Helping Washingtonians Recover from Flood and Storm Damage

In the wake of the devastating storms that passed through Western Washington, thousands of residents have had their daily lives completely disrupted. It is clear that our residents need help to quickly rebuild their communities and get back on track. I am working to ensure that our communities and businesses get the help they need in a timely matter.

I would also like to commend all of the local leaders who have done a tremendous job helping the people affected by this flooding. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Washington residents affected by this devastation.

Please know that I am a resource to you during this difficult time. To help you figure out what to do now, I have assembled some information and support resources for you and your families and I'll provide more information to my web page as more information and support becomes available.

I know that it will take all of us to repair and rebuild our communities and that we have a long and challenging path to recovery ahead of us. But I also know that together we can do it.

Please do not hesitate to call my offices in Vancouver at (360) 696-7838 or Seattle at (206) 220-6400 or via the web at http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/office_locations.cfm if I can provide any additional assistance.

Maria Cantwell

Quick Safety Tips for the Aftermath of Floods and Storms
Get Help from the Red Cross
Avoid Storm-Related Scams
Help for Small Business Owners
Donating to Charities to Help Storm Victims

Update, February 3, 2009: From the White House, Reporting Damage, and Helpful Websites

From the White House:

President Obama declared a major disaster exists in the State of Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm, landslides, mudslides, and flodding during the period of January 6-16, 2009.

To read the Press Release, please see: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/ObamaDeclaresMajorDisasterinWashingtonState/

Reporting Damage:

King County - To report uninsured losses, a King County Emergency Services hotline is available at (800) 523-5044. Individuals with damage to report should contact their own insurance company first. The hotline will be open Tuesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. The county will report estimated losses to the state to seek an emergency declaration for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Some uninsured losses might be compensated by FEMA. Anyone suffering damage should document it with photographs and a written description.

Snohomish County - Damange reports may be filed by calling the county's Department of Emergency Management office at (425) 388-5060 or by filing out and returning a damage assessment form found at http://www.snoco.org/departments/emergency_management.

Helpful Websites (Updated Feb. 3, 2009):

www.fema.gov - Official site for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Provides planning advice for a variety of types of disasters, a citizen guide to preparedness, information on how to identify possible hazards or emergencies, and a link to review maps in your area.

www.ready.gov - Provides information for the general public on how to make an emergency supply kit, create a family emergency plan and stay informed during a disaster. Also provides a link for business owners and an interactive link for kids to learn about emergency preparedness.

www.floodsmart.gov - Official site of the National Flood Insurance Program. Provides flood awareness information, including how to assess your flood risk, advice for preparation and recovery, and descriptions of flood insurance policies.

www.nafsma.org - Website for the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies: an organization of public agencies whose function is the protection of lives, propoerty, and economic activity from the adverse impacts of storm and floodwaters.

www.floods.org - Website for the Association of State Floodplain Managers: an organization of professionals involved in a floodplain management, flood hazard mitigration, the National Flood Insurance Program, and flood preparedness, warning, and recovery.

Washington State Department of Revenue: Flood/Disaster Relief -- A helpful website that provides access to several different types of assistance available for businesses and citizens affected by flooding and other disasters.

