On September 26, 2009, when bad weather hit Metro Manila, the water, on the street next to SM City Manila,entered said mall.


http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/after.asp

After a Flood
On this page:

* Precautions When Returning to Your Home
* Cleanup
* Immunizations
* Swiftly Flowing Water
* Chemical Hazards

Precautions When Returning to Your Home

Electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions. Try to return to your home during the daytime so that you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave the house immediately. Notify the gas company or the police or fire departments or State Fire Marshal's office, and do not turn on the lights or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so.

Your electrical system may also be damaged. If you see frayed wiring or sparks, or if there is an odor of something burning but no visible fire, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the circuit breaker.

Avoid any downed power lines, particularly those in water. Avoid wading in standing water, which also may contain glass or metal fragments.

You should consult your utility company about using electrical equipment, including power generators. Be aware that it is against the law and a violation of electrical codes to connect generators to your home's electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard. In addition, the improper connection of a generator to your home's electrical circuits may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area. All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before returning them to service. It is advisable to have a certified electrician check these items if there is any question. Also, remember not to operate any gas-powered equipment indoors. (See also Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.)

For more information, see How to Protect Yourself and Others from Electrical Hazards Following a Natural Disaster and Reentering Your Flooded Home.

Cleanup

Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and many other household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to five gallons of water. Be particularly careful to thoroughly disinfect surfaces that may come in contact with food, such as counter tops, pantry shelves, refrigerators, etc. Areas where small children play should also be carefully cleaned. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water, or dry clean them. For items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, air dry them in the sun and then spray them thoroughly with a disinfectant. Steam clean all carpeting. If there has been a backflow of sewage into the house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected, such as wallcoverings, cloth, rugs, and drywall. (See also Cleanup of Flood Water)

See also Mold After a Disaster.

Immunizations

Outbreaks of communicable diseases after floods are unusual. However, the rates of diseases that were present before a flood may increase because of decreased sanitation or overcrowding among displaced persons. Increases in infectious diseases that were not present in the community before the flood are not usually a problem. If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva, have a doctor or health department determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary based on individual records.

Specific recommendations for vaccinations should be made on a case-by-case basis, or as determined by local and state health departments.

Swiftly Flowing Water

If you enter swiftly flowing water, you risk drowning -- regardless of your ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Cars or other vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. Cars can be swept away or may break down in moving water.


Chemical Hazards

Use extreme caution when returning to your area after a flood. Be aware of potential chemical hazards you may encounter during flood recovery. Flood waters may have buried or moved hazardous chemical containers of solvents or other industrial chemicals from their normal storage places.

If any propane tanks (whether 20-lb. tanks from a gas grill or household propane tanks) are discovered, do not attempt to move them yourself. These represent a very real danger of fire or explosion, and if any are found, police or fire departments should be contacted immediately.

Car batteries, even those in flood water, may still contain an electrical charge and should be removed with extreme caution by using insulated gloves. Avoid coming in contact with any acid that may have spilled from a damaged car battery.

For more information about possible dangers posed by chemical leaks and spills, see the Chemical Emergencies page.

After a Hurricane or Flood_ Cleanup of Flood Water
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/cleanupwater.asp


When returning to your home after a hurricane or flood, be aware that flood water may contain sewage. Protect yourself and your family by following these steps:
Inside the Home

* Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
* Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
* Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).
* Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
* Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
* Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
* After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).
o Or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use (solution of ? teaspoon [~0.75 milliliters] of household bleach per 1 gallon of water). Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use a solution of ¼ teaspoon (~1.5 milliliters) of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
* Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
* Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite waste-water system has been professionally inspected and serviced.
* Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

See also Reentering Your Flooded Home, Mold After a Disaster, and Cleaning and Sanitizing With Bleach After an Emergency.


Outside the Home

* Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
* Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
* Have your onsite waste-water system professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage.
* Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
* After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).
o Or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use (solution of ? teaspoon [~0.75 milliliters] of household bleach per 1 gallon of water). Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use solution of ¼ teaspoon (~1.5 milliliters) of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
* Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

The information in this fact sheet is general in nature and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional advice. For more information, please contact your local, state, or tribal health department.



