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.
2. Discard any food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water.
   • Food containers that are not waterproof include those with screw-caps, snap lids, pull tops, and crimped caps.
   • Also, discard cardboard juice/milk/baby formula boxes and home canned foods if they have come in contact with flood water, because they cannot be effectively cleaned and sanitized.
3. Inspect canned foods and discard any food in damaged cans. Can damage is shown by swelling, leakage, punctures, holes, fractures, extensive deep rusting, or crushing/denting severe enough to prevent normal stacking or opening with a manual, wheel-type can opener.
4. Undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans and "retort pouches" (like flexible, shelf-stable juice or seafood pouches) can be saved if you follow this procedure:
   • Remove the labels, if they are the removable kind, since they can harbor dirt and bacteria.
   • Brush or wipe away any dirt or silt.
   • Thoroughly wash the cans or retort pouches with soap and water, using hot water if it is available. Rinse the cans or retort pouches with water that is safe for drinking, if available, since dirt or residual soap will reduce the effectiveness of chlorine sanitation.
   • Sanitize cans and retort pouches by immersion in one of the two following ways:
     • Place in water and allow the water to come to a boil and continue boiling for 2 min., or
     • Place in a freshly-made solution consisting of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available) for 15 minutes.
   • Air dry cans or retort pouches for a minimum of 1 hour before opening or storing.
   • If the labels were removable, then re-label your cans or retort pouches, including the expiration date (if available), with a marking pen.
   • Food in reconditioned cans or retort pouches should be used as soon as possible thereafter.
   • Any concentrated baby formula in reconditioned, all-metal containers must be diluted with clean, drinking water.
5. Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes, and utensils (including can openers) with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse, and then sanitize them by boiling in clean water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available).
6. Thoroughly wash countertops with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse, and then sanitize by applying a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available). Allow to air dry.

Information from fda.gov.