Quick Safety Tips in Aftermath of Floods and Storms

Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital or clinic. Contaminated flood waters lead to a greater possibility of infection. Severe injuries will require medical attention.
Help a neighbor who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations, and put you at further risk from the residual effects of floods, such as contaminated waters, crumbled roads, landslides, mudflows, and other hazards.
Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television stations and return home only when authorities indicate it is safe to do so. Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede; there may be flood-related hazards within your community, which you could hear about from local broadcasts.
Stay out of any building if flood waters remain around the building. Flood waters often undermine foundations, causing sinking, floors can crack or break and buildings can collapse.
Avoid entering ANY building (home, business, or other) before local officials have said it is safe to do so. Buildings may have hidden damage that makes them unsafe. Gas leaks or electric or waterline damage can create additional problems.
Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury. Check with your utility company now about where broken lines should be reported.
Avoid smoking inside buildings. Smoking in confined areas can cause fires.
When entering buildings, use extreme caution. Building damage may have occurred where you least expect it. Watch carefully every step you take.
- Wear sturdy shoes. The most common injury following a disaster is cut feet.
- Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings. Battery-powered lighting is the safest and easiest, preventing fire hazard for the user, occupants, and building.
- Examine walls, floors, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.
- Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage. Cracks and damage to a foundation can render a building uninhabitable.
- Look for fire hazards. There may be broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces or electrical appliances. Flammable or explosive materials may travel from upstream. Fire is the most frequent hazard following floods.
- Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
- Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.
- Check for sewage and waterline damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water from undamaged water heaters or by melting ice cubes.
- Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
After returning home:
- Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Some canned foods may be salvageable. If the cans are dented or damaged, throw them away. Food contaminated by flood waters can cause severe infections.
- If water is of questionable purity, boil and distill drinking water before using. Wells inundated by flood waters should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking. If in doubt, call your local public health authority. Ill health effects often occur when people drink water contaminated with bacteria and germs.
- Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped completely in a short period of time, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.

Residents in homes without power should also be aware of the following safety tips:

Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting.
Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.
If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to yourr home's electrical system.
Listen to local radio and television for updated information.

Update, February 17, 2009: Mold is a Growing Problem in Flood-Damaged Washington Homes (from FEMA)

If your home was affected in the recent flooding it could be harboring mold.

"Mold can be a significant problem after flooding, and proper cleanup is critical to ensure that it does not affect you or your family's health," said Laura White, public health advisor with the Washington State Department of Health's Division of Environmental Health.

Care must be taken to clean and completely dry any areas of the home that have gotten wet from floodwaters to prevent structural damage and adverse health effects from mold.

"People are anxious to get on with their lives after a flood, but if you had flood waters in your home take the time to clean thoroughly so problems don't arise later that affect your home or your health," Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn said.

Mold and Health Concerns

Mold growth is a common occurrence in flood-damaged homes and damp environments. Mold could become a problem in your home if there is enough moisture available to allow mold to thrive and multiply. Dampness in basements, walls, carpets, and wood provides an environment for mold to flourish.

Mold is made up of simple microscopic organisms that are found virtually everywhere. It can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and black, and gives off a musty or earthy smell.

Exposure to mold can cause health problems. Infants, children, immune-compromised patients, pregnant women, individuals with existing respiratory conditions, (allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma) and the elderly appear to be at higher risks for adverse health effects from mold.

Health symptoms known to be associated with exposure to mold include nose and throat irritation, wheeze, cough, asthma attacks in individuals who have asthma, and lower respiratory tract infections (in children). People with pre-existing respiratory conditions may also be susceptible to more serious lung infections.

Cleanup Tips

Throw out things that can't be washed and disinfected (mattresses, carpeting, rugs, carpet padding, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products, for example).

Remove wet or damaged materials and allow exposed surfaces to dry thoroughly before replacing drywall, insulation and floor coverings that have come in contact with sewage or flood waters.

Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks and other plumbing fixtures).

Mold can grow on any surface, including walls, ceilings, carpets, and paints so it may take a variety of cleaning approaches. Bleach and soap with water will clean most surfaces.

If a moldy smell can be detected, there is mold around. After cleaning visibly moldy areas, allow them to dry.

Undamaged commercial canned food that doesn't have extensive rusting can be cleaned. Remove labels, wash the can with a scrub brush and detergent, and then rinse in clean water. The cans should be sanitized by swabbing or dipping in bleach solution for 15 minutes, and then air dried. Home canned foods; food packaged in paper, cardboard, or containers with screw top lids or flip tops; and unpackaged foods such as fruit, potatoes, and squash should be thrown away.

After hadnling items that have been in contact with floodwater or seage during the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected -- especially when preparing food. Wash contaminated clothes in hot water and detergent -- separate from uncontaminated items.

Additional Information on mold and mold cleanup can be found on these websites:

The Washington Department of Health provides a comprehensive description of how to clean and disinfect a mold-damaged home on its environmental health web page. For more information, connect to http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/FloodSafe_HowTo.shtml and http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/Floods/flood_debris.html.

For a printable brochure on mold prevention and cleanup, visit FEMA's recovery web pages at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf .

