Questions & Answers: Flood Survival
By Dan Beyers
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 10 1996; Page B05
© The Washington Post
The flood waters have begun to recede, but now the cleanup begins as Washington mops up after Tropical Storm Fran. Some help is available to victims of the weekend floods from government and private sources. But unless homeowners had the foresight to buy flood insurance, most of Washington is on its own. These tips were compiled by staff writer Dan Beyers.
Q: What a mess. Where do I begin?
A: One of the immediate concerns after a flood is health protection. Who knows what chemicals, toxins or debris floated downstream? Health officials say anyone involved in the cleanup should wear a good set of rubber or plastic gloves and protective clothing. Walls and floors, and anything salvageable, should be cleaned and disinfected. A quarter-cup of bleach to a gallon of water makes a decent household cleaner. Canned food is probably safe to keep after a flood, but discard all other food, even things like peanut butter kept in a screw-top container.
A tetanus shot is recommended for anyone working in the cleanup who hasn't had one within five years.
Q: I've got my rubber gloves on, and I'm armed with a bucket. What now?
A: Tread carefully. Avoid walking in flowing water and use a pole to poke in deep puddles to make sure the ground is firm. Cut the electricity in any area you're working in and watch for animals. Critters that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Many flooded items, such as wallboard and mattresses, will hold mud and contamination for days if not years. When in doubt, throw it out.
Q: Will insurance cover any of this?
A: It depends on whether you have flood insurance. Most homeowner's policies don't cover flood damage. Such coverage usually must be bought as a rider to your regular policy.
Most flood insurance is provided through the federal government, which pays commissions to private insurance agents to sell it and handle claim requests. Homeowners can buy up to $250,000 in coverage for their homes and $100,000 to replace their damaged contents, and businesses can buy up to $500,000 coverage for their buildings and $500,000 for their contents. Renters, too, can buy coverage to protect up to $100,000 worth of their belongings. In Maryland and Virginia, about 2 percent of all homeowners have coverage, and one-tenth of 1 percent of the homeowners in the District have it.
If you have flood insurance, take photos of your damage as soon as possible to document your claim, and contact the agent you bought your policy from. If you have questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, call 1-800-427-4661.
Q: What if I don't have flood insurance?
A: You might be eligible for federal disaster relief if you live in a community that has been declared a federal disaster area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers several forms of assistance, including direct grants of up to $12,900 to help defray the costs of temporary housing, minor repairs and serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also are available to cover uninsured private and business property losses. You can apply for aid by calling 1-800-462-9029.
Q: How can I help others?
A: The American Red Cross is providing emergency shelter and help in flooded areas. Call your local chapter to help.
Sources: FEMA, Red Cross and Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
© Copyright 1996 The Washington Post
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