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<br />Example of an Outreach Project to the Entire Community (cont.)
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<br />A third approach is to raise the house above flood levels, A small wood frame house can be elevated for less than
<br />$10,000, Sound crazy? Check out some of the houses on St Mary's Road near 40th Street The owners had a
<br />contractor raise their homes three feet for under $6,000 each, The owners did the stairs, the deck, and the landscaping
<br />themselves, In 1988, the Foster Creek flood went under these houses without damaging them,
<br />Many houses, even those not in the floodplain, have sewers that back up into the basement during heavy rains.
<br />A plug or standpipe can stop this if the water doesn't get more than one or two feet deep, They can be purchased at a
<br />hardware store for under $25, For deeper sewer backup flooding, talk to a plumber about overhead sewers or a backup
<br />valve, Last year five Floodville homes got overhead sewers or backup valves,
<br />These measures are called floodproofmg or retrofitting, More information is available at the Floodvilie Public
<br />Library, Important note,' Any alteration to your building or land requires a pennit from the Building Department
<br />Even regrading or f1lling in the floodplain requires a permit
<br />If you know a flood is coming, you should shut off the gas and electricity and move valuable contents upstairs.
<br />It is unlikely that you will get much warning, so a detailed checklist prepared in advance would help ensure that you
<br />don't forget anything,
<br />
<br />CFlood Insurance: =::> If you don't have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent Homeowner's insurance
<br />
<br />policies do not cover damage from floods, However, because Floodville participates in the National Flood Insurance
<br />Program, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy, This insurance is backed by the Federal government and
<br />is available to everyone, even for properties that have been flooded,
<br />
<br />Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank when they got a mortgage or
<br />home improvement loan, Usually these policies just cover the building's structure and not the contents. During the kind
<br />of flooding that happens in Floodville, there is usually more damage to the furniture and contents than there is to the
<br />structure,
<br />At last count, there were 55 flood insurance policies in Floodville. If you are covered, check out the amount and
<br />make sure you have contents coverage, 'Remember: Even if the last flood missed you or you have done some
<br />floodproofing, the next flood could be worse. Flood insurance covers all stuface floods,
<br />
<br />Qlaad Safety =:>
<br />
<br />Do not walk throuoh flowino water, Drowning is the nwnber one cause offlood deaths, mostly during flash floods,
<br />Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet If you walk in standing water, use a
<br />pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there,
<br />
<br />Do not drive throul!h a flooded area, More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don't drive around road
<br />barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out
<br />
<br />Stav awav from OOwer lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution,
<br />Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Power Company or City emergency
<br />management office.
<br />
<br />Have vour electricity turned offbv the Power Comoanv, Some appliances, such as television sets, keep electrical
<br />charges even after they have been unplngged, Don't nse appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have
<br />been taken apart, cleaned, and dried,
<br />
<br />Look out for animals esoeciallv snakes, Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in
<br />yours, Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals,
<br />
<br />Look before vou steo, Af1er a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails.
<br />Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery,
<br />
<br />Be alert for oas leaks, Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don't smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames
<br />unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.
<br />
<br />eRS Application
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<br />19
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<br />Edition: January 1999
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