after a disaster information to help you and your family recover

8/13/2019 After a Disaster Information to Help You and Your Family Recover

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After a Disaster

Information to Help You and Your Family Recover

By The Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Copyright 2011 Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License otes

Than! yo" for down#oading this free e$oo!% A#tho"gh, this is a free e$oo!, it remains

copyrighted property of The Texas AgriLife Extension Service, The Texas A&' (niversity

System, and may not $e reprod"ced, copied or distri$"ted for commercia# p"rposes%

Table of Contents

)eeping Safe

Basic *irst Aid

+epairing Tree amage

-perating a .orta$#e /enerator Safe#y

C#earing e$ris

Chain Saw Safety

S"pp#y List for +et"rning ome

Eva#"ating and and#ing *ood and rin!s
http://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23keepingsafehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23basicfirstaidhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23repairingtreedamagehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23operatingaportablegeneratorsafelyhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23clearingdebrishttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23chainsawsafetyhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23supplylistforreturninghomehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23evaluatingandhandlingfoodanddriinkshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23basicfirstaidhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23repairingtreedamagehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23operatingaportablegeneratorsafelyhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23clearingdebrishttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23chainsawsafetyhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23supplylistforreturninghomehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23evaluatingandhandlingfoodanddriinkshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23keepingsafe


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+emoving -dors from +efrigerators and *reeers

and ashing

isinfecting and *inding ater

Living itho"t .ower

Assessing Str"ct"ra# amage

e#ping *ami#y 'em$ers Cope

Caring for .ets

Caring for Livestoc!

Contro##ing 'o#d

Contro##ing 3nsects

or!ing with the *E'A

omeowner4s .roperty 3ns"rance

+ecovering ome astewater Treatment Systems

.reventing *ra"d-$taining Assistance

+ec#aiming *#ooded Soi#s

isinfecting ater e##s and Stored ater

Sa#vaging 3mportant .apers, Boo!s, and .hotos

The Texas Extension isaster Ed"cation etwor! 5EE6 e$site

Texas EE on Twitter

Texas EE on *ace$oo!

A$o"t Texas EE
http://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23removingodorsfromfridgeandfreezershttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23handwashinghttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23disinfectingandfindingwaterhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23livingwithoutpowerhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23assessingstructuraldamagehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23helpingfamilymemberscopehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23caringforpetshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23caringforlivestockhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23controllingmoldhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23controllinginsectshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23workingwithfemahttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23homeownerspropertyinsurancehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23recoveringhomewastewatertreatmentsystemshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23preventingfraudhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23obtainingassistancehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23reclaimingfloodedsoilshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23disinfectingwaterwellsandstoredwaterhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23salvagingimportantpapersandbookshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23texasedenwebsitehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23texasedenontwitterhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23texasedenonfacebookhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23abouttexasedenhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23removingodorsfromfridgeandfreezershttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23handwashinghttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23disinfectingandfindingwaterhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23livingwithoutpowerhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23assessingstructuraldamagehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23helpingfamilymemberscopehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23caringforpetshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23caringforlivestockhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23controllingmoldhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23controllinginsectshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23workingwithfemahttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23homeownerspropertyinsurancehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23recoveringhomewastewatertreatmentsystemshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23preventingfraudhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23obtainingassistancehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23reclaimingfloodedsoilshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23disinfectingwaterwellsandstoredwaterhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23salvagingimportantpapersandbookshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23texasedenwebsitehttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23texasedenontwitterhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23texasedenonfacebookhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23abouttexaseden


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KEEPI! "AFE

Follo# public announcements and obey official orders$

Do not ride% drive% or #al& t'rou(' flooded areas$

ever (o around a police barricade$

If you must #or& in or near flood#ater% #ear a life )ac&et$

*ear protective clot'in(7a hard hat, gogg#es, heavy wor! g#oves, and watertight $oots with stee# toes

and inso#es 5not 8"st stee# shan!s6%

Avoid unstable buildin(s and structures$

+e#are of electrical and fire 'a,ards-

ever to"ch any $"i#ding, car, or other item that is to"ching a fa##en power #ine%

ever to"ch an overhead power #ine%

o not $"rn cand#es near f#amma$#e items or #eave cand#es "nattended% 3f possi$#e, "se

f#ash#ights or other $attery9operated #ights instead of cand#es%

Ca## an e#ectrician or power company to report a downed power #ine or power o"tage%

+e#are of (as lea&s-

Do not use flames or spar&in( devices until you are sure t'at no natural (as is lea&in( in

t'e area$

ever turn t'e (as bac& on by yourself$ Contact your local utility company to restore your

(as service$

Prevent carbon mono.ide poisonin(-

o not "se a porta$#e generator, charcoa# gri##, camp stove, or other gaso#ine9 or charcoa#9

$"rning device in any enc#osed or partia##y enc#osed area7even if the area is venti#ated% *ans

and open doors and windows wi## not prevent car$on monoxide from $"i#ding "p in the home%

3f yo" start to fee# sic!, diy, or wea! whi#e "sing a generator or other gaso#ine:charcoa# $"rning

device, get to fresh air right away% See! prompt medica# care%

"tore and transport (asoline safely-
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A#ways "se an approved red safety container that has a warning #a$e# a$o"t the dangers of

gaso#ine% o not

"se a g#ass container or a "sed meta# container that has he#d other petro#e"m prod"cts%

*i## the container to on#y ;< percent capacity to a##ow for heat expansion%

Before #oading a fi##ed, porta$#e gaso#ine container into a vehic#e, ma!e s"re that the cap and air

vent cap are tight% Sec"re the container so it doesn4t tip in transit%

+e#are of #ild or stray animals$Ca## #oca# a"thorities to hand#e them%

+e#are of sna&es-

ear sna!e9proof $oots that are at #east 10 inches high, or wear sna!e #eggings%

(se a po!ing stic! to anno"nce yo"r approach%

3f yo" are $itten $y a poisono"s sna!e, don4t try to treat the $ite yo"rse#f% /o to the nearest

hospita# or c#inic immediate#y% ote the appearance of the sna!e so yo" can descri$e it to a

doctor%

Avoid mos/uitoes and ot'er insects$ear #ong pants, soc!s, and #ong9s#eeved shirts% (se insect

repe##ents that contain EET or .icaridin%

Pace yourself and (et support$Try not to wor! a#one%

Prevent in)uries-

(se teams of peop#e to move $"#!y o$8ects%

o not #ift anything weighing more than


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+ro&en bones-

hi#e waiting for medica# he#p, stop any $#eeding $y app#ying press"re to the wo"nd with a

c#ean c#oth, immo$i#ie the in8"red area, app#y ice pac!s to #imit swe##ing, and treat for shoc!, if

necessary, $y having the person #ie down with his or her head s#ight#y #ower than the tr"n! and, if

possi$#e, the #egs e#evated%

Cuts% scrapes% and punctures-

ash the wo"nd with soap and water%

App#y a $andage to the wo"nd%

3f the $#eeding doesn4t stop, p"t press"re on the wo"nd with the pa#m of yo"r hand and a c#ean

c#oth% ."t on a c#ean $andage after the $#eeding has stopped%

Heat

Expos"re to excessive heat can ca"se heat exha"stion, cramps, and, most serio"s, heat stro!e%

Symptoms of heat stro!e are hot, dry s!in, often with red spots= a $ody temperat"re of 10"ids%

hen there is no power or air conditioning, prevent heat pro$#ems $y doing stren"o"s wor!

d"ring the coo#er parts of the day and drin!ing p#enty of #i>"ids%

"tin(s and bites-

ash the wo"nd with soap and water%

3f possi$#e, identify the anima# or insect invo#ved%

3f the wo"nd is severe or the anima# has escaped, ta!e the person to a doctor%

Treat minor wo"nds with over9the9co"nter medications for stings and $ites% ome remedies

inc#"de ammonia, meat tenderier, tea tree oi#, camphor, and a


6/44

A##ow the person to co"gh% on4t po"nd on his or her $ac!%

3f the person can4t spea! or $reathe, stand $ehind him or her and ma!e a fist with one hand% .#ace

yo"r fist 8"st a$ove the person4s $e##y $"tton% @o"r th"m$ sho"#d $e toward the person4s

stomach%

+each aro"nd the person4s $ody and gra$ yo"r fist with yo"r other hand% 'a!e s"re yo"r e#$ows

are pointed o"t%

"ic!#y p"## yo"r arms in and "p toward the person4s head% This sho"#d dis#odge the o$8ect

