Release Date: September 12, 2007
Release Number: 1720-023
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
FINDLAY, Ohio -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in collaboration with local building supply stores, will be offering outreach teams to provide flood mitigation information and guidance.
The initial outreach team will be in Mansfield Sept. 13 through 19 at Lowe's, 940 North Lexington Spring Mill Road. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
To date, the mitigation outreach program has reached more than 1,600 Ohioans - at a building supply store or at a Disaster Recovery Center.
Critical areas people have been most concerned about include: mold remediation, well contamination and the advantages of installing check valves to prevent backflows.
The FEMA teams will be on hand to explain techniques that can lessen flood damage to homes, businesses and properties. They will also offer flood safety tips to prevent health problems that may be caused by mold and mildew.
In addition the teams will provide "how-to" information for retrofitting buildings. This can include relocating main electric switchboxes and outlets; moving washers and dryers to higher floors; elevating furnaces and water heaters, and using licensed plumbers to install special valves to prevent sewer backups.
FEMA strongly encourages all affected by the flood to take advantage of the mitigation assistance and information program.
In addition FEMA also is asking all affected residents to register for federal disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by accessing www.fema.gov
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or manmade, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Sep-2007 07:55:49