For more information about Washington recovery, please visit www.disasterassistance.gov, www.floodsmart.gov, www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/, and http://www.emd.wa.gov/.

Update, February 17, 2009: Getting Help from FEMA

Flood victims in Clark, King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties are eligible to apply for individual disaster assistance through FEMA. Disaster assistance is money or direct aid for individuals, families, and businesses who have suffered losses that will not be covered by insurance.

You can apply for aid online at: http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Whether applying online or over the phone, you will need to provide FEMA with the information below. Have a pen and paper ready to record any additional information they may give you.

FEMA will need your:

Full legal name
Social Security number
Current and pre-disaster address
A telephone number where you can be contacted
Insurance information
Total household annual income
A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster
In addition, if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account, FEMA will ask you for your bank routing number and account number.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (Updated Feb. 17, 2009):
FEMA now has Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) – readily accessible facilities where applicants may go for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs – open in Washington state. DRCs provide disaster recovery guidance, Housing Assistance and Rental Resource information, status of applications being processed by FEMA, and referrals to agencies that can provide more assistance. Centers are now open in:

Cowlitz County Training Center (The Boat House)
1942 First Ave.
Longview, WA 98632
HOURS: Monday - Saturday 9-7; Sunday 9-6
Westfield Capital Shopping Center
625 Black Lake Blvd., Suite 374
Olympia, WA 98502
HOURS: Monday - Saturday 9-7, Sunday 9-6
South Hill Mall (located near the old J.C. Penny's entrance)
3500 S. Meridian, Suite 940
Puyallup, WA 98373
HOURS: Monday - Saturday 9-7, Sunday 9-6
Evergreen State Fairgrounds
14405 179th Ave SE, Building 501
Monroe, WA 98272
HOURS Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 9-6
Bob Lyle Community Center
700 Main St
Morton, WA 98356
WILL OPEN Monday February 16th at noon
Kittitas County Fairground Western Village
"Robber's Roost"
1010 E 8th Ave.
Ellensburg WA, 98926
WILL OPEN Friday February 13th at noon

Flood-related Vaccinations:
Anyone exposed to flood waters should immediately wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes, mouth and nose.

It is recommended that individuals in flooded areas get a tetanus vaccination if they have not received one within the last ten years. If you have received a cut or wound, you may want to contact a health care provider to see if you need to be vaccinated before the ten year period has expired.

It is also recommended that anyone over six months old receive an influenza vaccine, especially those living in group settings.

Avoid Storm-Related Scams

Beware of possible flood-related scams including fraudulent home repair offers, charity appeals and identity theft cons posing as government officials.

Offers to help with repairs and cleanup
Beware of contractors who solicit door to door, pressure you for an immediate decision, accept only cash, require all or most of the payment before work is completed, or refuse to provide you with a written contract. Whenever possible, homeowners should work with a local contractor they know and trust.

Don't take a contractor's word that your insurance company will cover the damage. Check directly with your insurance company. Special insurance policies are typically required for coverage of flood or mudslide damage.

Always get written estimates and contracts. Contracts should clearly state all the tasks a contractor will perform, all fees associated with the work and who will apply for the necessary permits. All guarantees made by the contractor should be specified in writing.

All contractors who do construction work in Washington must be registered with the state Department of Labor and Industries, post a bond and carry general liability insurance coverage. Check with Labor and Industries to ensure a contractor you intend to hire is properly registered. You can search online or call 1-800-647-0982.

Charity solicitations
Scam artists often take advantage of disaster situations by soliciting donations for a bogus charity.

If you want to help, give directly to a familiar organization such as the Red Cross or Salvation Army. Do not give your credit card number or other personal information in response to a telephone solicitation. Don't click on links in e-mails - which often send you to bogus Web sites set up by cons who want to steal from you. Watch out for solicitations that bear similar names to legitimate organizations.

You can confirm that a charity is registered with the Washington Secretary of State's Office by calling 1-800-332-4483 or searching online.

Cons posing as government officials
Flood victims should also be on the look out for scam artists pretending to be employed by a government agency or a nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance.