$#oc!ing the airway%

+epeat these steps "nti# the person can $reathe%

REPAIRI! TREE DA0A!E

3f damage is re#ative#y s#ight 5one or two main #im$s on a hea#thy, mat"re tree6, pr"ne damaged

#im$s $ac! to the tr"n!% o not pr"ne too heavi#y% Then wait to see if the tree recovers% atch for

signs of decay at the sites of wo"nds%

@o"ng trees can s"stain a #ot of damage and sti## recover% +emove on#y the damaged #im$s%

3f the main "pward9growing #im$ is $ro!en, more than ha#f the tree4s crown 5$ranches and

#eaves6 is damaged, or fewer than ha#f the tree4s #im$s remain, the tree may not s"rvive% Even if

it does, it wi## not regain its shape% Severe#y damaged trees sho"#d $e removed%

3f in do"$t, hire a certified ar$orist to assess and repair tree damage% /et more than one estimate

and as! each person exact#y what wor! they p#an to do% Chec! their references and proofs of

ins"rance%

1PERATI! A P1RTA+2E !EERAT1R "AFE2Y

To prevent car$on monoxide 5C-6 poisoning, never operate a generator indoors or in partia##y

c#osed areas, even if yo" thin! there is eno"gh venti#ation% -pening windows and doors wi## not

prevent C- from $"i#ding to dangero"s #eve#s%

.#ace the generator o"tdoors and away from windows, doors and vents where C- gas can enter

the home%

)eep the generator dry% o not expose it to rain or p#ace it on a wet s"rface% -perate it on a dry

s"rface "nder an open, canopy9#i!e cover%
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3f anyone in the area where a generator is $eing "sed deve#ops a headache, #ethargy, wea!ness,

na"sea, or m"sc#e aches, get medica# he#p immediate#y%

To prevent e#ectrica# shoc!, dry yo"r hands $efore to"ching the generator%

.#"g app#iances direct#y into the generator or "se a heavy9d"ty extension cord that is rated foro"tdoor "se% 'a!e s"re the extension cord is a#so rated 5in watts or amps6 at #east e>"a# to the

s"m of the connected #oad% Be s"re the cord has no c"ts or tears and that the p#"g has three

prongs with a gro"nding pin%

ever p#"g the generator into a wa## o"t#et in a ho"se or other circ"it% This co"#d e#ectroc"te

"ti#ity wor!ers and:or neigh$ors who might $e servicing the e#ectrica# system%

)eep generator f"e# o"t of yo"r home and away from f"e#9$"rning app#iances% T"rn off the

generator and #et it coo# $efore ref"e#ing% A f"e# spi## on hot engine parts co"#d ca"se a fire%

A#ways !eep a fire exting"isher near the generator%

ever attempt to repair a generator% -n#y a >"a#ified technician sho"#d perform repairs%

o not remove or tamper with safety devices%

o not to"ch hot engine parts%

)eep chi#dren away from the generator and the f"e# containers%

C2EARI! DE+RI"

Landowners are responsi$#e for c#earing de$ris from their own property after a disaster%

Contact yo"r city or co"nty government to find o"t a$o"t recyc#ing programs and the sched"#e

for de$ris pic!"p%

3sin( a c'ain sa#-

See Chain Saw Safety $e#ow%

(se a sharp saw% *o##ow the sharpening and maintenance instr"ctions%

ear protective gear, inc#"ding st"rdy, nons#ip g#oves= high9top $oots with nons#ip so#es 5and

prefera$#y with stee# toes6= and a hard hat with face and hearing protection%

'a!e s"re the saw has an anti9!ic!$ac! device% C"t with the #ower part of the saw $#ade, not the

tip or nose%


8/44

*i## a gas9powered chain saw on#y when the engine is coo#% 3f the saw r"ns o"t of gas, #et it coo#

0 min"tes $efore ref"e#ing%

Prunin(-

Be caref"# of e#ectric power #ines% Leave extensive pr"ning aro"nd power #ines to powercompanies% o not "se pr"ning e>"ipment with meta# hand#es%

+ulldo,in(-

3f yo" wi## "se a $"##doer to remove st"mps, #eave st"mps D to 10 feet high for #everage% 3f yo"

wi## "se a st"mp grinder, remove the trees at gro"nd #eve#%

3f possi$#e, attach a ra!e to the front of the $"##doer so most of the soi# wi## pass thro"gh the

teeth% This e#iminates "ndesira$#e mo"nds of soi#%

Disposin( of debris-

+uryin( debriscan $e expensive% (se a chipping machine to e#iminate sma##er $ranches and red"ce the

amo"nt of $"ria# space needed%

2and fillin(invo#ves p#acing tree de$ris in erosion g"##ies, swamps or #ow9#ying areas% Cons"#t a water

reso"rce specia#ist to determine how #and fi##ing wi## a#ter the water f#ow% A $"##doer or other #arge

e>"ipment wi## $e needed $eca"se it is dangero"s to "se a tractor to p"sh de$ris into g"##ies%

+urnin(is another option% B"t wait "nti# the weather improves% Even after m"ch rain, the fire danger

may sti## $e high, and a $"rn $an may $e in effect%

Let the tree de$ris dry "nti# the #eaves $egin to fa##%

Then p"t the de$ris in #arge, compact pi#es and cover the pi#es with f"e# oi#%

Sto!e the fires to !eep them $"rning "nti# a## woody materia# is $"rned% 3n some areas, yo" may

need a permit to $"rn de$ris%

CHAI "A* "AFETY

)now yo"r saw and how to operate it $efore yo" "se it% +ead and "nderstand the operator4s

man"a#%

Be s"re the chain saw is in good wor!ing order% The saw sho"#d $e sharp and the chain sho"#d fit

sn"g#y $"t not $e too tight% 'a!e s"re a## the n"ts and screws are tight and a## parts are we##

#"$ricated% o not "se a saw that doesn4t have a wor!ing safety mechanism%

*"e# the saw in a safe p#ace% ipe any spi##ed f"e# from the saw $efore starting the engine%


9/44


10/44

o not c"t a$ove mid9chest height%

o not c"t $r"sh or shr"$$ery%

A#ways sh"t off the engine $efore setting down the chain saw, even when yo" are retreating from

a fa##ing tree%

"3PP2Y 2I"T F1R RET3RI! H10E

Before yo" enter the home, chec! for gas #ea!s and damage to the e#ectrica# #ines% 3f gas is

#ea!ing or the power #ines are damaged, do not enter the home% hen yo" ret"rn to yo"r home

after a f#ood or damaging storm, yo" wi## need items for c#eaning "p and ma!ing minor repairs as

we## as persona# items%

Cleanin( supplies-

Air freshener, 9 or ;9o"nce can

B#each, 2 o"nces

B"c!et,


11/44

First aid &it-

Aspirin

Bandages, adhesive

*irst aid $oo!#et

/a"e

/#oves, steri#e, 2 pairs

-intments, anti$iotic and $"rn

Soap

S"nscreen, S.* 0

Thermometer

ipes, anti$iotic

Food and snac&s-

See the Living itho"t .ower chapter for s"ggested foods and food storage and preparation s"pp#ies%

Insect repellent t'at contains DEET

0edications% prescriptions

Personal 'y(iene items-

and sanitier, a#coho# $ased

Soap

Tooth$r"sh

Toothpaste

Towe#, $ath

ashc#oth

*ater 4at least 5 (allon per person per day6

"turdy s'oes 4#it' toes and 'ard soles6

Tarp% to cover roof dama(e or use as an outdoor s'ade


12/44

Tools

Ax

Chain saw for c#earing trees

ac!saw

ammer and nai#s

.#iers

Screwdriver

rench

+ope

E7A23ATI! AD HAD2I! F11D AD DRIK"

Chec! each food or drin! item in yo"r home to determine whether it is safe to cons"me%

Do not taste any food or drin& you t'in& is spoiled8 If in doubt% t'ro# it out8

T'ro# a#ay-

A## food7even canned goods7and drin!s that have $een in contact with f#oodwater

'eat, po"#try, fish, seafood, eggs, mi#!, #eftovers, soft cheese, refrigerator ro##s and $isc"its, and

other potentia##y haardo"s foods that have $een a$ove G0 degrees * for 2 ho"rs or #onger

