In response to the recent and expected Midwest floods, FEMA has compiled a short list of resources to assist with recovery as well as mitigation efforts. Click here for more about Spring Flooding.
FEMA officials encourage residents to continue monitoring weather reports and remain cautious. In addition, residents should:
View the FloodSmart Midwest Flood Fact Sheet (PDF 98KB, TXT 8KB)
Sign up to receive Updates During Disasters e-mail updates
I have water in my basement. How should I pump it out?
Residents with basements flooded by the recent storms are urged to use caution when pumping them out. Draining the water too fast could cause the collapse of the cellar walls, floors, and foundation. The water must be drained slowly to equalize pressure on both sides of the wall.
Officials recommend the following procedures be followed when pumping basements to avoid serious damage, collapse, or injury to occupants:
What can I do about mold?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have additional facts sheets available on mold clean up and remediation as well as other resources.
How do I begin rebuilding?
IRS Assistance
How can my family heirlooms and other valuables be restored?
What can be done to prepare for future flood events?
How Does Mitigation Help?
Mitigation is the effort to reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. A recent study by the Multihazard Mitigation Council shows that each dollar spent on mitigation saves an average of four dollars. FEMA’s Mitigation Directorate implements numerous Congressionally-authorized programs that address the effects of natural hazards through mitigation activities.
What kind of Federal Financial Assistance is there?
Communities all across the U.S. that have experienced flooding disasters have documented their recovery efforts and success to share with others in the form of best practices. Here is a sampling of these best practices related to flood recovery and flood insurance. Click here to search for additional best practices.
Flood Insurance related Best Practices
Download Plug-in
Some of the links on this page require a plug-in to view them. Links to the plug-ins are available below.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 14-Apr-2009 11:09:26 EDT