04-04-05 - Flood Update - Residents Urged to Take Precautions

In an effort to help County residents impacted by the severe flooding of this past weekend, Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana has announced the following:

County offices at 150 Pike St. in the City of Port Jervis will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon. through Fri., Apr. 4-8, to aid City of Port Jervis and Town of Deerpark residents who qualify for assistance.  All County residents who need assistance should call the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 294-9785 or the Orange County Department of Social Services at 291-4000

“Although floodwaters may be down in some areas, there are still many dangers,” said County Executive Diana. Residents should take the following precautions to help ensure their safety:

• Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way.
  
• Keep listening to the radio for news about what to do, where to go, or places to avoid.
  
• Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
  
• If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded --
  
• Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
  
• Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
  
• Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground.

“A flood can cause emotional and physical stress,” County Executive Diana continued.  “You need to look after yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.”  To do this, he advises:

• Rest often and eat well.
• Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list and do jobs one at a time.
• Discuss your concerns with others and seek help. Contact Red Cross for information on emotional support available in your area. 

Going back into your home can be dangerous because flooding can cause structural, electrical and other hazards.   County Executive Diana wants residents to be aware that physical dangers are not necessarily over after the water goes down. Hazards are not always obvious. They can be potentially life-threatening if the following precautions are not taken:

• Check your home before you go in. Carefully check outside your home for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. See if porch roofs and overhangs still have all their supports. If you see damage, a building inspector or contractor should check the building before you enter.
  
• Turn off the electricity. Even if the power company has turned off electricity to the area, make certain your house's power supply is disconnected.
  
•  If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, leave your home immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor's house.
  
•  Enter carefully. If the door sticks at the top, it could mean your ceiling is ready to fall. If you force the door open, wait outside the doorway in case debris falls.
  
• Check the ceiling for signs of sagging. Wind, rain, or deep flooding may wet plaster or wallboard. It is very heavy and dangerous if it falls.
  
• Make sure the electricity is off and hose down the house to remove health hazards left behind by floodwater mud. Shovel out as much mud as possible. Remove water quickly using a mop or squeegee.
  
• Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your community. That way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn it back on.
  

“My heart goes out to all our residents who have lost their homes, their belongings and even, in some cases, their pets in this horrific flooding,” County Executive Diana said.  “I pledge that Orange County government will do everything in its power to help our residents cope with the flood aftermath and deal with what will be on-going efforts to return to normalcy.”

For further information regarding this release, please contact Steve Gross, Assistant to the County Executive at 845-291-2704 or the Office of Emergency Services at 845-291-3199.