*ood that has an "n"s"a# odor, co#or, or text"re

Cans of food that are $"#ging, opened, dented, or damaged

*ood or drin!s in containers with screw9caps, snap9#ids, crimped caps 5as on soft drin! $ott#es6,

twist caps, or f#ip tops that have come in contact with f#oodwater

Disposin( of unsafe food-

If t'e (arba(e collection service is in operation-

rap the food tight#y in p#astic wrap or a#"min"m foi# and p#ace it in a container with a tight9

fitting #id%

Store the container in an area away from peop#e and anima#s "nti# it can $e co##ected $y yo"r

gar$age co##ection service%


13/44

If t'e (arba(e collection service is not in operation-

B"ry the food at #east G feet deep to prevent anima#s from digging it "p%

B"ry it in an area that wi## not $e dist"r$ed in the near f"t"re and is away from the nearest water

we## or other open water so"rce 5cree!, stream, or pond6%

3f yo" cannot $"ry the food, $"rn it% Contact #oca# #aw enforcement officia#s to #earn of co"nty

$"rning #aws%

Free,er items-

After a power #oss, if the freeer temperat"re was at 0 degrees * or $e#ow, a f"##, we##9

f"nctioning freeer sho"#d $e a$#e to !eep foods froen for 2 days%

A freeer that is on#y ha#f f"## wi## !eep foods froen for a$o"t 1 day%

3f the freeer has an app#iance thermometer, chec! the temperat"re when the power is restored% 3fthe temperat"re is G0 degrees * or #ower, the food is safe to eat and may $e refroen%

Some foods may #ose their text"re or f#avor when refroen%

3f the food in the freeer has $eg"n to thaw, chec! each item to see if it is safe to eat%

'ost foods and $everages that have ice crysta#s, except for ice cream and froen yog"rt, can $e

refroen%

Throw o"t any food, except hard cheese, that has thawed and has $een at G0 degrees * or warmer

for 2 or more ho"rs% ard cheese may $e refroen%

o not re#y on taste or sme## to decide if something is safe to eatH

RE017I! 1D1R" FR10 REFRI!ERAT1R" AD FREE9ER"

+emove the food%

Ta!e o"t remova$#e parts and wash them with mi#d detergent= then rinse and dry% A#so wash the

door gas!et%

ash the inside of the refrigerator or freeer with 1 ta$#espoon of $a!ing soda in a >"art of tap

water or with 1 c"p of vinegar in a ga##on of tap water%

Let the s"rface dry with the door open%


14/44

3f the odor persists, spread $a!ing soda on sha##ow pans and p"t them on the she#ves of a

refrigerator or on the $ottom and in $as!ets of a chest freeer% Leave the app#iance open and

"np#"gged%

If t'e odor persists% use activated c'arcoal$This type of charcoa# is extra dry and a$sor$s odors more

>"ic!#y than does charcoa# "sed for coo!ing% 3t is so#d at dr"g stores and pet s"pp#y stores% To "seactivated charcoa#?

.#ace the charcoa# in pans or on paper in the $ottom of the freeer or refrigerator, and #eave it

there for severa# days%

T"rn the refrigerator on #ow and r"n it empty for a few days so odors wi## $e a$sor$ed%

3f the odor remains, p"t in new charcoa#%

hen the odor is gone, "np#"g the app#iance and rinse and dry the inside of the freeer or

refrigerator%

T"rn on the freeer or refrigerator, and it is ready for restoc!ing with food%

3f the odor gets into the freeer4s ins"#ation, contact the man"fact"rer for s"ggestions on so#ving

the pro$#em%

Sometimes nothing can $e done to e#iminate the odor%

Iisit this site for additiona# information? http?::we$1%ms"e%ms"%ed":ms"e:impmod02:01


15/44

Before and after treating a c"t or wo"nd

.#ace yo"r hands in water 5warm water if possi$#e6 and scr"$ them with soap for at #east 20

seconds% C#ean the dirt from "nder yo"r fingernai#s% Then rinse yo"r hands and dry them

thoro"gh#y with a towe#% Air dry them if no c#ean towe# is avai#a$#e%

3f the water s"pp#y is c"t off or has $een contaminated, wash yo"r hands in disinfected water

5water containing ho"seho#d $#each6%

3f yo" have no soap and water, "se an a#coho#9$ased prod"ct to c#ean yo"r hands% App#y the

prod"ct to yo"r hands 5read the #a$e# for the amo"nt to "se6 and r"$ them together, ma!ing s"re

a## s"rfaces of yo"r hands and fingers are covered% +"$ yo"r hands "nti# they are dry%

DI"IFECTI! AD FIDI! *ATER

1bey public announcementsa$o"t whether yo"r tap water is safe to drin! or to "se for coo!ing and

$athing%

"'ut off your incomin( #ater valveif yo" hear reports of $ro!en water or sewage #ines, to stop

contaminated water from entering yo"r home%

If t'e #ater is unsafe%"se on#y $ott#ed water, or $oi# or disinfect yo"r water for drin!ing, coo!ing,

c#eaning, $athing, washing dishes, $r"shing yo"r teeth, and washing yo"r hands%

If you 'ave your o#n #ater supply%s"ch as a we##, cistern, spring, or other private so"rce, as! yo"r

hea#th department or Texas AgriLife Extension office to inspect it for sanitary >"a#ity and to show yo"

how to !eep it safe% Have t'e #ater testedfor disease9ca"sing $acteria s"ch as E% co#i and for tota# orfeca# co#iform%

Disinfect all #ater durin( a disaster$on4t ass"me the water is safe "n#ess yo" have test res"#ts to

confirm it%

If #ater is limited%"se an a#coho#9$ased hand sanitier to wash yo"r hands%

ever ration your #ater$rin! the amo"nt yo" need today and try to find more for tomorrow% 'inimie

the amo"nt of water yo"r $ody needs $y $eing inactive and staying coo#%

Emer(ency #ater sources-

*ater 'eater-

T"rn off the power that heats the tan!, and #et the tan! coo#%

.#ace a container "nder the tan! and open the drain va#ve at the $ottom% -r, start the water

f#owing $y t"rning off the water inta!e va#ve and t"rning on a hot9water fa"cet%


16/44

on4t t"rn the tan! $ac! on "nti# "ti#ity services are restored%

Ice cubes

Toilet tan&-The water in the tan! 5not the $ow#6 is safe to drin! "n#ess chemica# treatments have $een

added%

*ater pipes-

+e#ease air press"re into the p#"m$ing system $y t"rning on the fa"cet at the highest point in the

ho"se%

Then drain the water from the #owest fa"cet%

1utside-+ainwater and water from coi#ed garden hoses can $e "sed after they have $een disinfected%

In an emer(ency-

(ndergro"nd water, s"ch as from we##s or springs, is #ess #i!e#y to $e contaminated than s"rface

water%

3f "ndergro"nd water is "navai#a$#e yo" may "se s"rface water from a cree!, river, #a!e or pond,

in that order% 3f possi$#e, get the water "pstream from inha$ited areas, and dip it from $e#ow the

s"rface%

isinfect a## "ndergro"nd and:or s"rface water $efore "sing it%

Do not disinfect or drin& #ater #'enit is dar! in co#or, has an odor, contains f#oating materia#, or

contains chemica#s from a spi## s"ch as oi# or gas%

Purifyin( #ater:It;s often best to use more t'an one met'od

+oilin(-

1% Strain the water thro"gh a c#ean c#oth, coffee fi#ter, or paper towe# into a c#ean container 5where

possi$#e6 to remove any sediment or f#oating matter%

2% Boi# the water vigoro"s#y for at #east 1 min"te%

% The water is ready to "se after it coo#s%

G% To improve the taste, add a pinch of sa#t to each >"art of $oi#ed water, or po"r the water $ac! and forth

from one c#ean container to another severa# times%

3sin( c'emicals:"train t'e #ater 4step 5 above6 before usin( c'emicals$

+leac' 4from t'e 'ome or (rocery store6-


17/44

1% (se "nscented, #i>"id #a"ndry $#each% +ead the prod"ct #a$e# to find the percentage of ch#orine, and

"se this ta$#e to determine how m"ch $#each to add to the water?

2% Add the $#each, and stir or sha!e the container thoro"gh#y% 3f yo" do not have a dropper?