Cons will sometimes claim to be government officials in order to request cash up front for repairs, telling the homeowners that their insurance money is coming soon. Or they may pretend to assist you in filling out an application for assistance funds but are really identity thieves looking to steal your personal information.

Insist on seeing proper identification from anyone who offers assistance and never provide personal information to an unknown caller or someone who comes to the door.

Flood-damaged cars
It's possible that some flood-damaged cars may turn up on the market in the coming months. These cars may look normal but almost always have serious problems including chronic mildew and corroded wires that lead to electrical failure. When buying a used car, you should research the title and the vehicle identification number. Carefully inspect the vehicle inside and out and have it inspected by a qualified, independent mechanic.

Report fraud
Report fraud to the Washington's Attorney General's Office by filing a complaint online or calling 1-800-551-4636. Report an unregistered contractor to Labor and Industries by calling the agency's fraud hotline at 1-888-811-5974 or file a complaint online link.

Aid for Small Business Owners, Homeowners, and Renters

Through its Office of Disaster Assistance (ODA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides affordable, timely and accessible financial assistance to qualifying homeowners, renters and businesses, in the form of low-interest, long-term loans.

SBA's disaster loans are the primary form of federal assistance for the repair and rebuilding of non-farm, private sector disaster losses. For this reason, the disaster loan program is the only form of SBA assistance not limited to small businesses.

Currently, homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to cover unreimbursed personal property losses following a disaster declaration. Homeowners may also borrow up to $200,000 to cover unreimbursed real property losses.

Businesses may borrow up to $1.5 million to cover the cost of repairs and to cover certain other losses for economic injury, which is the inability to make normal payments for supplies, payroll, etc.

To learn whether you might be eligible for aid, visit the Small Business Administration or call 1-800-659-2955.

Donating to Charities to Help Storm Victims

If you want to help storm victims, below are a few local organizations that are helping out in our communities.

Donate online:

Don't forget that scam artists often take advantage of disaster situations by soliciting donations for a bogus charity.