* Page last reviewed July 2, 2008



Children's and Infants' Tylenol Oral Suspension Products - Recall
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm183924.htm

Audience: Consumers and Healthcare professionals

[Posted 09/25/2009] McNeil Consumer Healthcare and FDA notified consumers of a nationwide recall
of certain Tylenol products as a precautionary measure because of potential manufacturing problems. The company initiated a recall of certain oral suspension products distributed between March 2008 and May 2008 due to the potential of bacteria in raw materials used to manufacture the finished product. There are no illnesses reported by patients using this product. The full list of recalled product lots can be accessed on the company’s website at http://www.tylenolprofessional.com/assets/TYLENOL_Letter_091809.pdf. McNeil is advising parents and caregivers who have administered affected product to their child or infant and have concerns to contact their healthcare providers. Parents and caregivers can find the lot numbers on the bottom of the box containing the product and also on the sticker that surrounds the product bottle.

[09/25/2009 - News Release - FDA]



http://www.ci.lincoln.ca.us/pagedownloads/Flood%20Prep%20Info.pdf
ci lincoln ca us web site re flood



http://www.norman.noaa.gov/2008/04/flash-flood-safety-in-a-car/

Flash Flood Safety in a Car

Apr 30th, 2008 | By Keli Tarp | Category: That Weather Show

Download the .mp3 file (Run time: 1:41 min)
Flashflood rescues are dangerous for everyone, not just for the vehicle's occupants. Turn around and go the other way!

Flashflood rescues are dangerous for everyone, not just for the vehicle's occupants. Turn around and go the other way!

It’s raining. Your windshield wipers give you a faint glimpse of the road ahead. You approach a section of the road covered with water. It doesn’t appear to be very deep. The truck in front of you makes it through. What should you do, drive through the water or turn around?

Last week, we talked about flash flood preparation for people in low lying areas. Today, we’ll discuss what to do if you are driving and there’s water covering the road.

Remember, a flash flood is not something that takes a long time to develop. This is an event that happens quickly.

Did you realize that more than half of all people killed in floods are those in vehicles? They make the poor decision to drive down the flooded road either because the vehicle in front of them makes it or because they think the water doesn’t look too deep.
NEVER drive into water covering the road. You don't know how deep it is, or if the road is washed out. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA

NEVER drive into water covering the road. You don't know how deep it is, or if the road is washed out. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA

It only takes 18 inches of water to lift your car or SUV. Once your vehicle becomes buoyant; the water will easily push it sideways. Most vehicles will then tend to roll over, trapping those inside and washing them downstream.

If you are driving and the road has water over it, you need to remember this simple saying: “Turn Around – Don’t Drown”. Never drive on a road with water covering it and never drive around barriers blocking a flooded road or it just may cost you your life.


NOAA Weather Partners
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
National Weather Center
120 David L. Boren Blvd.
Norman, OK 73072
TEL 405-325-6933
FAX 405-325-6938
Keli.Tarp@noaa.gov


INFED Drug Safety Labeling Change August 2009. ...
www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/ucm181990.htm - 27k - 2009-09-15 - Cached
INFeD (iron dextran) 50 mg elemental iron/mL injection
INFeD (iron dextran) 50 mg elemental iron/mL injection
Drug Safety Labeling Change August 2009. ...


http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm183651.htm

Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review of Deferasirox (marketed as Exjade)

This information reflects FDA’s current analysis of available data concerning these drugs. Posting this information does not mean that FDA has concluded there is a causal relationship between the drug products and the emerging safety issue. Nor does it mean that FDA is advising health care professionals to discontinue prescribing these products. FDA is considering, but has not reached a conclusion about whether this information warrants any regulatory action. FDA intends to update this document when additional information or analyses become available.

