Even as I write this post, strong thunderstorms are rolling through Vermont taking out power (5,000 customers in Rutland County alone were without power today) and exacerbating water damage caused by unprecedented flooding this spring. But Vermonters are not sitting idly by waiting for sunshine, they are taking action:
- The United Way is collecting flood damage reports for FEMA
- The Governor is extending his disaster request to President Obama
- The Governor announced $3M in emergency loans for businesses damaged by the flooding
- Senators Leahy and Sanders asked Obama for additional disaster relief
- The Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration is helping flood victims interpret their flood insurance policies by phone (802-828-4872)
This is all great news. Flood waters are receding. But many Vermonters are looking forward to getting back into our homes. Here are some precautions you should take before you reenter your home and start the after-the-flood cleanup:
- Make sure your power is off – if you cannot get to your main power switch without getting your feet wet, call an electrician
- If your house has been flooded for several days, open all the windows and doors to bring in fresh air and reduce to potential effects of mold
- Check for any structural damage before re-entering your flooded home
- Have your drinking water tested – contact your local town clerks office to learn if there have been boil water orders in your area
- Gas may be trapped in your house – use flashlights instead or torches or matches and don’t smoke
Don’t go back into your home empty-handed. We recommend equipping your self with the following:
- Flashlight
- Waterproof Boots
- Rubber Gloves
- First Aid Kit
- Trash Bags
- Cleaning Supplies, mops, buckets
- A Camera, Smart Phone or Camcorder to record the damages – for insurance purposes
- Pencil and Paper to make notes for insurance purposes
image credit: noaa.gov