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Maria's E-Newsletter To sign up for Maria's newsletter, enter your email address: Search The Site	Constituent Services Helping Washingtonians Recover from Flood and Storm Damage In the wake of the devastating storms that passed through Western Washington, thousands of residents have had their daily lives completely disrupted. It is clear that our residents need help to quickly rebuild their communities and get back on track. I am working to ensure that our communities and businesses get the help they need in a timely matter. I would also like to commend all of the local leaders who have done a tremendous job helping the people affected by this flooding. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Washington residents affected by this devastation. Please know that I am a resource to you during this difficult time. To help you figure out what to do now, I have assembled some information and support resources for you and your families and I'll provide more information to my web page as more information and support becomes available. I know that it will take all of us to repair and rebuild our communities and that we have a long and challenging path to recovery ahead of us. But I also know that together we can do it. Please do not hesitate to call my offices in Vancouver at (360) 696-7838 or Seattle at (206) 220-6400 or via the web at http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/office_locations.cfm if I can provide any additional assistance. Quick Safety Tips for the Aftermath of Floods and Storms Get Help from the Red Cross Avoid Storm-Related Scams Help for Small Business Owners Donating to Charities to Help Storm Victims Update, February 3, 2009: From the White House, Reporting Damage, and Helpful Websites From the White House: President Obama declared a major disaster exists in the State of Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm, landslides, mudslides, and flodding during the period of January 6-16, 2009. To read the Press Release, please see: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/ObamaDeclaresMajorDisasterinWashingtonState/ Reporting Damage: King County - To report uninsured losses, a King County Emergency Services hotline is available at (800) 523-5044. Individuals with damage to report should contact their own insurance company first. The hotline will be open Tuesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. The county will report estimated losses to the state to seek an emergency declaration for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Some uninsured losses might be compensated by FEMA. Anyone suffering damage should document it with photographs and a written description. Snohomish County - Damange reports may be filed by calling the county's Department of Emergency Management office at (425) 388-5060 or by filing out and returning a damage assessment form found at http://www.snoco.org/departments/emergency_management. Helpful Websites (Updated Feb. 3, 2009): www.fema.gov - Official site for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Provides planning advice for a variety of types of disasters, a citizen guide to preparedness, information on how to identify possible hazards or emergencies, and a link to review maps in your area. www.ready.gov - Provides information for the general public on how to make an emergency supply kit, create a family emergency plan and stay informed during a disaster. Also provides a link for business owners and an interactive link for kids to learn about emergency preparedness. www.floodsmart.gov - Official site of the National Flood Insurance Program. Provides flood awareness information, including how to assess your flood risk, advice for preparation and recovery, and descriptions of flood insurance policies. www.nafsma.org - Website for the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies: an organization of public agencies whose function is the protection of lives, propoerty, and economic activity from the adverse impacts of storm and floodwaters. www.floods.org - Website for the Association of State Floodplain Managers: an organization of professionals involved in a floodplain management, flood hazard mitigration, the National Flood Insurance Program, and flood preparedness, warning, and recovery. Washington State Department of Revenue: Flood/Disaster Relief -- A helpful website that provides access to several different types of assistance available for businesses and citizens affected by flooding and other disasters. Quick Safety Tips in Aftermath of Floods and Storms Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital or clinic. Contaminated flood waters lead to a greater possibility of infection. Severe injuries will require medical attention. Help a neighbor who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations. Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations, and put you at further risk from the residual effects of floods, such as contaminated waters, crumbled roads, landslides, mudflows, and other hazards. Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television stations and return home only when authorities indicate it is safe to do so. Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede; there may be flood-related hazards within your community, which you could hear about from local broadcasts. Stay out of any building if flood waters remain around the building. Flood waters often undermine foundations, causing sinking, floors can crack or break and buildings can collapse. Avoid entering ANY building (home, business, or other) before local officials have said it is safe to do so. Buildings may have hidden damage that makes them unsafe. Gas leaks or electric or waterline damage can create additional problems. Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury. Check with your utility company now about where broken lines should be reported. Avoid smoking inside buildings. Smoking in confined areas can cause fires. When entering buildings, use extreme caution. Building damage may have occurred where you least expect it. Watch carefully every step you take. Wear sturdy shoes. The most common injury following a disaster is cut feet. Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings. Battery-powered lighting is the safest and easiest, preventing fire hazard for the user, occupants, and building. Examine walls, floors, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing. Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage. Cracks and damage to a foundation can render a building uninhabitable. Look for fire hazards. There may be broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces or electrical appliances. Flammable or explosive materials may travel from upstream. Fire is the most frequent hazard following floods. Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional. Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service. Check for sewage and waterline damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water from undamaged water heaters or by melting ice cubes. Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims. After returning home: Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Some canned foods may be salvageable. If the cans are dented or damaged, throw them away. Food contaminated by flood waters can cause severe infections. If water is of questionable purity, boil and distill drinking water before using. Wells inundated by flood waters should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking. If in doubt, call your local public health authority. Ill health effects often occur when people drink water contaminated with bacteria and germs. Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped completely in a short period of time, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse. Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards. Residents in homes without power should also be aware of the following safety tips: Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out. Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to yourr home's electrical system. Listen to local radio and television for updated information. Update, February 17, 2009: Mold is a Growing Problem in Flood-Damaged Washington Homes (from FEMA) If your home was affected in the recent flooding it could be harboring mold. "Mold can be a significant problem after flooding, and proper cleanup is critical to ensure that it does not affect you or your family's health," said Laura White, public health advisor with the Washington State Department of Health's Division of Environmental Health. Care must be taken to clean and completely dry any areas of the home that have gotten wet from floodwaters to prevent structural damage and adverse health effects from mold. "People are anxious to get on with their lives after a flood, but if you had flood waters in your home take the time to clean thoroughly so problems don't arise later that affect your home or your health," Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn said. Mold and Health Concerns Mold growth is a common occurrence in flood-damaged homes and damp environments. Mold could become a problem in your home if there is enough moisture available to allow mold to thrive and multiply. Dampness in basements, walls, carpets, and wood provides an environment for mold to flourish. Mold is made up of simple microscopic organisms that are found virtually everywhere. It can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and black, and gives off a musty or earthy smell. Exposure to mold can cause health problems. Infants, children, immune-compromised patients, pregnant women, individuals with existing respiratory conditions, (allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma) and the elderly appear to be at higher risks for adverse health effects from mold. Health symptoms known to be associated with exposure to mold include nose and throat irritation, wheeze, cough, asthma attacks in individuals who have asthma, and lower respiratory tract infections (in children). People with pre-existing respiratory conditions may also be susceptible to more serious lung infections. Cleanup Tips Throw out things that can't be washed and disinfected (mattresses, carpeting, rugs, carpet padding, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products, for example). Remove wet or damaged materials and allow exposed surfaces to dry thoroughly before replacing drywall, insulation and floor coverings that have come in contact with sewage or flood waters. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks and other plumbing fixtures). Mold can grow on any surface, including walls, ceilings, carpets, and paints so it may take a variety of cleaning approaches. Bleach and soap with water will clean most surfaces. If a moldy smell can be detected, there is mold around. After cleaning visibly moldy areas, allow them to dry. Undamaged commercial canned food that doesn't have extensive rusting can be cleaned. Remove labels, wash the can with a scrub brush and detergent, and then rinse in clean water. The cans should be sanitized by swabbing or dipping in bleach solution for 15 minutes, and then air dried. Home canned foods; food packaged in paper, cardboard, or containers with screw top lids or flip tops; and unpackaged foods such as fruit, potatoes, and squash should be thrown away. After hadnling items that have been in contact with floodwater or seage during the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected -- especially when preparing food. Wash contaminated clothes in hot water and detergent -- separate from uncontaminated items. Additional Information on mold and mold cleanup can be found on these websites: The Washington Department of Health provides a comprehensive description of how to clean and disinfect a mold-damaged home on its environmental health web page. For more information, connect to http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/FloodSafe_HowTo.shtml and http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/Floods/flood_debris.html. For a printable brochure on mold prevention and cleanup, visit FEMA's recovery web pages at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf . For more information about Washington recovery, please visit www.disasterassistance.gov, www.floodsmart.gov, www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/, and http://www.emd.wa.gov/. Update, February 17, 2009: Getting Help from FEMA Flood victims in Clark, King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties are eligible to apply for individual disaster assistance through FEMA. Disaster assistance is money or direct aid for individuals, families, and businesses who have suffered losses that will not be covered by insurance. You can apply for aid online at: http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Whether applying online or over the phone, you will need to provide FEMA with the information below. Have a pen and paper ready to record any additional information they may give you. FEMA will need your: Full legal name Social Security number Current and pre-disaster address A telephone number where you can be contacted Insurance information Total household annual income A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster In addition, if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account, FEMA will ask you for your bank routing number and account number. FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (Updated Feb. 17, 2009): FEMA now has Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) – readily accessible facilities where applicants may go for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs – open in Washington state. DRCs provide disaster recovery guidance, Housing Assistance and Rental Resource