9/25/2009

FDA is reviewing adverse event information for Exjade from a database that tracks all patients who are prescribed Exjade and a company-sponsored global safety database. This information suggests there may be a greater risk for adverse events such as kidney failure, gastrointestinal hemorrhage (potentially fatal bleeding) and deaths in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) compared to patients without these conditions. Many of these patients are over age 60 and the adverse events are problems that are not uncommon in people with MDS. The number of deaths and serious adverse events seem to be fewer in younger patients with other chronic anemias such as ß Thalassemia and Sickle Cell disease.

In reviewing the reports of adverse events and deaths, FDA has found several factors that make it difficult for the Agency to draw conclusions without further analysis. These factors include the patients' advanced age, the seriousness of their disease, other medical disorders they may have and their need for blood transfusions.

Exjade has known adverse drug events, some of which have been fatal. These events include kidney and liver failure -- particularly in patients who have other conditions that would make them more susceptible to kidney or liver problems -- and gastrointestinal ulcers and/or hemorrhage.

FDA has not determined whether or not patients with MDS or older patients treated with Exjade are at greater risk for adverse events or death compared to patients of a similar age or diagnosis who were not treated with Exjade, or compared to patients who are younger who have other chronic anemias and have been treated with Exjade.

Patients who are taking Exjade and have questions about their treatment should talk with their healthcare professional.

Exjade is an iron chelating agent that is approved for use in the treatment of patients two years of age and older who have chronic anemia and iron overload as a result of receiving blood transfusions as part of their therapy.

MDS is a collection of disorders in which the bone marrow does not function normally and the body does not make enough normal blood cells (this can result in anemia). Patients with MDS and other chronic anemias may need many blood transfusions to treat the anemia. Receiving multiple blood transfusions can cause "iron overload" in patients (too much iron in the body). Iron overload, can damage the heart, liver. and other organs in the body.

FDA is working with Novartis, the company that manufactures Exjade, regarding potential revisions to the prescribing information to warn healthcare professionals about the possible risks of using Exjade in certain patients and to ensure that the benefits of Exjade outweigh the potential risks, particularly in older patients and patients with MDS.

This early communication is in keeping with FDA’s commitment to inform the public about ongoing safety reviews of drugs. The Agency will communicate its final conclusions when the analysis of these and other data are complete.

The FDA urges both healthcare professionals and patients to report side effects from the use of Exjade to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail, or by fax, using the contact information at the bottom of this page.



-
Related Information

* Deferasirox (marketed as Exjade) Information



U.S. Food and Drug Administration Medwatch
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm174940.htm
U.S. Marshals Seize Skin Sanitizer, Protectant Products Made by Clarcon Biological Chemical Laboratory Inc
FDA acts to prevent use of Utah company’s contaminated skin products

U.S. Marshals, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, have seized all skin sanitizers and skin protectants, including ingredients and components, at Clarcon Biological Chemistry Laboratory’s Roy, Utah facility. The FDA is also warning consumers not to use any Clarcon products because they contain harmful bacteria and are promoted as antimicrobial agents that claim to treat open wounds, damaged skin, and protect against various infectious diseases. No cases have been reported to the FDA.

Clarcon voluntarily recalled the affected products, marketed under several different brand names, in June 2009, following an FDA inspection that revealed high levels of potentially disease-causing bacteria in the products.

The inspection also uncovered serious deviations from the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations, including poor practices that permitted the contamination. The FDA’s seizure of these products, along with their ingredients and any in-process or bulk materials, occurred after Clarcon did not agree to promptly destroy them. The FDA is protecting the public by preventing these products from entering the marketplace.

“The FDA is committed to taking enforcement action against firms that do not manufacture drugs in accordance with our current good manufacturing practice requirements,” said Deborah M. Autor, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Office of Compliance. “We will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect consumers from defective products.”

Clarcon produced and distributed over 800,000 bottles of these products in multiple regions of the country since 2007. Consumers should not use any Clarcon products and should dispose of them in their household trash.

