P2693 Disaster Recovery: Guide for Homeowners

Disaster recovery: Guide for Homeowners Disaster recovery: Guide for Homeowners

The Mississippi State University Extension Service provides research-based information to help you make informed decisions. We hope that you will find the disaster recovery resources included here useful for getting back to normal and keeping safe after a regional disaster or a personal tragedy, such as fire or wind damage to

your home. contents The MSU Extension Service publications compiled here are also available online at msucares.com/disaster along with additional articles and resources. The last page of this guide lists additional websites where you can find booklets and other materials on mold cleanup or financial topics from other organizations. For more information, contact your local MSU Extension Service county office.

Contents Section 1: General Safety and Recovery Issues • Returning Home After a Disaster ...... 4 • Electrical Systems and Appliances – Damaged Wiring and Switches ...... 6 • Safety Rules and Recovery Procedures After a Natural Disaster ...... 8 • Emergency Food and Water...... 10 • Preparing Food During a Power Failure ...... 12 • So What Is an E. coli Infection? ...... 16 • Preventing Tetanus...... 18 • How to Care for Minor and Major Open Wounds...... 20 • Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness ...... 22 • Flooded Private Sewage Systems...... 24 • Tree Removal and Timber Recovery Issues...... 26

Section 2: Home Cleanup and Renovation • Priorities for Cleanup and Repair ...... 29 • Home Cleanup and Renovation for Floors ...... 31 • Home Cleanup and Renovation for Walls...... 33 • Controlling Mold Growth When Cleaning Flooded and/or Rain-Wetted Homes...... 35 • Salvaging Household Furniture...... 37 • Cleaning Flood-Damaged Carpets and Rugs ...... 39 • Salvaging Clothing...... 41 • Drying Books and Family Papers ...... 43 • Cleaning Household Utensils and Metals ...... 45

Section 3: Consumer and Financial Issues • Avoiding Frauds and Deception ...... 48 • Seven Steps in Making an Insurance Claim...... 50 • Managing on a Suddenly Reduced Income ...... 52 • Take Control of Your Finances: When Your Income Drops ...... 54 • When Your Income Drops...... 56

Section 4: Family Stress Management • Common Responses to Disasters or Traumatic Events ...... 61 • Dealing with Stress After a Disaster...... 63 • Managing a Traumatic Event ...... 65 • How Family and Neighbors Can Help One Another Cope ...... 67 • Recognizing Your Own Anger...... 69 • Signs of Distress in Children ...... 71 • Children Need Help Coping with Disaster...... 73

Additional Resource Information...... 75 section section 1

Section 1: General Safety and Recovery Issues

• Returning Home After a Disaster ...... 4 • Electrical Systems and Appliances – Damaged Wiring and Switches ...... 6 • Safety Rules and Recovery Procedures After a Natural Disaster ...... 8 • Emergency Food and Water...... 10 • Preparing Food During a Power Failure ...... 12 • So What Is an E. coli Infection? ...... 16 • Preventing Tetanus...... 18 • How to Care for Minor and Major Open Wounds...... 20 • Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness ...... 22 • Flooded Private Sewage Systems...... 24 • Tree Removal and Timber Recovery Issues...... 26 Disaster Relief Returning Home after a Disaster