% (se a spoon and a s>"are9ended strip of paper or thin c#oth a$o"t J $y 2 inches%

G% ."t the strip in the spoon with an end hanging down a$o"t K inch $e#ow the scoop%

"art of water%

If you do not 'ave a dropper%ma!e drops fo##owing the instr"ctions in Step 2 for disinfecting with

$#each%

Let the mixt"re stand for 0 min"tes= then the water sho"#d $e safe to "se%

Purification tablets 4from a dru(store or sportin( (oods store6-

."rification ta$#ets re#ease ch#orine or iodine% *o##ow the pac!age directions%

(s"a##y one ta$#et is eno"gh for 1 >"art of water%

o"$#e the dose for c#o"dy water%


18/44

2I7I! *ITH13T P1*ER

.#an ahead so that if the power goes o"t yo" wi## !now other ways to coo!, foods to se#ect, how

to get #ight, how to comm"nicate, how to !eep coo# 5or warm6, how to get water, and how to #ivewitho"t a sewer or septic system%

Coo&in(-

@o" can coo! on a camp stove, charcoa# or propane gas gri##, wood stove, or o"tdoor fire%

3ndoors, yo" can coo! in a firep#ace if the chimney has not $een damaged or c#ogged $y de$ris%

'a!e s"re the chimney damper is open% ith a porta$#e generator, yo" wi## $e a$#e to "se sma##

e#ectrica# app#iances%

ever "se camp stoves or gri##s indoors%

3f yo" $"i#d a fire on the gro"nd, ma!e s"re it is contained, with a ring of stones or meta# dr"m

aro"nd the fire $ed% B"i#d fires we## away from $"i#dings, and never in a carport% Spar!s can

easi#y get into the cei#ing and start a fire%

ever "se gaso#ine to start a wood or charcoa# fire%

Tend fires caref"##y and p"t them o"t when yo" have finished coo!ing%

*ater-

3f yo"r home4s water s"pp#y is c"t off, $ott#ed water sho"#d $e avai#a$#e from #oca# emergency

s"pp#y distri$"tion points% Each person needs 1 ga##on per day%

ater in toi#et tan!s 5not the $ow#s6 can $e "sed for drin!ing after treatment, if c#eaning

chemica#s are not p#aced in the tan!s% @o" can a#so drain water from the water heater 5ma!e s"re

the power is off first6%

"u((ested foods-

3f yo" have no r"nning water, $"y foods that re>"ire #itt#e or no water in preparation% Choose

#ow9sa#t foods to he#p minimie thirst%

'any foods need no coo!ing7$rea!fast cerea#, grano#a $ars, coo!ies, crac!ers, 8er!y, ready9to9

eat meats in cans or po"ches, canned vegeta$#es, pean"t $"tter, trai# mix, canned mea#s s"ch as

spaghetti:pasta, canned infant form"#a, and $a$y:todd#er foods in 8ars%

-pen on#y as m"ch of these foods as yo" wi## need for one mea# to avoid the need for

refrigeration%


19/44

Choose foods that yo"r fami#y wi## eat d"ring this stressf"# time% Be s"re everyone eats eno"gh

to remain hea#thy%

ard candy wi## he#p !eep the mo"th moist if water s"pp#ies are #imited%

Ta!e vitamins if yo" have them%

B"y nonperisha$#e 5dry6 foods for yo"r pets%

Food stora(e and preparation supplies-

'an"a# can opener

'eta# pans and coo!ing "tensi#s for coo!ing on a fire or gri##

A#"min"m foi# and p#astic wrap

.#astic for!s, !nives, and spoons

.aper nap!ins and p#ates

Storage $ags for food

.aper towe#s

/ar$age $ags for disposing of trash

3ce chest7ice wi## pro$a$#y $e avai#a$#e at an emergency s"pp#y distri$"tion center

2i('ts and communication-

ave a f#ash#ight and $atteries 5a## the same sie6 for every mem$er of the fami#y%

(se direct c"rrent9powered #ights, so#ar rechargea$#e #amps, oi# or !erosene #amps, or cand#es

5with ca"tion6 as a#ternatives to e#ectric #ight%

Each home sho"#d have one phone that is connected to the wa## 5not a porta$#e:ce## phone6, as

we## as a so#ar or C charger for ce## phones%

ith a $attery9powered, cran!, short9wave, or citiens $and radio, yo" wi## $e a$#e to hear news

reports and p"$#ic anno"ncements%

Stay connected to the 3nternet with a sate##ite 3nternet hoo!"p and a $attery9powered #aptop

comp"ter%

Coolin(-


20/44

(se $attery9powered fans, so#ar fans, window shades, nec! wraps sat"rated in water, and hats

with $rims to stay coo# and protect from s"n$"rn% -pen windows if they are screened%

Toilet facilities-

'a!e a toi#et from a $"c!et #ined with a gar$age $ag% -r "se a porta$#e camping toi#et% B"ry thewaste%

A""E""I! "TR3CT3RA2 DA0A!E

Loo! caref"##y for damage% Sometimes storm damage to a str"ct"re is not o$vio"s%

+efore you enter-

T"rn off o"tside gas #ines at the meter or tan!%

3f yo" t"rn off the gas, a professiona# m"st t"rn it $ac! on%

Even if the power is o"t in yo"r area, disconnect the f"ses, main switch, or circ"it $rea!ers at

yo"r home, and disconnect a## circ"its%

3f water is present, ca## an e#ectrician= do not try to t"rn off the power yo"rse#f%

3f the main disconnect is inside, contact the "ti#ity company for he#p%

3f no water is present, fo##ow safe proced"res to t"rn off the power or have a professiona# do it%

Let the home air o"t to remove gas and odors%

o not t"rn the power $ac! on "nti# yo" !now it is safe to do so%

E.terior-

Loo! for?

B"#ges

Sways

Leaning wa##s

Leaning roof #ines

Bro!en g#ass

owned power #ines


21/44

Chec! that the str"ct"ra# $racing is sec"red as tight#y as it was origina##y%

3f the doors or windows do not open as they did $efore the storm, the str"ct"re may have shifted%

There may $e damage to gas #ines, water #ines, and e#ectrica# circ"its%

*ooden buildin(s-Loo! for parts that are crac!ed% These can $e hard to detect%

+ric& buildin(s-Chec! for crac!s in the masonry, especia##y near the corners and "nder and aro"nd

doors and windows% 3f yo" are not s"re that the $"i#ding is safe, or if yo" see any indication of str"ct"ra#

damage, ca## a $"i#ding contractor, ho"sing inspector, str"ct"ra# engineer, or architect to assess the

$"i#ding%

Chec! for sewage and water #ine damage?

3f the sewage #ines may $e damaged, ca## a p#"m$er, and do not "se the toi#ets%

3f the water pipes are damaged, contact the water company, and do not "se tap water%

Roof-

3f possi$#e, #oo! at the roof from a distance% The ridge sho"#d $e straight%

3f the ridge sags on an end or in the midd#e, the #oad9$earing wa##s have shifted%

Loo! for missing or damaged shing#es and #oose nai#s%

Chec! for potentia# #ea!s that co"#d indicate str"ct"ra# separation% This is done more easi#y when

it4s s"nny%

Foundation-

Chec! to see that the $"i#ding has not shifted on its fo"ndation%

'a!e s"re the fo"ndation 8oints have not separated from the wa##%

3f the ho"se is on piers, #oo! at each pier to ma!e s"re it is in p#ace and #eve#%

*or stone or concrete fo"ndations, ma!e s"re the p#ate $o#ts are not #oose%

Inside-

3f yo" are s"re the $"i#ding is safe to enter and the "ti#ities are off, enter ca"tio"s#y%

o not "se a f#ame as a #ight so"rce%

o not smo!e%

C'ec& for (as lea&s-


22/44

3f yo" sme## gas or hear a $#owing or hissing noise, open a window and >"ic!#y #eave the

$"i#ding%

Chec! the o"tside main gas va#ve again and t"rn off the gas if yo" can% Ca## the gas company

from a neigh$or4s home%

3f yo" t"rn off the gas, a professiona# m"st t"rn it $ac! on%

2oo& for electrical system dama(e-

o not step in water or damp areas to get to the f"se $ox or circ"it $rea!er= ca## an e#ectrician for

advice%

3f yo" see spar!s or $ro!en or frayed wires, or if yo" sme## hot ins"#ation, chec! the main f"se