Analyses of several samples of the topical antimicrobial skin sanitizer and skin protectant products revealed high levels of various bacteria. Some of these bacteria can cause opportunistic infections of the skin and underlying tissues. Such infections may need medical or surgical attention and may result in permanent damage. Examples of products that should be discarded are:

Citrushield Lotion
Dermasentials DermaBarrier
Dermassentials by Clarcon Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer
Iron Fist Barrier Hand Treatment
Skin Shield Restaurant
Skin Shield Industrial
Skin Shield Beauty Salon Lotion
Total Skin Care Beauty
Total Skin Care Work

Health care professionals and consumers may report serious adverse events or product quality problems with the use of this product to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, or by regular mail, fax, or phone.
--Online
--Regular Mail: use postage-paid FDA form 3500 and mail to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787
--Fax: 800-FDA-0178
--Phone: 800-FDA-1088

For more information:

Consumers Warned Not to Use Clarcon Skin Products

Page Last Updated: 08/01/2009


http:DURING AN EVACUATION:
""
If asked to evacuate, do so immediately.
""
Make sure that every person in your family has the same contact person (friend or family member) in case you should become separated during the evacuation.
""
Listen to a battery-operated radio for evacuation instructions.
""
Follow recommended evacuation routes.
""
Leave early to avoid being trapped by flooded roadways.

__________________________________________________________________________________

What to Do

BEFORE A FLOOD:
""
Create a family disaster plan, including a family disaster supplies kit.
""
Plan an escape route and be aware of which roads near your home flood easily. Plan ahead where the best place to go would be. A shelter? A friend's home?
""
Educate family members about emergency procedures. Make sure everyone, including children, know where electric fuse boxes, water service mains, and natural gas mains are and how to turn them off if necessary.
""
Plan for your pets. Since pets aren't allowed in shelters due to health regulations, make sure you have a plan to keep your pets safe.
""
Ask an out-of-state friend or family member to be your contact should family members get separated during an evacuation. Make sure everyone in your family has contact numbers.
""
Check your sump pump. Keep it clean and test it regularly.

DURING A FLOOD WATCH:
""
Be prepared to evacuate.
""
Listen to a battery-powered radio for the latest storm and flooding information.
""
Move valuables to higher locations.
""
Move hazardous materials such as paint, oil, pesticides, and cleaning supplies to higher locations.
""
Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
""
Bring outdoor items indoors.
""
If so advised by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the main switch. Close the main gas valve.

DURING A FLOOD:
If in a car...
""
Do not attempt to drive through a flooded area. Cars may easily be swept away in just two feet of moving water. Turn the car around and find a safer route.
""
If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Do not risk your life trying to move a stalled vehicle.
If indoors...


AFTER A FLOOD: Flood Dangers Do Not End When the Water Begins to Recede!
""
Return home only when advised and stay out of building if flood waters remain around the building.
When entering buildings where flood waters have receded:
""
Wear sturdy shoes and use only battery-powered lanterns or flashlights.
""
Examine walls, floors, doors, and windows to make sure the building is not in danger of collapsing.
""
Take pictures of the damage (both to the house and destroyed personal items) for insurance claims.
""
Watch-out for animals, especially poisonous snakes, who might have entered your house with the flood waters.
""
Look for fire hazards such as broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces.
""
Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters (including canned goods).
""
Pump-out flooded basements gradually (1/3rd the water per day is a general recommendation) to avoid structural damage.

Sources: Federal Emergency Management Agency and the North Dakota State University Extension Service
""
Stayed tuned to a battery operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
""
Keep your pre-assembled family disaster supplies kit close at hand.
""
Evacuate your home if asked to do so.
If outdoors...
""
Climb to high ground and stay there.
""
Stay clear of flood waters. Do not try to walk through as just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off of your feet.




http://sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/oes/What%20To%20Do%20In%20Case%20of%20Flood.htm
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A FLOOD

Reprinted from GOLDEN STATE FLOODLIGHT, California Floodplain Management Newsletter,
Volume 2, No. 4, November 1987.

Insure

Prepare

Evacuate

Clean Up

Processing Your Claim







Well Before the Flood -- INSURE!