Returning home after a major disaster can be danger- neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any rea- ous and difficult. Be careful when entering a disaster son, you must have a professional turn it back on. area, and be ready to adapt to whatever conditions • Check electricity. If you see sparks or broken or you find. frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker, Use this information as a guide. and call an electrician for advice. • Keep a battery-operated radio with you to hear any • Check sewage and water lines. If you suspect dam- emergency updates. aged sewage lines, avoid using the toilets and • Before you enter your house, check it, the roof, and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the the chimney for structural damage. water company and avoid using water from • If you have any doubts about safety, have your the tap. You can get safe water by melting ice cubes. home inspected by a professional before entering. • Check electrical appliances. If the wiring in your • Be careful when entering a damaged building. house is wet, turn off the main power switch in the • Put on sturdy shoes and work gloves for protection house. Unplug the appliance, dry it out, then recon- against glass or other debris. nect it and turn the main power switch back on. If • Stay away from fallen or damaged electrical wires. fuses or circuits blow when the power is restored, They could still be alive. turn off the main power switch again, and inspect • Do not carry lanterns or torches that could start a again for short circuits in the home wiring or appli- fire. ances. Call a professional if the problem continues. • Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes • Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, or that may have come into your home with the flood- other flammable liquids. waters. Use a stick to poke through debris. • Try to protect your home from further damage. • Check for injured or trapped people. Give first aid Open windows and doors. Patch holes. where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. The people unless they are in immediate danger of fur- mud left behind by floodwaters can contain ther injury. Call for help. sewage and chemicals. • Remember to help neighbors who may need special • If your basement is flooded, pump it out gradually assistance: infants, elderly people, and people with (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid dam- disabilities. age. The walls may collapse, and the floor may • Until phone service is fully restored, use the phone buckle if you pump out the basement while the sur- only for life-threatening emergencies. rounding ground is still waterlogged. • Open closets and cupboards carefully. • Throw out food, cosmetics, and medicines that have • Check food and water supplies before using them. come into contact with floodwaters. You can salvage - Foods that require refrigeration may be spoiled if canned foods, but be sure to wash the outside of the the electricity were cut off for some time. can thoroughly. If there is any doubt, discard. - Throw out any food that has been in contact with • Stay at home and avoid driving to keep roads clear floodwaters. for emergency workers. • Extinguish all open flames. • If you have insurance, call your agent. Take pictures • Check gas supply. If you smell gas or hear a blowing of damages. Keep good records of repair and clean- or hissing sound, open a window and quickly leave ing costs. the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main • Get help from your American Red Cross or other valve if you can, and call the gas company from a community or governmental agencies. They can

4 provide a voucher so you can buy groceries, new Remember… clothing, medications, furnishings, and other items It takes a long time to recover from a disaster. Take for daily living. Be careful about providing personal your time, and pace yourself. Plan a reasonable information to someone who may be pretending to amount of activity each day. Include children in work for a relief agency. Be sure to verify the identi- cleanup and recovery activities. Watch for signs of ty of workers. stress in yourself and family members. If you can't shake feelings of despair, get professional help. While Pets after a Disaster life will not be the same as before the disaster hap- The behavior of your pets may change after an emer- pened, you can and will recover. gency. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs, and place them in a fenced yard with access to shelter and water. If after a disaster you have to leave town, take your pet with you. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own. Keep in mind, though, that many disaster shelters and hotels do not allow pets.

From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431.

Revised by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences.

Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated.

Information Sheet 1698 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-09-11)

5 Disaster Relief Electrical Systems and Appliances - Damaged Wiring and Switches

You may be able to repair flood-damaged electric After you have taken all of these precautions, it wiring and switches yourself if you take certain pre- should be safe to check the wiring by following cautions. Follow these steps before attempting your these steps: own repair. • Replace the main fuses, and close the main switch. 1. Disconnect the main switch and any switches that If there is current leakage, the switch needs further control pumps and out buildings. repair or replacement. 2. Remove all branch circuit fuses so no one can • If there is no evidence of leakage, insert a fuse in reconnect the electricity while you are working on one of the branch circuits, and close the main equipment and wiring. Wear rubber gloves, switch. Additional repair is necessary if the fuse because electrical leakage may be present if the blows or if there is any sign of smoking or heating. switch box is filled with mud or debris. • After all circuits have been repaired and checked 3. Clean dirt and debris from load center panels and one at a time, insert all branch fuses. all switch, outlet, and junction boxes. Leave them open to dry out. 4. Let the entire wiring system dry out, uncovering all possible openings to hasten drying. 5. To clean rigid conduit wiring, cut the wires and pull them out. Blow or suck air through the conduit to dry it. 6. When the entire system is dry, have an electrician check it for leakage and grounds.