$ox or circ"it $rea!er again, and t"rn off the e#ectricity%

(np#"g a## app#iances that have $een f#ooded%

Chec! for wet ins"#ation% 3f the ins"#ation in a wa## or attic is wet, it m"st $e rep#aced% 3t wi## not

dry o"t $eca"se it is sea#ed within the str"ct"re%

In t'e attic% use a (ood li('t to 'elp you-

3nspect the roof $racing% +oofs often have tr"ss systems made of 2xGs and meta# fasteners%

Examine the tr"ss for crac!s or $rea!s%

Chec! that the roof p#ywood is attached sec"re#y to the tr"ss system and that the nai#s or stap#es

have not separated from the tr"ss%

Loo! for sagging cei#ings, wet ins"#ation, and poc!ets of water that can ca"se cei#ings or wa##s to

fa##%

Chec! the framing for ridge separation, #oose !nee $races, and #oose rafters where the rafters 8oin

the wa##s%

*alls-

'a!e s"re the wa##s are vertica# and straight% @o" can "s"a##y do this $y eye or with a carpenter4s

#eve#%

1ptions-

Sometimes a str"ct"re sho"#d $e removed rather than re$"i#t%

3f yo" decide to repair the str"ct"re, it may need additiona# $racing $efore repairs $egin%


23/44

Before $eginning or contracting for repairs, chec! with a #oca# $"i#ding officia# or permit office%

@o" may need a permit to repair damaged $"i#dings%

HE2PI! FA0I2Y 0E0+ER" C1PEChi#dren can have a diffic"#t time coping with tra"ma% They may $e sad or afraid and reenact the

disaster over and over to try to ma!e sense of it% Their $ehavior may regress, and they may have

pro$#ems s"ch as #oss of appetite, stomach aches and nightmares%

To 'elp c'ildren birt' to a(e


24/44

See! s"pport from peop#e yo" tr"st and spend time with fami#y and friends%

'aintain yo"r norma# ro"tine as m"ch as possi$#e%

/et physica# exercise%

See! tr"sted so"rces of information%

Avoid "sing dr"gs and a#coho#%

.articipate in comm"nity recovery events to he#p others%

Be "nderstanding of yo"rse#f and others%

See! extra he#p from a c#ergy mem$er, menta# hea#th professiona#, comm"nity menta# hea#th

center, or yo"r doctor%

CARI! F1R PET"

Chec! yo"r pets for in8"ries, and treat minor in8"ries with yo"r home first9aid !it%

'a!e s"re yo"r pets have amp#e food and water and are contained in a safe area%

@o"r home may $e a very different p#ace after a disaster, whether yo" have ta!en she#ter at home

or e#sewhere% on4t a##ow yo"r pets to roam #oose% *ami#iar #andmar!s and sme##s might $e

gone, and yo"r pet wi## pro$a$#y $e disoriented% .ets can easi#y get #ost%

hi#e yo" assess the damage, !eep dogs on #eashes and cats in carriers inside the ho"se% 3f yo"r

ho"se is damaged, they co"#d escape and $ecome #ost%

Be s"re pets are wearing co##ars with tags that have yo"r name, address, and ce## phone n"m$er

5in case #and phone #ines are not wor!ing6%

Be patient with yo"r pets after a disaster% Try to get them $ac! into their norma# ro"tine as soon

as possi$#e, and don4t $e s"rprised if they have $ehaviora# pro$#ems as a res"#t of the stressf"#

sit"ation% As soon as possi$#e after the disaster, have yo"r pets examined $y a veterinarian%

isc"ss with the veterinarian any $ehaviora# pro$#ems that persist%

To #oo! for #ost and fo"nd pets, ca## yo"r #oca# anima# she#ter% A#so register at

www%petfinder%com%

To report an anima# needing resc"e, ca## yo"r co"nty4s emergency management department%


25/44

CARI! F1R 2I7E"T1CK

hen it is safe to do so, chec! pens, $arns, and sheds for damage, and chec! past"res for de$ris%

'ove anima#s to safe areas%

'a!e s"re anima#s have p#enty of feed and water% They might a#so need vitamins and e#ectro#ytesto he#p them recover from stress%

Chec! anima#s for in8"ry and tend to minor in8"ries prompt#y% 3f possi$#e, contact a veterinarian

for he#p with serio"s#y in8"red anima#s%

To report an anima# needing resc"e or for he#p with carcass disposa#, ca## yo"r co"nty4s

emergency management department or yo"r co"nty Extension office%

*or information or g"idance on $"i#ding a carcass composting pi#e, contact yo"r co"nty

Extension office%

To #ocate hay for sa#e, ca## the ay and /raing hot#ine of the Texas epartment of Agric"#t"re 5FF9G2;9

1;;6% -r, go to http?::www%agr%state%tx%"s and chec! the Lin!s:+eso"rcesM section%

oc"ment and report a## #ivestoc! and po"#try #osses immediate#y to the co"nty *arm Service Agency

5*SA6% *or the n"m$er of yo"r #oca# *SA office, ca## the Texas *SA at ;F;9D09


26/44

ry a## wet materia#s as >"ic!#y as possi$#e% 3f possi$#e, "se air conditioning or heat with fans

and deh"midifiers% 3f yo" have no power $"t have access to a generator, r"n a deh"midifier

indoors%

+emove wet carpets right away%

iscard "pho#stered fa$ric f"rnit"re%

C"t away wet wa##$oard and remove a## damp ins"#ation right away, even if the wa##$oard #oo!s

dry%

(se nonphosphate detergents to c#ean% .hosphate resid"e is mo#d food%

o a## yo" can to speed the drying of s"$f#oors, s#a$s and wa## framing $efore rep#acing

ins"#ation, wa##$oard, and f#oors%

Before rep#acing ins"#ation, "se a moist"re meter to ma!e s"re the moist"re content of the st"ds

and sheathing is no more than 1G percent $y weight%

+emove wet ins"#ation from the attic if it is sat"rated from $#owing rain%

.rotect yo"rse#f% ear #ong s#eeves, #ong pants, st"rdy shoes, g#oves, and a mas! or respirator

59;< or $etter6% 3f yo" are sensitive to mo#d, wear sp#ash gogg#es%

3so#ate the wor! area and venti#ate it to the o"tdoors% Sea# off the contaminated area from the rest

of the ho"se%

+emove and discard mo#dy materia#s%

C#ean sma## items in the washing machine%

C#ean a## s"rfaces% +emove, don4t 8"st !i##, the mo#d% ead spores can ca"se hea#th pro$#ems%

(se a disinfectant to !i## any mo#d missed $y the c#eaning% (se a so#"tion of 1 c"p $#each to 1

ga##on of water% o not "se it in the air system%

+emain on mo#d a#ert? Contin"e #oo!ing for signs of moist"re or new mo#d growth% 3f mo#d

ret"rns, repeat the c#eaning%

o not re$"i#d or ref"r$ish "nti# a## affected materia#s have dried comp#ete#y%

In 'ot% 'umid climates-

'o#d can grow even if yo" do not have water damage $"t #ose power%

Ienti#ate the ho"se as m"ch as possi$#e%


27/44

'inimie the amo"nt of moist"re that yo" add to the inside of the home thro"gh showers,

coo!ing, #a"ndry, etc%

C'oosin( a mold contractor-

Chec! the phone #istings for specia#ists in painting, restoration, carpet c#eaning, f"rnit"re repair,and water damage%

'a!e s"re the $"siness is #icensed for mo#d remediation% As! to see the #icenses, inc#"ding those

of the peop#e doing the wor!%

As! for and chec! references%

A remediation contract s'ould specify-

hat is to $e corrected, inc#"ding a diagram that shows where the wor! wi## $e done

ow #ong it wi## ta!e to comp#ete the wor!

