News roundup: After the flood

When it rains, it floods. Monday's 3.29-inch rainfall (on average across the Valley) broke more than records, it flooded homes, schools, parks, freeways and cars. Though the weather cleared out by midday, the devastating effects linger, and Arizona residents are left mopping up the mess. Here's a news roundup with tips for after the flood.

FLOODWATER TURNS PARKS INTO SWAMPS

All those little ponds forming in the divots, ruts, drainage ditches, parks and water basins are a natural breeding ground for all kinds of nastiness including mosquitoes, which can carry the West Nile virus. Think twice before letting kids play in the deep puddles as the murky waters can hide sharp objects and carry germs such as tetanus, E. coli and staphylococcus (staph infection).

For more information, read "Floodwater carries risk of disease, injury."

LEAKY ROOFS? THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT

OK not really, but a sharp pencil might be the difference between a costly ceiling cave-in and a small repair. If your wall or ceiling is bubbling, you're better off popping a few holes in it and letting the water leak out. Once it dries, call a roofing company.

For more information, read "Have a leaking roof? Try the Pencil Trick."

CEILING DAMAGE AND MUDDY POOLS

For homeowners, the nightmare has only just begun. Fixing a house after a flood can be costly and time consuming. Lori Clark, owner of Right Way Roofing in Mesa, recommends homeowners get an estimate from a roofer before talking to insurance companies. Bill Moore, owner of Moore's Pool Service, said homeowners should turn off their pool pump and motor if it's in standing water. With mud in the pool, just let it settle, he said. If there's a lot of debris, it might need to be drained, Moore said.

For more information, read "Tips to deal with leaky roofs, muddy pools in Phoenix."

INS AND OUTS OF FLOOD INSURANCE

It's probably too late to find out if you're covered for flood insurance, but that shouldn't keep homeowners from dusting off the ol' policy. Certain policies cover damage from moisture incursions, but a separate policy is often required to cover flood damage. On the other hand, vehicle owners might be covered under the comprehensive portion of auto policies, said Kelly Campbell, vice president of state government relations for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.

For more information, read "Flooding common exception in insurance policies."

ARIZONA CARDINALS SOP UP THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Despite the dark and stormy morning, Cardinals fans flocked to the first game of the season, tailgating on the 25 percent of the Great Lawn open for use. The Cardinals squeaked out an 18-17 win over the San Diego Chargers after a fourth-quarter rally.

For more information, read "Arizona Cardinals open season with 18-17 win over San Diego Chargers."