How to Get Help if you are a Flood Victim

Flooding often happens in a flash and takes many people unaware. Being prepared will help immensely, but it won't solve everything.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. BEFORE THE FLOOD:
   
   FLOOD INSURANCE: Visit www.floodsmart.gov to determine your flood risk. Regardless of where you live though, flood insurance is available. This site will help you find an agent as well as explain many things about flood danger.

2. BEFORE THE FLOOD:
   
   Prepare disaster safety kits for you and your family. Much of the disaster safety kit is for the safety of your persons. However, another integral part of the kit is the paperwork, in which you will want to have copies of your insurance policies, your bank account numbers, your credit card numbers, and your passport.

3. 
    

   FLOOD WARNING: The rain is beginning to fall, and you haven't built an ark. You're not alone. Most of us don't take flood warnings seriously unless we have already had experience with a flood or until the water is creeping up to our front step.
   
   SANDBAGS: Your community will have free sand bags available for you. Sandbag around your home creating a barrier to keep the flood waters from coming in.
   
   The picture illustrates the way the sandbags should be laid out for optimal defense.

4. GET OUT!
   
   If you still have time, protect your family and leave the area. Your earthly goods can be replaced. Do the best you can to protect your home, and please leave a note on the front door telling rescue workers that no one is within and that your pets are with you or have been taken care of. Often rescue workers will try and break into your home to be sure no people or animals need to be rescued. You can avoid this from happening by leaving a note explaining your situation. Also give a contact number where they can reach you.

5. THE WATER IS RISING: If you weren't able to leave your home, climb to the highest floor. Take whatever time you have left before the flood waters enter the home to move your valuables to higher levels. Don't forget your important papers, jewelry, etc.
   
   If you have a basement (that will probably flood first) turn off your electric and gas. Bring tools to the upper floor as well.
   
   Stay indoors out of the weather, but put a flag out the window or something to let rescuers know you are there. Climb to the roof if you need to, but you don't want to be on the roof if the shingles are slippery and the rains are coming down, creating a dangerous situation.

6. SEEK SHELTER:
   If you have friends or relatives in a safe area, you may want to go there. The American Red Cross will be setting up shelters where you can get dry clothing, food, and a place to sleep. The Red Cross will also help you locate other shelter if you do not have a place to go. Generally their temporary shelters are only open for a few days. They accept all individuals regardless of race, creed, sex, or age. They do not ask about immigration status.

7. DEALING WITH YOUR TRAGEDY:
   The American Red Cross has trained counselors to help your family with the emotional impact of your disaster as well.

8. CLEAN UP:
   
   There are often so many people willing to volunteer to help those in need. Let your needs be known. Contact the United Way.

9. GOODS:
   
   The Salvation Army will be collecting food, clothing, and furniture to bring to your area. Let them know of your needs.
   
   Also, watch the papers because there is usually inevitably a group of people who are also collecting goods to help you recover. Sometimes even building supplies are donated and will be available to you.

10. YOUR PETS: If you weren't able to take your pet(s) with you, chances are that someone may have rescued your pet and brought it to the local animal shelter. If your pet is not there, it may be because someone agreed to foster "parent" your pet. Check with the shelter for more information.

11. TAX IMPLICATIONS:
    
    The IRS has forms available on their website for disaster victims to cover events such as change of address, sale of home, revised income tax, etc.
    
    AICPA: The American Institute of CPAs has helped to provide accounting help for disaster victims. Contact them at www.aicpa.org. Generally they will send out a request for volunteers from their organization who will be matched with you. The CPA will then volunteer to help you through your paperwork.
    
    http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=156144,00.html