The materia#s re>"ired, s"ch as #"m$er, sheetroc!, carpet and padding, and paint

ho wi## provide the renovation materia#s

ow the contaminated items wi## $e hand#ed

ho wi## remove the de$ris from the site

arranties of wor! and g"arantees on remediation

C1TR122I! I"ECT"

0os/uitoes-

Empty a## containers of standing water and cover them, inc#"ding cans, chi#dren4s toys, tires,

potted p#ants, and $"c!ets% Cover openings in rain $arre#s%

Stay indoors as m"ch as possi$#e $etween d"s! and dawn%

hen o"tdoors, wear #oose9fitting, #ight9co#ored c#othing% ear #ong9s#eeved shirts and #ongpants%

hen o"tdoors, "se an insect repe##ent containing EET%

Fire ants-


28/44

Stay o"t of f#ood water that may contain f#oating mats of fire ants% 3f yo" are in a $oat, do not

to"ch ants with the oars% 3f yo" m"st wor! in f#ood water, wear r"$$er $oots, rain gear and c"ffed

g#oves so fire ants cannot reach yo"r s!in%

To !i## f#oating ants, spray them with 2 o"nces of oveN dishwashing #i>"id mixed with 1 ga##on

of water%

Be very ca"tio"s after a f#ood% *ire ants can $e a#most anywhere7"nder de$ris, in f"rnit"re,

"nder carpet%

ear g#oves, #ong9s#eeved shirts, #ong pants, soc!s, and shoes to protect yo"rse#f% Spray yo"r

shoes and #ower pants #egs with an insect repe##ent that contains EET%

3f yo" are "sing a shove# or other too#, spread ta#c"m or $a$y powder on the hand#e to !eep fire

ants from c#im$ing it%

Treat ants with a fast9acting ho"seho#d or #awn and garden insecticide% Aeroso# prod"ctscontaining pyrethrins or pyrethr"m 5tetramethrin or a##ethrin6 #a$e#ed for "se on antsM or

craw#ing insectsM wi## !i## the ants >"ic!#y% Spray as many of the ants as possi$#e% A#so spray

s"rfaces and crac!s of infested o$8ects and de$ris% o not "se these sprays on ponds%

o not "se fire ant $aits immediate#y after a f#ood%

3f yo" are st"ng, "se an over9the9co"nter medicine for insect stings or $ites% ome remedies

inc#"de ammonia, meat tenderier, tea tree oi#, camphor, and a


29/44

+emove a## food resid"e from yo"r gar$age can and !eep it c#ean%

.#ace stic!y traps and "#travio#et #ight traps aro"nd yo"r home%

.atch damaged window screens and !eep doors c#osed%

(se insecticide sprays that contain pyrethrins%

Insect repellents-

Chec! the container to ma!e s"re the prod"ct has $een approved $y the (%S% Environmenta#

.rotection Agency 5E.A6% ever "se a prod"ct that is not approved $y the E.A%

+ead and fo##ow the directions on the prod"ct #a$e#%

o not app#y an insect repe##ent on c"ts, wo"nds, or irritated s!in%

-n yo"ng chi#dren, do not app#y an insect repe##ent on the hands or near the eyes or mo"th%3nstead, app#y it to yo"r own hands and then p"t it on the chi#d%

o not spray in sma## enc#osed areas% Avoid $reathing the spray or "sing it near food%

(se 8"st eno"gh repe##ent to cover yo"r c#othing and:or exposed s!in%

ash yo"r hands after app#ying repe##ent%

(se a repe##ent that contains EET%

*1RKI! *ITH THE FEDERA2 E0ER!ECY 0AA!E0ET

A!ECY 4FE0A6

*E'A may provide emergency assistance if yo"r area has $een dec#ared a federa# disaster area

and if yo" are approved for 3ndivid"a# Assistance%

*E'A assistance "nder the 3ndivid"a#s and o"seho#ds .rogram 53.6 is money or other assistance to

he#p with critica# expenses that can4t $e provided in other ways% Assistance is not provided for losses

t'at are covered by insurance$

To app#y for he#p from *E'A?

Comp#ete the app#ication form 5ca## 19009D219D2 or app#y on#ine at www%fema%gov6% *E'A

does not accept app#ications $y mai# or at isaster +ecovery Centers, "n#ess the center has

comp"ters for p"$#ic "se%

-n the app#ication yo" m"st provide yo"r Socia#
http://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontentshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontentshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontentshttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontents


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Sec"rity n"m$er, c"rrent and pre9disaster address,

phone n"m$er, description of yo"r #osses, directions to yo"r damaged property, type of ins"rance

coverage, and tota# ho"seho#d income%

After yo" have sent in the app#ication, *E'A wi## send yo" a copy of yo"r c#aim and aregistration identification n"m$er% 3t wi## $e on a## officia# correspondence a$o"t yo"r c#aim% o

not share this n"m$er with anyone%

A$o"t 10 to 1G days after yo" register, a *E'A inspector wi## ca## to ma!e an appointment to

inspect yo"r property%

A$o"t 10 days after the inspection, *E'A wi## te## yo" whether yo" >"a#ify for 3. assistance%

3f so, *E'A wi## send a chec! or deposit f"nds to yo"r $an! acco"nt% *E'A wi## a#so send a

#etter te##ing yo" how to "se the money 5repairs, rent, etc%6%

3f yo" do not >"a#ify, *E'A wi## te## yo" why yo" were denied and how to appea#% Appea#s m"st$e made in writing and mai#ed within D0 days% @o" wi## $e mai#ed a Sma## B"siness

eve#opment 5SBA6 isaster Loan app#ication to app#y for a #ow9interest #oan% The SBA

processes disaster #oans for homeowners and renters%

*E'A cannot provide money for #osses covered $y ins"rance% ot fi#ing an ins"rance c#aim wi##

not ma!e yo" e#igi$#e for *E'A assistance if yo"r #oss is ins"red%

If you 'ave insurance% FE0A may be able to 'elp if-

@o"r ins"rance sett#ement is de#ayed or not eno"gh to meet yo"r disaster9re#ated needs%

@o" have exha"sted the #iving expenses paya$#e $y yo"r po#icy%

o renta# property is avai#a$#e in yo"r area%

@o" have "p to 12 months from the date yo" registered with *E'A to s"$mit yo"r ins"rance

information for review%

H10E1*ER>" PR1PERTY I"3RACE

*or answers to >"estions a$o"t property ins"rance, ca## the Texas epartment of 3ns"rance 5T36

cons"mer he#p #ine at 0092


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repair wor! or wait "nti# a c#aims ad8"stor has assessed the damage% ever ma!e extensive

permanent repairs "nti# a c#aims ad8"stor has visited yo"r property to assess the damage%

.repare for the ad8"stor4s visit $y gathering doc"ments to s"$stantiate yo"r #osses% @o" might

ma!e an inventory of #ost or damaged items or provide the ad8"stor with photographs from

$efore and after the disaster% A#so gather any receipts yo" have for #ost or damaged items%

.repare a #ist of everything yo" want the ad8"stor to chec!, inc#"ding str"ct"ra# damage 5crac!s

in wa##s, f#oor and roof damage, etc%6%

3f yo" m"st ma!e temporary repairs to prevent f"rther #oss, !eep yo"r receipts%

3f yo" m"st re#ocate $eca"se yo"r home isn4t #iva$#e, !eep yo"r #odging receipts%

Be very caref"# a$o"t hiring a contractor to ma!e repairs% Be s"re to hire someone who is

rep"ta$#e% Contractors whose $ids are very #ow may do poor9>"a#ity wor!% Contractors who

re>"ire a #arge payment "p9front may $e trying to ta!e advantage of yo"% ever hire peop#e whoshow "p "nanno"nced and offer to do repairs%

3f a .residentia# isaster ec#aration has $een iss"ed for yo"r area, yo" sho"#d register with the *edera#

Emergency 'anagement Administration 5*E'A6 to determine whether yo" are e#igi$#e for federa#

assistance% Ca## 19009D219D2, or register on#ine at http?::www%fema%gov:register%

REC17ERI! H10E *A"TE*ATER TREAT0ET "Y"TE0"

"ring and after a disaster s"ch as a h"rricane, yo" need to prevent "ntreated wastewater from#eaving yo"r wastewater system and harming peop#e, anima#s, and the environment%

The proper response depends on the type of disaster and the type of treatment "nit yo" have%

Floodin(

Durin( t'e flood-

3f the system "ses e#ectricity, c"t off power to the system $y t"rning it off at the main circ"it

pane#%

Stop a## water from entering the system%

.#"g any f#oor drains in the home to prevent water from $ac!ing "p into the home%

After t'e flood-

o not "se the wastewater treatment system "nti# the f#oodwater has receded from a##

components of the system%
http://www.fema.gov/registerhttp://www.fema.gov/registerhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontentshttp://www.fema.gov/registerhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontents


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'inimie or e#iminate #a"ndry, $athing, showering and dishwashing%

Stop a## water "se if the o"tage is extended or the p#"m$ing $egins to drain s#ow#y%

1nce po#er is restored

After an outa(e of less t'an a day-

Limit #a"ndry and dishwashing if the system has an advanced pretreatment component%

3f yo" have minimied water "se, yo"r system wi## pro$a$#y recover $y itse#f%

After an outa(e of more t'an a day-

o not wash #a"ndry or dishes for a day%

Limit shower time and $athwater vo#"me for at #east 1 day%

A##ow the system to contin"e to operate norma##y "nti# the water #eve# drops to the norma#

operating #eve# in the system%

A time9dosed system may ta!e 2G ho"rs to distri$"te a## the stored water%

3f the system has a high9water a#arm, it may so"nd when the power is restored, depending on

yo"r water "sage d"ring the power o"tage%

Si#ence the a#arm if it has a si#ence switch option%

Contact yo"r service provider if the a#arm stays on for more than 2G ho"rs%

For an on=demand pumpin( system5#ow9press"re or s"$s"rface drip distri$"tion system6

1% 3mmediate#y after the o"tage, man"a##y contro# the #ength of time that the treated wastewater is

de#ivered to the dispersa# fie#d% -therwise, the first dose after the power is restored can over#oad yo"r

system, and "ntreated wastewater co"#d f#ow onto yo"r #awn%

2% Chec! the system design information for the "s"a# dosage and rest times% A##ow the p"mp to operate

for its "s"a# dosage time= then t"rn the power off $y f#ipping the $rea!er%

% ait for the specified rest period= then a##ow another dosage for the "s"a# amo"nt of time%

G% Contin"e this pattern "nti# the p"mp t"rns off $y itse#f after its norma# dosage time%


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'a!e s"re the disinfection treatment component is wor!ing correct#y%

Limit activity in the distri$"tion area whi#e the gro"nd and grass are moist after the treated

wastewater is sprayed there%

PRE7ETI! FRA3D

Price (ou(in(-

Be a#ert for price go"ging% 3f yo" $e#ieve that yo" are a victim of price go"ging after a disaster,

report the incident to the cons"mer hot#ine at the -ffice of the Attorney /enera# at 0092"a#ity wor! and is dependa$#e%

/et written estimates from more than one contractor% The estimate sho"#d inc#"de a comp#ete

description of the wor! to $e done, time sched"#es, and payment sched"#es%

+ead and "nderstand a## contracts yo" sign% )eep copies of everything yo" sign% Any contract

yo" sign for wor! on yo"r homestead m"st contain the fo##owing warning next to the space for

yo"r signat"re?

?Important notice- You and your contractor are responsible for meetin( t'e terms and

conditions of t'is contract$ If you si(n t'is contract and you fail to meet t'e terms and

conditions of t'is contract% you may lose your le(al o#ners'ip ri('ts in your 'ome$ K1*

Y13R RI!HT" AD D3TIE" 3DER THE 2A*$@

ever sign a contract that has $#an!s%

ever pay a contractor in f"## or sign a comp#etion certificate "nti# the wor! is finished and

accepta$#e% ever hire someone who says he or she m"st $e paid in f"## $efore the wor! is

comp#ete%

Identity t'eft-

After a disaster yo" wi## need to share persona# information to get re#ief $enefits from

government agencies or other organiations, or to get rep#acement identification doc"ments% Be

ca"tio"s% 3dentity thieves may pose as government officia#s or agency representatives% As! them

for identification, and verify it%


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)eep an eye on yo"r $an! statements, credit card statements, and other statements to watch for

"na"thoried p"rchases or withdrawa#s%

A$o"t D0 days after the disaster, re>"est copies of yo"r credit report from a## three ma8or credit

$"rea"s7

Experian, Trans(nion and E>"ifax%

3f yo" $e#ieve someone has sto#en yo"r identity, report it immediate#y to yo"r $an!, credit card

company and #oca# #aw enforcement% @o" might want to add an 3nitia# Sec"rity A#ert to yo"r

persona# credit report% This a#ert, which remains on yo"r report for ;0 days, notifies anyone who

reviews yo"r report to ta!e extra steps to verify yo"r identity $efore granting credit% @o" need to

re>"est the sec"rity a#ert with on#y one credit $"rea"% 3t wi## a"tomatica##y notify the other two to

p#ace an a#ert on yo"r fi#e%

1+TAII! A""I"TACE

Assistance for you and your family-

@o"r co"nty has an emergency management p#an and is prepared to provide she#ter, food, and

water to disaster victims% +adio and te#evision stations wi## have information on she#ter #ocations

and distri$"tion sites for food and water%

3f yo"r property has $een damaged, report it to yo"r ins"rance company and fi#e a c#aim as soon

as possi$#e% Be s"re the company !nows how to reach yo" if yo" move to a different #ocation%

3f yo"r co"nty is dec#ared a disaster area, yo" may $e e#igi$#e for monetary he#p from the *edera#

Emergency 'anagement Administration 5*E'A6%

3f yo" are "na$#e to ret"rn to wor!, yo" may >"a#ify for "nemp#oyment ins"rance and:or disaster

"nemp#oyment assistance, $"t first yo" m"st app#y for reg"#ar "nemp#oyment $enefits% Ca## 19009;;9

DD1 or visithttp?::www%twc%state%tx%"s:"i:"ic#aim%htm#%

3f yo" have s"ffered extensive damage and a tax fi#ing dead#ine is near, the 3nterna# +even"e

Service 53+S6 may postpone the dead#ine% *or more information, ca## the 3+S at 0092;910G0%

Assistance for your farm or ranc'-

3n co"nties dec#ared disaster areas, farmers and ranchers may $e e#igi$#e for specia# assistance

programs% Begin $y contacting the #oca# office of the *arm Service Agency 5*SA6% The *SA

provides #ow9interest #oans to he#p agric"#t"ra# prod"cers recover from disasters% The

*SA a#so has a cost9share program to he#p repair damage ca"sed $y nat"ra# disasters%
http://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontentshttp://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/uiclaim.htmlhttp://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/uiclaim.htmlhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontentshttp://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/uiclaim.html


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The Texas epartment of Agric"#t"re4s Lin!ed eposit .rogram he#ps prod"cers who #ose

#ivestoc! or other agric"#t"ra# commodities% Contact TA at


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3f a f#ood has #eft soi# sediment on top of the origina# soi#, ti## deep#y to incorporate it if the

sediment is #ess than inches deep% 3f it is deeper, as! yo"r co"nty

Extension agent a$o"t other options%

-nce the soi# is dry, have it tested $y s"$mitting a samp#e to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Soi#,

ater and *orage Testing La$oratory% S"$mitta# forms and instr"ctions are on#ine at

http?::soi#testing%tam"%ed"and at yo"r co"nty Extension office%

3f f#oodwater covered a storage shed, garage, machine shop, sewage treatment system, or #ivestoc!

feeding area, the soi# may $e contaminated $y micro$es, pesticides, hydrocar$ons, or heavy meta#s%

Specia# tests m"st $e done to determine this% To find a #a$oratory that does s"ch tests, contact the ationa#

.esticide 3nformation Center 19009


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Add ch#orine to the we## to disinfect it 5instr"ctions $e#ow6%

ave the water tested to ma!e s"re that the disease9ca"sing organisms have $een e#iminated%

A#so disinfect most water treatment e>"ipment, s"ch as water heaters, softeners and press"re

tan!s%

"ring the process, temporari#y disconnect or $ypass drin!ing water fi#ters s"ch as car$on fi#ters

and reverse osmosis systems%

Treat the we## when fa"cets and toi#ets wi## not $e "sed for at #east 12 ho"rs, prefera$#y 2G ho"rs%

"ring treatment, do not "se an a"tomatic watering system for anima#s or irrigation%

The most common so"rces of ch#orine for we## disinfection are dry ch#orine 5at #east D< percent

ca#ci"m hypoch#orite6 and #i>"id ho"seho#d $#each 5"ifer, p"mp it o"t to

remove any potentia# contaminants% ."mp o"t at #east we## vo#"mes of water from a fa"cet near the

we##head% At a minim"m, p"mp the we## for at #east 1 ho"r $efore $eginning the disinfection process%

