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e e e 6. POST....ELOOD RECOVERY &BEOCCUPATION This chapter identifies some of the activities required to help in providing an orderly and timely reestablishment of pre-flood conditions, to the extent possible. Once the flood has subsided, damage to property and the social impacts on the City will be assessed and reported. This assessment will determine what recovery activities will be necessary. If assistance beyond City and County capabilities is required, State assistance should be requested through the County Emergency Management Director. The activities include elimination of hazards caused by floods, an assessment of damage caused by floodwaters, removal of flood debris and mud, returning borrowed equipment and materials, assistance to the affected general public, and resumption of normal operations by City, County and other agencies. See Appendix I on Resource Services for more information. Some key safety concerns (reference 5) are addressed below: 1. Local authorities who are inspecting homes for safety and water damage should wear high leakproof rubber boots (or at least rubber-soled shoes), thick rubber or dry leather gloves, and a hard hat when in a flood zone. If going into an isolated area tell someone who will notify the proper authorities if you do not report back. 2. Check to determine if the power and gas are shut off and if not, shut them off, if necessary. Indoors or out, under flooded or damaged conditions, treat every electrical item with the greatest respect. EVERY SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS UNDER FLOOD CONDITIONS. If travelling on foot through a flood zone, observe overhead electrical lines for broken wires or evidence of arcing. Avoid the vicinity of power lines if possible, and cross under them only at midlength between supporting poles, if you must cross them. AN ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL UTILITY WIRE OR A UTILITY POLE PARTIALL Y OR TOT ALL Y SUBMERGED IN WA TER, WHETHER METAL OR WET WOOD, CAN CREA TE AN ELECTRICAL FIELD IN THE WA TER THA T WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD. If utility wires are underwater, maintain a maximum distance from both utility poles and wires (minimum of 20 feet for utility poles; 50 feet for high voltage transmission or feeder lines). If the utility wires are not broken or underwater, stay at least 10 feet away from the poles. 3. If your water comes from a central water supply, find out if the water is contaminated. If your water comes from a private well, determine whether the well is flooded. If so, it can be considered contaminated. 26 ~~~ Eliminate hazards ~~~ Assess damage ~~~ Remove debr i s and mud on Return equipment and materials .. Assist Public ~~~ Resume normal activities