American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter


			Flood Resources
			Red Cross Urges Flood Victims to Recheck Electrical System Following Series of Local House Fires The dangers are not over when the water goes down. Fire is the most frequent hazard following floods. The cause may be from the electrical system shorting out during the flooding.
	Disaster Services Quick Links Local Red Cross Disaster Relief Local Red Cross Response Shop @ the Red Cross On-Line Store Volunteer Opportunities Home		The American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter recently responded to two calls from Lewis County families involved in electrical fires. The homes had also been flooded during the December storms. The Red Cross urges local flood victims to recheck their electrical fixtures and wiring, look for any unusual sights or smells, and review their family’s emergency plans and disaster supplies. Contact any our Red Cross Office for more information or to get involved and help our community prepare for and respond to local disasters as a volunteer. March 17, 2008 / KOMO 4 News Flood victims face grave new danger March 17,2008 / King 5 News One two punch for victims of December floods
	Flood Resources: The Basics for Home and Business Owners After the Flood and Other Disasters Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Repairing Your Flooded Home (PDF) Click on Link Look for fire hazards. There may be broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces or electrical appliances. Flammable or explosive materials may travel from upstream. Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you had to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice. Electrical equipment and appliances should be checked and dried before being returned to service. The electrical system should be tackled in two parts – the main breaker or fuse box and the circuits. Mud, dirt, or water in the switches or outlets can cause shorts or overheating or prevent the grounding system from working causing electrocution. Also have your water heater checked to see if floodwaters got into the gas burner, electrical parts, or insulation. Be sure to flush clean water through it before you wash dishes or clothes with hot water. Play It Safe and Ask for Help. Many people can do a lot of the clean up and repairs, but if you have technical questions or do not feel comfortable doing something, get professional help. Again when in doubt, contact an electrician. Electrocution is a major danger. Contact an electrician, power company, or municipal inspector for assistance. Your home's foundation may have been weakened, the electrical system may have shorted out, and floodwaters may have left behind things that could make you sick. When in doubt, throw it out. Don't risk injury or infection. Check for Gas Leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional. Floodproof. It is very likely that your home will be flooded again someday. You can save a lot of money by floodproofing as you repair and rebuild. You should also prepare for the next flood by buying flood insurance and writing a flood response plan. This information is published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross to help flooded property owners. It is designed to be easily copied. Permission to reproduce all or any section of this material is hereby granted and encouraged. Production This book was prepared for the Federal Emergency Management Agency under Contract Number EMW-89-C-3024 and EMW-91-K-3738. FEMA and the American Red Cross gratefully acknowledge the thoughtful assistance provided by the many individuals who reviewed this book. Reviewers included repair and reconstruction contractors, mental health professionals, sociologists, researchers, disaster assistance specialists, insurance experts, underwriters, structural engineers, public health agents, floodplain managers, emergency managers, education specialists, editorial experts, and graphic designers. Disclaimer The statements and descriptions in this book are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Government, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), or The American Red Cross. The U.S. Government, FEMA, and the American Red Cross make no warranty, expressed or implied, and assume no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information herein. The information provided is based on careful research and input from experienced professionals. The reader must assume responsibility for adapting this information to local conditions. This book is not intended to replace the advice and guidance of an experienced professional who is able to view a home and assess the needs of the particular situation. In several instances, the reader is advised to contact a professional if he or she is not experienced with technical matters such as building construction and electrical components. In some cases, brand names are used as examples. Their usage does not imply an endorsement or recommendation for any particular commercial product.
	For more information, contact the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter: (253) 474-0400 Pierce County / (360) 352-8575 Thurston-Mason Counties (360) 748-4607 Lewis County / (360) 241-2341 Grays Harbor Counties

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