2% +emove the p#"g or screen on the we## cap to access the inside we## casing%

% T"rn off e#ectric power to the p"mp%

G% +emove the we## cap%

"a# to twice the depth

va#"e for the diameter of the we## casing 5see Ta$#e 1 or 26% *or examp#e, an 9inch casing diameter with

"n!nown standing water depth wo"#d re>"ire ga##ons of ho"seho#d $#each%

% .repare a so#"tion of $#each and water, and po"r the so#"tion into the top of the we##% The amo"nt of

$#each depends on the depth of water in the we## and the diameter of the we## casing, which is a stee# or

p#astic pipe p#aced in a we## to maintain the we## opening and to serve as the #ining to the we##%

;% +ecirc"#ate the water $y connecting a hose to a fa"cet and spraying the water $ac! into the we## for at

#east 10 min"tes%

10% -pen every fa"cet in the system and #et the water r"n "nti# the sme## of ch#orine can $e detected%


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11% C#ose a## the fa"cets and sea# the top of the we##%

12% rain a## water heaters to a##ow the ch#orinated water to circ"#ate thro"gh the hot water system a#so%

1% *#"sh o"t ho"seho#d p#"m$ing, inc#"ding the water heater% 'a!e s"re the water is c#ear and free of

sediment%

1G% A##ow the ch#orinated water to stand in the system for at #east 12 ho"rs, prefera$#y 2G ho"rs%

1


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e## disinfection does not e#iminate hydrocar$ons 5f"e#s, oi#s6, pesticides, heavy meta#s, or other

types of contamination% 3f yo" s"spect s"ch contamination, the water wi## re>"ire specia# testing

and treatment%

*or a #ist of Texas #a$oratories certified to ana#ye drin!ing water samp#es, see the Texas Commission on

Environmenta# "a#ity e$ site at http?::www%tce>%state%tx%"s:assets:p"$#ic:comp#iance:comp#iancePs"pport:>a:sdwaP#a$P#ist%pdf%

*or more information, ca## the Texas AgriLife Extension Service at ;F;9G"a#ified e#ectrician chec! the wiring system%

1btainin( clean #ater-

*ind an a#ternative so"rce of water for drin!ing, coo!ing and washing?

A p"$#ic water s"pp#y

A neigh$or4s we## if yo" !now it is safe

Bott#ed water

3f yo" can4t find a convenient so"rce of safe water, $oi# yo"r we## water for 1 min"te $efore

"sing it%
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/compliance/compliance_support/qa/sdwa_lab_list.pdfhttp://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/compliance/compliance_support/qa/sdwa_lab_list.pdfhttp://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/compliance/compliance_support/qa/sdwa_lab_list.pdfhttp://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/compliance/compliance_support/qa/sdwa_lab_list.pdf


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"A27A!I! I0P1RTAT PAPER" AD +11K"

ry papers, $oo!s and photos $efore mo#d sets in% *or $est res"#ts, dry them s#ow#y%

Before drying, wipe $oo! covers with a so#"tion of one part r"$$ing or denat"red a#coho# and

one part water%

Caref"##y remove framed items from their frames% 3f an o$8ect is st"c! to the g#ass, do not

remove it= ta!e o"t the $ac!ing materia# and dry the o$8ect inside the frame, g#ass side down%

3f papers or photos are m"ddy or dirty and are sti## wet, rinse them very gent#y in a $"c!et of

co#d, c#ean water $efore drying% o not rinse $oo!s%

If t'e items are very damp-

B#ot them gent#y with a c#ean, dry sponge, c#ean paper or $ath towe#s% o not $#ot on hand9

written in! or fragi#e s"rfaces% o not "se newspaper for $#otting%

Sprin!#e papers, photos, and $oo! pages with cornstarch or ta#c"m powder to a$sor$ moist"re%

Leave the powder for severa# ho"rs and then $r"sh it off%

To dry papers and photos, #ay them f#at on a s"rface covered with a$sor$ent materia#% Separate

the papers if possi$#e

@o" might have to wait "nti# they are partia##y dry $efore yo" can separate them% .#ace $oo!s on

the top or $ottom edge with the #eaves separated% o not stand $oo!s on the front edge%


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ry items o"t of direct s"n#ight% (se an osci##ating fan to increase air circ"#ation $"t don4t #et it

$#ow direct#y on the items%

hen $oo!s are partia##y dry, p#ace them on a f#at s"rface with a s#ight weight to !eep the pages

from warping%

A#ternate drying and pressing the $oo!s "nti# they are thoro"gh#y dry% This he#ps prevent mi#dew%

*or va#"a$#e $oo!s that are near#y dry, consider pressing the pages with an e#ectric iron set on

#ow% A#tho"gh this is a tedio"s process, it may $e worth the effort% Separate the pages to prevent

m"sty odors%

*'en boo&s are t'orou('ly dry-

C#ose them and "se C9c#amps to he#p them retain their shape%

ipe viny# and #eather $oo! covers with a #ight coating of petro#e"m 8e##y or #eather or viny#

dressing%

If you don>t 'ave time to clean and dry your boo&s and papers immediately-

."t each $oo! or paper in a sea#ed p#astic $ag in the freeer to prevent mi#dew%

.#ace wax paper $etween the #ayers of paper $"nd#es or $oo!s so they can $e separated easi#y

when removed%

Even if yo"r papers appear to have dried s"ccessf"##y, they may disintegrate $eca"se of

s"$stances that were in the f#oodwater or rainwater% To $e certain va#"a$#e or historic papers and

photos are preserved, ta!e them to a professiona# conservator% To find one near yo", contact the

*o"ndation of the American 3nstit"te for Conservation at 2029G


43/44

Texas EE on Twitter

TEA" EDE 1 FACE+11K

Texas EE on *ace$oo!

A+13T TEA" EDE

Texas Extension isaster Ed"cation etwor! 5EE6is a collaborative educational

network dedicated to educating citizens about disaster mitigation, preparedness,

response and recovery. Texas EDEN is a part of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service

and is affiliated with ationa# Extension isaster Ed"cation etwor!.

This e$oo! is intended to accommodate Texas AgriLife Extension agents and a## Texas citiens $y sharing

ed"cation reso"rces to red"ce the impact of nat"ra# and man9made disasters for individ"a#s, fami#ies and

comm"nities%

The primary goa#s of Texas EE are to?

1% .rovide credi$#e and re#ia$#e information re#ating to disaster preparedness and recovery for

individ"a#s, fami#ies, and "r$an and:or r"ra# comm"nities%

2% +ed"ce the impact associated with disaster $y disseminating ed"cationa# materia#s re#ated to disaster

mitigation, preparedness and recovery%

*or more information, p#ease contact "s $y visiting the Texas EE e$site

5http?::texashe#p%tam"%ed":6 or $y emai#ing? texashe#pQtam"%ed"

The information given herein is for ed"cationa# p"rposes on#y% +eference to commercia# prod"cts or trade

names is made with the "nderstanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement $y the Texas

AgriLife Extension Service is imp#ied%

.rod"ced $y AgriLife Comm"nications, The Texas A&' System

Extension p"$#ications can $e fo"nd on the e$ at? http?::AgriLife$oo!store%org

Iisit the Texas AgriLife Extension Service at http?::AgriLifeextension%tam"%ed"
http://twitter.com/#/txedenhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontentshttp://www.facebook.com/txedenhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontentshttp://texashelp.tamu.edu/http://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/http://eden.lsu.edu/Pages/default.aspxhttp://texashelp.tamu.edu/http://agrilifebookstore.org/http://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/http://twitter.com/#/txedenhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontentshttp://www.facebook.com/txedenhttp://var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_2/HYPERLINK%23tableofcontentshttp://texashelp.tamu.edu/http://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/http://eden.lsu.edu/Pages/default.aspxhttp://texashelp.tamu.edu/http://agrilifebookstore.org/http://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/


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Ed"cationa# programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to a## peop#e witho"t

regard to socioeconomic #eve#, race, co#or, sex, disa$i#ity, re#igion, age, or nationa# origin%

3ss"ed in f"rtherance of Cooperative Extension or! in Agric"#t"re and ome Economics, Acts

of Congress of 'ay , 1;1G, as amended, and "ne 0, 1;1G, in cooperation with the (nited

States epartment of Agric"#t"re% Edward /% Smith, irector, Texas AgriLife Extension Service,The Texas A&' System%

after a disaster information to help you and your family recover

Documents