information, status of applications being processed by FEMA, and referrals to agencies that can provide more assistance. Centers are now open in: Cowlitz County Training Center (The Boat House) 1942 First Ave. Longview, WA 98632 HOURS: Monday - Saturday 9-7; Sunday 9-6 Westfield Capital Shopping Center 625 Black Lake Blvd., Suite 374 Olympia, WA 98502 HOURS: Monday - Saturday 9-7, Sunday 9-6 South Hill Mall (located near the old J.C. Penny's entrance) 3500 S. Meridian, Suite 940 Puyallup, WA 98373 HOURS: Monday - Saturday 9-7, Sunday 9-6 Evergreen State Fairgrounds 14405 179th Ave SE, Building 501 Monroe, WA 98272 HOURS Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 9-6 Bob Lyle Community Center 700 Main St Morton, WA 98356 WILL OPEN Monday February 16th at noon Kittitas County Fairground Western Village "Robber's Roost" 1010 E 8th Ave. Ellensburg WA, 98926 WILL OPEN Friday February 13th at noon Flood-related Vaccinations: Anyone exposed to flood waters should immediately wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes, mouth and nose. It is recommended that individuals in flooded areas get a tetanus vaccination if they have not received one within the last ten years. If you have received a cut or wound, you may want to contact a health care provider to see if you need to be vaccinated before the ten year period has expired. It is also recommended that anyone over six months old receive an influenza vaccine, especially those living in group settings. Avoid Storm-Related Scams Beware of possible flood-related scams including fraudulent home repair offers, charity appeals and identity theft cons posing as government officials. Offers to help with repairs and cleanup Beware of contractors who solicit door to door, pressure you for an immediate decision, accept only cash, require all or most of the payment before work is completed, or refuse to provide you with a written contract. Whenever possible, homeowners should work with a local contractor they know and trust. Don't take a contractor's word that your insurance company will cover the damage. Check directly with your insurance company. Special insurance policies are typically required for coverage of flood or mudslide damage. Always get written estimates and contracts. Contracts should clearly state all the tasks a contractor will perform, all fees associated with the work and who will apply for the necessary permits. All guarantees made by the contractor should be specified in writing. All contractors who do construction work in Washington must be registered with the state Department of Labor and Industries, post a bond and carry general liability insurance coverage. Check with Labor and Industries to ensure a contractor you intend to hire is properly registered. You can search online or call 1-800-647-0982. Charity solicitations Scam artists often take advantage of disaster situations by soliciting donations for a bogus charity. If you want to help, give directly to a familiar organization such as the Red Cross or Salvation Army. Do not give your credit card number or other personal information in response to a telephone solicitation. Don't click on links in e-mails - which often send you to bogus Web sites set up by cons who want to steal from you. Watch out for solicitations that bear similar names to legitimate organizations. You can confirm that a charity is registered with the Washington Secretary of State's Office by calling 1-800-332-4483 or searching online. Cons posing as government officials Flood victims should also be on the look out for scam artists pretending to be employed by a government agency or a nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance. Cons will sometimes claim to be government officials in order to request cash up front for repairs, telling the homeowners that their insurance money is coming soon. Or they may pretend to assist you in filling out an application for assistance funds but are really identity thieves looking to steal your personal information. Insist on seeing proper identification from anyone who offers assistance and never provide personal information to an unknown caller or someone who comes to the door. Flood-damaged cars It's possible that some flood-damaged cars may turn up on the market in the coming months. These cars may look normal but almost always have serious problems including chronic mildew and corroded wires that lead to electrical failure. When buying a used car, you should research the title and the vehicle identification number. Carefully inspect the vehicle inside and out and have it inspected by a qualified, independent mechanic. Report fraud Report fraud to the Washington's Attorney General's Office by filing a complaint online or calling 1-800-551-4636. Report an unregistered contractor to Labor and Industries by calling the agency's fraud hotline at 1-888-811-5974 or file a complaint online link. Aid for Small Business Owners, Homeowners, and Renters Through its Office of Disaster Assistance (ODA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides affordable, timely and accessible financial assistance to qualifying homeowners, renters and businesses, in the form of low-interest, long-term loans. SBA's disaster loans are the primary form of federal assistance for the repair and rebuilding of non-farm, private sector disaster losses. For this reason, the disaster loan program is the only form of SBA assistance not limited to small businesses. Currently, homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to cover unreimbursed personal property losses following a disaster declaration. Homeowners may also borrow up to $200,000 to cover unreimbursed real property losses. Businesses may borrow up to $1.5 million to cover the cost of repairs and to cover certain other losses for economic injury, which is the inability to make normal payments for supplies, payroll, etc. To learn whether you might be eligible for aid, visit the Small Business Administration or call 1-800-659-2955. Donating to Charities to Help Storm Victims If you want to help storm victims, below are a few local organizations that are helping out in our communities. Donate online: Red Cross Pacific Northwest flood relief United Way of Grays Harbor County United Way of Lewis County United Way of Kitsap County United Way of Mason County United Way of Thurston County Don't forget that scam artists often take advantage of disaster situations by soliciting donations for a bogus charity. If you want to help, give directly to a familiar organization such as the Red Cross or Salvation Army. Do not give your credit card number or other personal information in response to a telephone solicitation. Don't click on links in e-mails - which often send you to bogus Web sites set up by cons who want to steal from you. Watch out for solicitations that bear similar names to legitimate organizations.
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