6 From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431. Revised by Herb Willcutt, Extension Professor, Agricultural & Biological Engineering. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1716 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-09-11)

7 Disaster Relief Safety Rules and Recovery Procedures after a Natural Disaster

• See that your family is safe from flood crests, fire, • Do not use water from private supply until health or falling buildings. authorities have tested it. Boil drinking water 10 • Cooperate fully with local authorities, rescue minutes, or chlorinate by adding 1 teaspoon of squads, and American Red Cross chapters. chlorine bleach per gallon of water. • Consult your insurance claims adjuster. • Do not use food that has come in contact with • Walk or drive cautiously. Debris-filled streets are flood waters. You can save some foods of they are dangerous. Snakes and rodents may be a hazard. properly packaged. Consult local health officials if Washouts may weaken road and bridge structures in doubt. that could collapse under a vehicle's weight. • Sanitize dishes, cooking utensils, and food prepa- • Help locate shelter, food, clothing, transportation, ration areas before using them. medical supplies, and medical help for victims. • Start cleanup as soon as possible, especially if • Obey health regulations for personal and commu- flooding has occurred. Thoroughly dry and clean nity protection against disease epidemics. Report your house before trying to live in it. Delay per- any violations. manent repairs until buildings are thoroughly dry. • Set priorities. Do the most important tasks first, • Control rodents and insects. and avoid physical overexertion. • Keep chemicals used for disinfecting and poisons • Be sure children are safe and being cared for at all used for insect and rodent control out of the reach times. Never leave young children alone, and do of children. not let them play in damaged buildings or areas • Wear protective clothing on legs, arms, feet, and that might be unsafe. hands while cleaning up debris. Wear rubber • Before entering a building, check for structural gloves while scrubbing flood-damaged interiors damage. Make sure it is not in danger of collaps- and furniture. ing. Turn off any outside gas lines, and let the • Remove sediment from heaters, flues, and motors house air for several minutes to remove escaping before using them. To speed drying, start stoves gas. and furnaces or air conditioners as soon as they • When entering damaged buildings, use flashlights have been checked for safety. only. Do not use matches, torches, or any open • Take all furniture and rugs outdoors to dry. flame. Watch for nails, splinters, holes in walls or • Dry and air bedding, clothing, and rugs as soon as floors, wet or falling plaster, undermined founda- possible to prevent mildew. tions, and gas leaks. • Give special attention to cleaning children's toys, • Do not use the electrical system in a damaged cribs, playpens, and play equipment. Boil any building until a professional electrician has items a toddler or baby might put in his mouth. checked it. Discard stuffed toys, waterlogged toys, and non- • Wait until any flood waters are below basement cleanable toys. level before trying to drain or pump a basement. • If the premises have been flooded, flush plumbing fixtures with buckets of water to be sure they are open. Have health authorities inspect sanitary disposal systems. Water may have backed up into the septic tank, which in turn backs up into your house. This could be a health hazard.

8 From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431. Reviewed by Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1716 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-09-11)

9 Disaster Relief Emergency Food and Water

After a disaster, some people may not have • Instant meals. Instant meals such as food and water for days and perhaps even cups of noodles, soups, or oatmeal are weeks. Preparing and keeping a food and also a good addition to kits, although water emergency kit can prevent a difficult sit- they also need water. uation from becoming a life-threatening one. • Snack-sized ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. Snack- Emergency Foods sized canned goods are good because Things To Think About they usually have pull-top lids or • What foods are nonperishable and twist-open keys and leave only a little do not need cooking and refrigeration? waste. • What foods are simple and easy to • Prepackaged beverages. Beverages prepare? packaged in foil packets and foil-lined • What foods are rich in both calories boxes are suitable for disaster supplies and protein to help build and maintain kits because they are tightly sealed and energy? can be stored for a long time. • What foods appeal to family members? • What foods meet any special dietary Food Options To Avoid need my family may have, including • Commercially dehydrated foods. infants, toddlers, diabetics, and elderly Commercially dehydrated foods family members? require a great deal of water and require extra effort in preparation. You Food Options To Consider can't eat them unless you add water. • Bottled foods. Bottled foods are too • Compressed food bars. They store heavy and bulky and break easily. well, are lightweight, taste good, are • Meal-sized canned foods. Meal-sized nutritious, and are high in calories. commercially canned foods are also Trail mix • . Blends of granola, nuts, bulky and heavy. seeds, and dried fruits are available • Whole grains, beans, and pasta. prepackaged, or You can also choose to Preparing these foods could be compli- assemble your own. cated in a disaster. • Dried foods. Dried foods are nutritious and satisfying, but they may also have a lot of salt, which may make you Buying Foods thirsty and something to avoid if fresh Most of the foods appropriate for a disas- water is scarce. ter supply kit are available at local super- • Freeze-dried foods. Freeze-dried markets. Specialty food stores such as foods are tasty and lightweight but health food stores or food storage supply need water for reconstitution. If water houses as well as sporting goods stores is scare, these foods may not be the may have foods prepared especially for best option. disaster relief kits.