Loses due to flooding are not covered under most homeowners insurance policies, but
homes and their contents can be protected through the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) if your community is a participant in the program. Flood insurance
is available in participating communities on almost any enclosed building- including homes,
condominiums, manufactured homes on foundations, businesses and farms. The contents
of insurable buildings, including rental units, are also insurable.

Compile and maintain a room-by-room inventory of the insured contents- including,
when possible, receipts or proofs of purchase (especially for major appliances) noting the
manufacturer's name, serial number, model number, price, date and place of purchase.





Immediately Before the Flood -- PREPARE!

If, and ONLY if time permits, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and
close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary. Do not touch any electrical
equipment unless it is in a dry area and you are standing on a piece of dry wood while
wearing rubber gloves and rubber-soled boots or shoes. Move valuable papers, furs,
jewelry, clothing, and other contents to upper floors or higher elevations. Fill bathtubs,
sinks and jugs with clean water in case regular supplies are contaminated. These
containers can be sanitized first by rinsing with bleach. Board up windows or protect them
with storm shutters or tape to prevent flying glass. Bring outdoor possessions inside the
house or tie them down securely- this includes lawn furniture, garbage cans, tools, signs,
and other moveable objects that might be swept away or hurled about.





When the Flood Comes -- EVACUATE!

Since floodwaters can rise very rapidly, be prepared to evacuate before the water level
reaches your property. Keep battery-powered radios tuned to a local station, and
follow all emergency instructions. If you are caught in the house by suddenly rising waters,
move to an upper floor if possible or to the roof if necessary. Take warm clothing, a
flashlight and portable radio with you. Then wait for help- don't try to swim to safety.
Rescue teams will be looking for you.

When outside the house, remember floods are deceptive. Try to avoid flooded areas
and don't attempt to walk through floodwaters that are more than knee deep.

If it is safe to evacuate by car, stock the car with nonperishable foods (like canned
goods), a plastic container of water, blankets, first aid kit, flashlights, dry clothing and any
special medications needed by members of your family or group. Keep the gas tank at
least half full since gasoline pumps will not be working if the electricity has been cut off.
Do not drive where water is over the road -- parts of the road may already be washed
out. If your car stalls in the flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Floodwaters
can rise rapidly and sweep a car (and its occupants) away. Many deaths have resulted
from attempts to move stalled vehicles.





After the Flood -- CLEAN UP!

If your home, apartment or business has suffered flood damage, immediately call the
agent or broker who handles your flood insurance policy; the agent will submit a Notice of
Loss Form to the National Flood Insurance Program. An adjuster will be assigned to
inspect your property as soon as possible. Be sure to take pictures of the damage
done to your building and its contents, before you start to clean up.

Check buildings for structural damage prior to entering -- make sure they are not
in danger of collapsing. Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank if you
didn't have time to before the flood and let the building air for several minutes to remove
foul odors or escaping gas. Upon entering the building, do not use open flame as a source
of light since gas may still be trapped inside - a nonmetallic, fully sealed flashlight is ideal.
Watch for electrical shorts or live wires before making certain that the main power
switch is turned off. Do not turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has
checked the system for short circuits. Cover broken windows and holes in the roof or
walls to prevent further weather damage. The expense of these temporary repairs is
usually covered under your flood insurance policy (subject to the policy deductible). It is
important, therefore, to save receipts.

Proceed with immediate cleanup measures to prevent any health hazards. Perishable
items which pose a health problem should be listed and photographed before discarding.
Throw out fresh food and previously opened medicines that have come in contact
with floodwaters. Until the public water system is declared safe, water should be boiled
vigorously for ten minutes before it is used for drinking or food preparation. The flat taste
can be removed by pouring the water from one container to another by adding a pinch of
salt. Another method of disinfecting drinking water is to mix 1/2 teaspoon of liquid
commercial laundry bleach with 2 - 1/2 gallons of water- let stand for five minutes before
using. If no other source is available, water may be obtained by draining a hot water tank
or my melting ice cubes.

