Getting Help 

¦ The American Red Cross can help you by 
p roviding you with a voucher to purchase 
n ew clothing, groceries, essential medications, 
bedding, essential furnishings, and other items 
to meet emergency needs. Listen to local 
radio stations to find out where to go for this 
assistance, or look up American Red Cross in 
the phone book and call. 
¦ The Red Cross can provide you with a 
cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and 
cleaning supplies. 
¦ Contact your insurance agent to discuss 
c l a i m s . 
¦ Listen to your radio for information on 
assistance that may be provided by the 
state or federal government and other 
o r g a n i z a t i o n s . 
¦ If you hire cleanup or repair contractors, 
be sure they are qualified to do the job. 
Be wary of people who drive through 
neighborhoods offering help in cleaning up 
or repairing your home. Check re f e re n c e s . 
Issued in furtherance of the In t e rnational Decade 
for Natural Disaster Re d u c t i o n . 

After 
a Flood: 
The 
First 
Steps 
ARC 4476 
FEMA L-198 
Aug. 1992 


Your home has been flooded. Although 
floodwaters may be down in some areas, 
many dangers still exist. He re are things to 
remember in the days ahead. 

¦ Roads may be closed because they have been 
damaged or are cove red by water. Ba r r i c a d e s 
h a ve been placed for your protection. If yo u 
come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go 
another way. 
¦ Keep listening to the radio for news about 
what to do, where to go, or places to avo i d . 
¦ Emergency workers will be assisting people in 
flooded areas. You can help them by staying 
off the roads and out of the way. 
¦ If you m u s t walk or drive in areas that have 
been flooded — 
• Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 
6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. 
Standing water may be electrically charged 
f rom underground or downed power lines. 
• Flooding may have caused familiar places to 
change. Floodwaters often erode roads and 
walkways. Flood debris may hide animals 
and broken bottles, and it ís also ve ry slip-
p e ry. Avoid walking or driving thro u g h 
f l o o d w a t e r s . 
¦ Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash 
floods can occur. Listen for local warnings 
and information. If your car stalls in rapidly 
rising waters, get out immediately and climb 
to higher gro u n d . 
Staying Healthy 

¦ A flood can cause emotional and physical 
s t ress. You need to look after yourself and 
your family as you focus on cleanup and 
re p a i r. 
• Rest often and eat we l l . 
• Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list 
and do jobs one at a time. 
• Discuss your concerns with others and 
seek help. Contract the Red Cross for 
information on emotional support 
a vailable in your area. 
Cleaning Up and Repairing 
Your Home 

¦ Turn off the electricity at the main breaker 
of fuse box, even if the power is off in yo u r 
c o m m u n i t y. That way, yo u can decide when 
your home is dry enough to turn it back on. 
¦ Get a copy of the book Repairing Your Fl o o d e d 
Ho m e. It will tell yo u : 
• How to enter your home safely. 
• How to protect your home and belongings 
f rom further damage. 
• How to re c o rd damage to support 
insurance claims and requests for assistance. 
• How to check for gas or water leaks
and how to have service re s t o re d .
• How to clean up appliances, furniture , 
floors, and other belongings. 
Repairing Your Flooded Ho m e is ava i l a b l e 
f ree from the American Red Cross or yo u r 
state or local emergency manager.