10 Food Storage Tips ers as a last resort because they may corrode and tend to • Keep food in the driest and coolest spot in the house give water a bad taste. – a dark area if possible. • Keep food covered at all times. Purifying Contaminated Water • Seal cookies and crackers in plastic bags, and Besides having a bad smell and taste, contaminated keep in tight containers. water can cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, • Open food boxes and cans carefully so you can typhoid, and hepatitis, which can make you very sick. close them tightly after each use. It is important to purify all water you're uncertain • Store packages susceptible to pests, such as about how safe it is before using it. The best way to opened packages of sugar, dried fruits, and nuts, in purify water is to boil it for 10 minutes and then let the screw-top jars or airtight cans. water cool before drinking. Boiling is the safest and • Store wheat, corn, and beans in sealed cans or surest way to purify water. sealed plastic buckets. • Buy powdered milk in nitrogen-packed cans for Purifying Agents long-term storage. You can also use household bleach to kill microorgan- • Keep salt and vitamins in their original packages. isms. Your emergency food and water supply should • Inspect all items periodically to make sure there include liquid chlorine bleach that contains 5.25 per- are no broken seals, dented containers, or insect cent sodium hypochlorite and no soap or fragrances. infestations. Do not use scentd bleaches, color-safe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners. Add 16 drops of bleach Emergency Cooking per gallon water, stir, and let stand for 30 minutes. If In an emergency, you can cook food using a fireplace. the water does not have a sligh odor,r epeat the dosage If you are using a charcoal grill or camp stove, you and let stand for another 15 minutes. (Purification should cook outside for safety reasons. You can also tablets and iodine are not effective purifying agents heat food with candle warmers, chafing dishes, and and are no longer recommended by the U.S. fondue pots. Department of Agriculture or the Centers for Disease You can prepare canned foods and eat them direct- Control and Prevention.) ly out of the can. Completely remove the lid and label before heating the can to prevent internal combustion General Tips or the label's catching fire. • Put the kit together with the idea of providing each family member at least one well-balanced Emergency Water meal per day. Plan to store a 3-day supply of water for each family • Change the food supplies every 6 months to help member. The needs of each person differ, depending keep the items fresh. upon age, physical condition, activity, diet, and cli- • A nonelectric can opener and utensils you can mate. An active person needs to drink at least 2 quarts throw away are essential additions to the kit. of water daily. Children, nursing mothers, and ill peo- • Include only dry food for pets. ple often need more water. • Store food with enough calories to provide More water is necessary for food preparation and enough energy to keep the strength to work. hygiene, so consider these needs as well. Plan to store • Include a vitamin and mineral supplement or at least 2 gallons per person per day. multi-vitamin in your stockpile to ensure adequate Store water in clean, sanitary containers. Plastic con- nutrition. tainers are good because they are lightweight and • By reducing activity and staying cool, you can unbreakable. Glass containers are non-permeable, but lessen the amount of water a body requires. they are breakable and heavy. Think of metal contain- • Prepare for your family pets, too. Prepare a kit of sealed dry food, water, feces bag, and any toys.

Revised by Dr. Brent Fountain, PhD, RD, LD, Assistant Extension Professor, Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion; and Julia Callahan, MSU Dietetic Intern, from The Disaster Handbook 2003 National Editdion, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431. From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1691 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD rev 02-08)

11 Disaster Relief Preparing Food during a Power Failure

During a power failure, you will have to Conserve Water change cooking and eating habits. You • Save liquids from canned vegetables. may have no heat, no refrigeration, and Use these liquids for water in limited water. Health risks from contami- cooked dishes. nated or spoiled food may increase. When • Drain and save juices from canned preparing food during a power outage, fol- fruits. Use the juices for water in sal- low these guidelines. ads and drinks.

