HHT Presentation: Water Damage/Flooding

FLOODING IN YOUR HOME Healthy Homes

Dwane HubertMaine Emergency Management Agency

April, 2011

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.

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.

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.


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.


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.


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.


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


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.


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!



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

http://www.maineprepares.com/�


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.




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.




A word about the Maine VOAD.


And finally?


Don’t procrastinate!

Get ready now.


FLOODING IN YOUR HOME Healthy Homes

Dwane HubertMaine Emergency Management [email protected]

HHT Presentation: Water Damage/Flooding

Documents

flood risk

home flood facts

flood warning

flood insurance policies

flood insurance nfip

flood insurance pays

home agenda flood facts

flood zone low