Republican Leader, Brian C. Bosma, Indiana House of Representatives

MORE INDIANA COUNTIES
NAMED FEDERAL DISASTER AREAS

More Indiana counties have been designated as federal disaster areas because of the recent storms and flooding. Here is the complete list, including the most recent additions:

Adams, Bartholomew, Brown, Clay, Daviess, Dearborn, Decatur, Gibson, Grant, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Huntington, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Shelby, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo, Washington and Wayne.

Disaster assessments for other counties are continuing and will be submitted to the federal government as they are completed.

For a comprehensive round-up of Indiana disaster information, visit www.emergency.in.gov.

Be smart, be careful
Here’s some important advice about dealing with floodwater and flood damage:

OUTSIDE

• Do not wade or drive into flood waters. A few inches of moving water can sweep a person off his feet, and as little as a foot of moving water can sweep a car away.



• Do not enter a building that remains surrounded by floodwater. Flooding can weaken foundations and the ground around them. Floors can crack or buckle, and entire buildings can come down.



• If power lines remain down, stay away from them.



INSIDE


• Do not re-enter a building unless you are sure it is structurally safe. If law-enforcement or disaster relief officials say the building is unsafe, do not enter it.



• If you are allowed to enter the building, make sure the electricity to the building is turned off. Pull the main fuse or flip the circuit-breaker. Do this even if power already is off in the area. Make sure the building is dry before turning it back on. However, if you have to stand in water or wade through water to get to the fuse or circuit-breaker, call an electrician to do the job.



• Because the power should be off in the building, you will need battery-powered lights. Make sure the batteries are fresh.



• Wear study shoes, not sandals or flip-flops. Experts say the most common injuries in disaster areas are cuts to feet.



• Take pictures. This will provide a record of the damage for insurance claims.



• Check for broken or leaking gas lines or flooded electrical circuits. Check the condition of furnaces and electrical appliances. Check the area for flammable or other hazardous materials. Even after a flood, fire is a frequent occurrence. Make sure electrical equipment is dry and thoroughly checked before using it again.



• If you smell natural gas or hear a hissing sound — this could indicate a natural gas leak — open a window and leave the building immediately. If you can locate the main valve, turn off the gas. Call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.



• Check water and sewer lines. If you suspect sewer-line damage, call a plumber and do not use toilets. For water-line damage, call the water company, and do not use tap water.



• Everyone using septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems in flooded areas should have them serviced as soon as possible. Before making repairs, contact local health department officials.



• Floodwater chases animals such as snakes, raccoons, mice, etc., out of their usual homes. Use a stick to poke through debris.



• Fight mold and mildew growth by cleaning out wet carpet, drywall and insulation.



• If floodwater has gotten to food, throw it away. You can salvage food in cans that are not dented or damaged. Throw away dented or damaged cans of food.



• Be patient when pumping out flooded basements. Experts say pump out about a third of the water per day to prevent damage to basement walls because of the added pressure on already saturated soil around the building.



• Be sure any clean-up or repair firms you hire are qualified and have the necessary permits, licensing, insurance, etc. It’s usually a good idea not to hire people who drive through neighborhoods looking for clean-up or repair work.



• There always is the chance for more bad weather. Stay tuned to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio as well as your local radio and television stations.
  
  Sources: National Red Cross, National Weather Service, FEMA, National Disaster Education Coalition