Save Fuel Observe Health Precautions • Consider the amount of cooking • Boil all water you use in food prepa- time needed for particular foods. If ration for at least 10 minutes. you have limited heat for cooking, • If you are without refrigeration, choose foods that cook quickly. open only enough food containers for Prepare casseroles and one-dish meals, one meal. Some foods can be kept a or serve no-cook foods. short time without refrigeration. If • Here are some cooking choices: available, packaged survival or camp- Fireplace – Many foods can be skew- ing foods are safe. Do not serve foods ered, grilled, or wrapped in foil and that spoil easily, such as ground meats, cooked in the fireplace. Electric uten- creamed foods, hash, custards, and sils – If gas is cut off but you still have meat pies. These are sources of food- electricity, use electric skillets, hot borne illness. plates, or coffee makers to heat food. • If necessary, substitute canned and Candle warmers – You can use devices powdered milk for fresh milk. Canned with candle warmers, such as fondue milk keeps safely for many hours after pots, if no other heat sources are avail- you open the can. If you are using able. Camp stoves and charcoal burn- canned milk to feed a baby, however, ers – You can use these outside your open a fresh can for each bottle. Use home. Never use fuel-burning camp only boiled or disinfected water to mix stoves or charcoal burners inside your powdered milk. Use reconstituted milk home, even in a fireplace. Fumes from immediately after it is mixed if you these stoves can be deadly. have no refrigeration. If you don't have • Do not cook frozen foods unless you safe water or water disinfectants, use have enough heat for cooking. Some canned or bottled fruit juices instead of frozen foods require much more cook water. ing time and heat than canned goods. • Prepare and eat foods in their origi- Also, if power is off, it is best to leave nal containers, if possible. This helps, if the freezer door closed to keep food dishwashing facilities are limited. from thawing. • You can eat commercial canned Safety of Frozen Foods after a foods straight from the can. Do not use home canned vegetables unless Power Failure or Flood you can boil them for 10 minutes When anticipating a power failure (as before eating. before a flood warning), set the refrigerator

12 and freezer temperature to the coldest setting to build When Food Has Thawed up a cooling reserve. If floodwater enters your freezer Partial thawing and refreezing reduces the quality of or refrigerator, dispose of all food not sealed in metal foods, particularly fruits, vegetables, and prepared airtight cans or glass jars. foods. Red meats are affected less than many other foods. You may safely refreeze foods if they still con- Keep Freezer Closed! tain ice crystals or if they have been kept at 40 °F or With the freezer closed, foods usually stay frozen at below for no more than 2 days. If the temperature is least a day, or perhaps two or three days, depending on above 50 °F, throw food away. Foods that cannot be insulation. Food in well-fitted, well-insulated 4-cubic- refrozen but are safe may be canned immediately. foot home freezers will not begin to spoil in fewer than Treat thawed foods as follows: three days; in 12- to 36-cubic-foot freezers, food will • Fruits – Refreeze fruits if they taste and smell not begin to spoil in fewer than five days and may be good. Fruit that is beginning to ferment is safe to all right seven or eight days if the food is very cold. eat but will have an off flavor. You can use such Open the freezer only to take out the food for moving fruit in cooking. to a locker plant or to add dry ice. • Frozen dinners – Do not refreeze frozen dinners that have thawed. Thawing Rate • Vegetables – Do not refreeze thawed vegetables. With the door closed, food in most freezers will stay Bacteria in these foods multiply rapidly. Spoilage below 40 °F up to three days, even in summer. may begin before the food smells bad. Such Thawing rate depends on – spoilage may be very toxic. Refreeze vegetables • How much food is in the freezer. A full freezer only there are still ice crystals throughout the stays cold longer than a partly-full one. package. If you question the condition of any • The kind of food. A freezer filled with meat stays vegetables, discard them. cold longer than a freezer filled with baked goods. • Meat and poultry – Meat and poultry become • The temperature of the food. The colder the food, unsafe to eat when they start to spoil. If any the longer it will stay frozen. package of meat has a bad or questionable odor or • The freezer. A well-insulated freezer keeps food if the freezer temperature has reached 40 °F or frozen longer than one with little insulation. higher for 2 hours or longer, don't use. It may be • Size of freezer. The larger the freezer, the longer dangerous! Discard all stuffed poultry. food stays frozen. NOTE: Do not put hot foods in Immediately cook thawed but unspoiled meat or the freezer, since this will raise the temperature. poultry. You can refreeze cooked meat. Keep hot foods covered, and discard if not eaten • Fish and shellfish – These are extremely within 2 hours. Keep meat above 140 °F. perishable. Do not refreeze unless there are ice crystals throughout the package. Seafood may be Emergency Measures spoiled even if it doesn't smell bad. • Ice cream – Do not refreeze melted ice cream. • Keep the door closed. Discard or eat it in the liquid form before off • If possible, move food to a locker plant. Call the flavor develops. locker plant to see if it is operating and if so, • Cook thawed frozen foods and frozen dinners whether it has room for your food. If space is avail- immediately if they are still cold. Do not refreeze. If able, wrap the food in plenty of newspapers and any foods have bad or questionable smell, do not eat. blankets or use insulated containers, such as camp- ing coolers. Then rush the food to the locker plant. It is best to arrange well in advance with your local Using Dry Ice during a Power Failure locker plant to take care of food in an emergency. If it seems likely your freezer will not be operating • If you can't take food to a locker plant, leave it in properly within one or two days, dry ice may help your freezer and cover the freezer with blankets, keep some frozen food from spoiling. The more dry ice quilts, crumpled newspaper, or excelsior. Do not you use, the longer the food will stay frozen. But dry cover air vent openings. ice is very expensive and is not easy to get in some • Use dry ice if it is available. Wear gloves to han- areas. If a flood is predicted and you decide to use dry dle dry ice, and proceed as recommended. ice, find a source ahead of time and get it quickly. You • Can the food if it is possible to do so under sani- may be able to buy dry ice from a local dairy or cold- tary conditions and with proper equipment. storage warehouse, or your power company may be able to direct you to a source of dry ice. Follow these guidelines for using and handling dry ice:

