By Barbara Morris
Although the calendar gave us notice that winter is behind us, temperatures have been more than a little unpredictable.
By noon one recent day, the thermometer in our yard registered 95 degrees in the sun. When I returned home that same evening, the temperature had dropped into the 40s. There was a lot of grumbling overheard on the bus lines. We are constantly reminded that weather is temperamental.
Since some areas of southeast Queens experience flooding, those living and working there should prepare for such a disaster. Although some of the suggestions made in a previous column regarding preparation for disasters will be helpful, there are some flood-specific suggestions from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Insurance Administration and National Flood Insurance Program.
These suggestions should help minimize loss of life and property after you have bought flood insurance. The National Flood Insurance Program suggests immediate action be taken to itemize personal property, including furnishings, clothing and valuables. Photographs of these items as well as the inside and outside of your home or business and outer property will be helpful.
These pictures will assist an adjuster in settling claims and will help prove uninsured losses, which are tax deductible. Keep this information and insurance policies in a safe place.
More flood advice is to learn the safest route to high ground in case of hurried evacuation and, if you have a car, plan to keep the gas tank at least half full at all times, since gas pumps will not work if electricity has been cut off. Keep a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment and flashlights in working order, and have extra batteries on hand.
If an area is flooded frequently, sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber could be helpful in attempting to protect property. Sandbags should not be stacked directly against the outer walls of a building. Wet bags might add pressure against the foundation.
If a flood comes, plan to evacuate before the water level reaches your property. If time permits, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary. Move valuables to upper floors, and board or tape windows to prevent flying glass.
Secure outdoor equipment or bring it inside the building. Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in case regular supplies are contaminated. And if you plan to evacuate by car, try to take bottled water, canned food, blankets, a first-aid kit, flashlights, dry clothing and special family medications.
Do not drive where flood water is over the road. Parts of the road may have been washed away. If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it. If you cannot evacuate in time and are caught inside a building, go upstairs (to the roof, if necessary) and wait for help. Do not try to swim to safety. Rescue teams will be looking for you.
When outside the building, of course, try to avoid flooded areas and don’t attempt to walk through water that is more than knee-deep. After the flood, call your insurance agent from a working phone away from your property.
Before trying to enter your building, make sure it is not in danger of collapsing. Make sure outside gas lines are turned off at the meter or tank, and open the door to remove foul odors or escaping gas. Do not use an open flame as a light source when entering the building. Use a flashlight.
If you are not certain the power switch was turned off, there may be electrical shorts or live wires. Have an electician check the house, and do so even if the power was shut off, before trying to use anything electric.
Once you are told it is safe to go into the building, check to see if the basement is flooded. If it is, it should be drained in stages — one-third water volume per day — after the flood waters around your property have subsided.
Mud should be shoveled out while it is still moist. As you begin and continue cleanup, take pictures of items, even perishables and previously opened medicines contacted by flood waters, before disposal. We must preserve our valuables against flooding.