Refrigerators, stoves and other hard goods should be hosed off and kept for the
adjuster's inspection. A good deodorizer when cleaning major kitchen appliances is to add
one teaspoon of baking soda to a quart of water. Any partially damaged items should be
dried and aired- the adjuster will make recommendations as to their repair or disposal.
Take all wooden furniture outdoors but keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent
warping -- a garage or carport is a good place for drying. Remove drawers and other
moving parts as soon as possible, but do not pry open swollen drawers from the front -
remove the backing and push the drawers out.

Shovel out mud while it is still moist to give walls and floors a chance to dry. Once
plastered walls have dried, brush off loose dirt. Wash with mild soap solution and rinse with
clean water; always start at the bottom and work up - ceilings are done last! Special
attention should be paid to cleaning out heating and plumbing systems.

Mildew can be removed from dry wood with a solution of 4 to 6 tablespoons of
trisodium phosphate (TSP), 1 cup liquid chlorine bleach, and 1 gallon of water. Clean
metal at once then wipe with a cloth. A light coat of oil will prevent iron from rusting.
Scour all utensils, and if necessary, use fine steel wool on unpolished surfaces. Aluminum
may be brightened by scrubbing with a solution of vinegar, cream of tartar, and hot water.

Quickly separate all laundry items to avoid running colors. Clothing and household
fabrics should be allowed to dry slowly, away from direct heat, before brushing off loose
dirt. If you cannot get to a professional cleaner, rinse the items in lukewarm water to
remove lodged soil; then wash with mild detergent; rinse and dry in sunlight.

Flooded basements should be drained and cleaned as soon as possible. However,
structural damage can occur by pumping out the water too quickly. After the floodwaters
around your property have subsided, begin draining the basement in stages, about 1/3 of the
water volume each day.




http://info.louisiana.edu/mahler/oep/sug-flod.html
What to Do In Case of a Flood Event
What do I need to know about floods?
Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. Some floods develop over a period of days, but flash floods can result in raging waters in just a few minutes. Be aware of flood hazards, especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam.
What to do before a flood?

* Know the terms used to describe flooding:
o FLOOD WATCH - Flooding is possible. Stay tuned to NOAA radio or commercial radio or television for additional information.
o FLASH FLOOD WATCH - Flash flooding is possible. Move to higher ground. A flash flood could occur without any warning. Listen to NOAA radio or commercial radio or television for additional information.
o FLOOD WARNING - Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
o FLASH FLOOD WARNING - A flash flood is occurring. Seek higher ground on foot immediately.
o URBAN AND SMALL STREAM ADVISORY - Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas is occurring.
* Learn the elevation level of your property. This will help you know how your property will be affected when flood levels are forecasted.
* Purchase a NOAA weather radio with battery backup and a tone-alert feature which automatically alerts you when a Watch or Warning is issued.
* Be prepared to evacuate.
o Plan a place to meet your family in case you are separated from one another in a disaster and cannot return home. Choose an out-of-state contact for everyone to call to say they are okay.
o Determine how you would care for family members who may live elsewhere but might need your help in a flood. Determine any special needs your neighbors might have.
o Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Include a battery-operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries, first aid supplies, sleeping supplies and clothing.
o Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves.
o Consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood losses are not covered under homeowners' insurance policies.
o Consider options for flood proofing your home.
o Make a record of your personal property.

What to do during heavy rains?

* Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground.
* Listen to radio or television stations for local information.
* Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly.
* Secure your home. If you have time, bring outdoor garden equipment and lawn furniture inside or tie it down. Move essential items to the upper floors of your house.
* If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves.
* Fill your car with fuel.
* Sterilize the bathtub, then fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services are cut off.
* Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated.
* Do now walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
* Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise.

What to do after a flood?

* Stay away from flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
* Stay away from moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
* Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
* Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.
* Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.
* Continue listening to a battery-powered radio for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing and food.
* Consider your family's health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters. Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
* Contact your insurance agent.

Presented by:
City-Parish of Lafayette, Office of Emergency Preparedness,
Lafayette, Louisiana