13 • Wear gloves when handling dry ice. Do not it is free of preservatives. Keep frozen until you touch it with your bare hands; it causes severe must leave, and then cook before it thaws. frostbite and tissue damage. • Raw chopped meats, like hamburger, spoil • Allow 2 to 3 pounds of ice per cubic foot of quickly. Pork, fish, and poultry spoil quickly. freezer space. You will need more for an upright Dispose of them if they have been in the freezer, because you will need to put ice on each shelf. refrigerator without power for 12 hours or more. • Move any food from the freezing compartment Do not trust your sense of smell. to the storage compartment of the freezer. Place • Hard cheese usually keeps well at room tempera- boards or heavy cardboard on top of packages. tures. Other cheeses, such as cream cheese, opened Place dry ice on top of boards. In an upright containers of cheese spreads, and cottage cheese freezer, place ice on each shelf. spoil quickly. Throw out when off flavor develops. • You may cover the freezer with blankets, quilts, If surface mold develops on blocks of cheese, slice or some other covering, but do not lock it or cover 1 inch below the surface and discard. air vent openings. It will help to put crumpled • Milk spoils quickly without refrigeration. Throw newspaper or excelsior between the cabinet and out spoiled milk. You can use sour milk in baking. the blankets. Gas given off by the dry ice needs a • Custard, gravies, creamed foods, chopped meats, place to escape. Open basement or room windows poultry, and seafood sandwich fillings spoil or doors to vent out gas from dry ice. quickly when unrefrigerated and provide ideal growing places for organisms causing foodborne Safety of Refrigerated Food after a illness. Dispose of these foods if they have warmed Power Failure to room temperatures. Spoilage is difficult to detect, since there may be no bad smell or taste. • Most chopped meats, poultry, and seafood • Commercially-made baked goods with cream sandwich fillings should not be left unrefrigerated fillings are not safe to take when evacuating unless longer than 2 hours. If you have to leave your you have a cold place to keep them. It is best to home without an ice chest containing ice, take cold leave cream pies and all foods containing high salad ingredients to mix and eat as soon as you protein and moisture at home unless you store arrive. If any salad is left, throw it away. them in a cooler with ice. • You can extend your food supply by cooking all unspoiled meat immediately. Cooked meat needs to be kept above 140 °F if it cannot be cooled below 45 °F within two hours. Large, solid, unboned pieces of fresh beef or lamb such as rump roast or leg of lamb are least susceptible to quick spoilage. • Uncured sausage is easily contaminated because

