Mitigation Information Offered at Home Supply Stores
Learn How to Rebuild Your Flooded Home to Lessen Future Damage
Release Date: August 22, 2006
Release Number: 1650-058
» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding
ALBANY, N.Y. -- The State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with local home supply stores, offer outreach teams to assist people with mitigation and disaster assistance information.
The teams are available until August 28, 2006, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily except Tuesday at the Home Depot Stores in the following cities:
Oneonta at 659 State Highway 28
Johnson City at 798 Main
Monticello at 4050 State Route 42
Teams will be available August 30 through September 4, 2006, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily except Tuesday at the following stores:
Amsterdam, Lowes, 4825 State Highway 30
Vestal, Lowes, 225 Sycamore Street
Utica, Home Depot, 545 French Road
Specialists from FEMA will be on hand to explain techniques that can lessen damage to homes, businesses and property from future flooding. How-to information for retrofitting buildings and elevating utilities will be available as well as brochures about the National Flood Insurance Program.
Also, specialists will be able to provide flood safety clean-up tips to help prevent health problems that can be caused by mold and mildew. In addition to causing structural damage, home and business owners should be aware that mold spores can grow in a short period of time, which may cause or aggravate asthma or respiratory problems in adults and children.
Other retrofitting residents can do, and get information about, to avoid flood damage in the future include:
- Relocate main electric switchbox above potential floodwaters
- Relocate electric outlets and switches above potential floodwaters
- Move washer and dryer to a higher floor
- Elevate furnace and water heater
- Have licensed plumber install a backflow valve to prevent sewer backup
- Purchase flood insurance
The teams also will supply information on how people can get help with other disaster related questions.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-Aug-2006 07:36:22