14 From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP2431. Reviewed by Dr. Brent Fountain, Associate Extension Professor, Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1693 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

15 Disaster Relief So What Is an E.coli Infection?

E.coli bacterium causes serious infection. These measures help reduce the inci- Hundreds of types of E.coli live harmlessly dence of E.coli during the aftermath of a in the digestive tracts of humans and ani- hurricane or other natural events: mals. But other strains produce powerful • Cook ground beef to an internal tem- poisons. One strain produces a powerful perature of 160 ºF for at least 15 sec- poison that causes bloody diarrhea and onds. For chicken, turkey, and other may cause severe blood problems and kid- poultry, cook to a minimum internal ney failure if not treated. temperature of 165 ºF for 15 seconds. Relying on cooking until it's not pink Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea is common in is not reliable. When checking the tem- confirmed cases of E.coli infection, but the perature, use a thermometer that is bacteria also should be ruled out as a pos- safe to use in food, such as a bimetallic sible cause of nonbloody diarrhea. stemmed thermometer. Diagnosing E.coli is complicated because • Protect, purify, and chlorinate public most bacterial infections that cause diar- water supplies. rhea also cause a high fever. If there is no • Ensure adequate hygiene procedures fever or only a slight fever, something in childcare centers and shelters, fre- other than bacteria is causing your diar- quently washing hands with soap and rhea, such as a change in diet or stress. water. Symptoms of E.coli infection usually • Infected persons should not handle end about seven days with no further food or provide child or patient care problems. In some cases severe blood and until you get two negative stool sam- kidney problems can occur 2 to 14 days ples collected 24 hours apart. after the onset of the diarrhea. Specific treatment: Fluid and electrolyte Preventive measures: As soon as a case of replacement are important, especially E.coli is confirmed, it is important to dis- when there are signs of dehydration and cuss the importance of frequent handwash- when diarrhea is watery. The elderly and ing with soap and water to prevent per- young children need to be monitored care- son-to-person transmission, prevent food fully to prevent dehydration and further and beverage contamination, and continue complications. Antibiotics are not usually to dispose of diapers and human waste recommended. Avoid anti-diarrheal prod- properly. Transmission of E.coli is mainly ucts such as Pepto Diarrhea control, caused by eating contaminated food, inad- Immodium, Immodium A-D, and equately cooked beef, raw milk, and fruits Kaopectate II. These products slow the rate and vegetables contaminated by animal food and waste products move through feces. Water has been documented to trans- the intestine. Also, avoid medications such mit E.coli as well. as Pepto-Bismol, aspirin, and ibuprofen (Advil) because of the risk of increased bleeding from the intestines.

16 Sources: webmd.com and the Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C. Distributed in Mississippi by Dr. Brent Fountain, Associate Extension Professor, Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1688 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

17 Disaster Relief Preventing Tetanus

The best offense is a good defense – espe- includes after a car accident if there is any cially against infection. The first thing to type of puncture wound. The most com- do in guarding against infection is to mon object that causes contamination is a cleanse the area thoroughly with soap and rusty nail. water. Your skin is the first line of defense against infection. Again, the first line of defense is to thoroughly clean an open wound. To clean a A serious infection can cause serious med- minor wound, clean with soap and water, ical issues. One of these is known as and apply an antibiotic ointment along tetanus. It is caused by a bacterium found with a clean or sterile dressing. Major in the soil and in the feces of common wounds need to be cleaned and treated at farm animals. It can infect many kinds of a medical facility. If signs of wound infec- wounds through a break in the skin. tion develop, seek medical attention immediately. Tetanus gets into the body mainly through puncture wounds, lacerations, abrasions, Another important point is infected and burns or in any break into the skin. wounds of the face, neck, and head area The organism multiplies in an environ- should receive immediate attention by ment that is low in oxygen, so puncture medical personnel; tetanus toxin can trav- wounds and other deep wounds are a per- el rapidly to the brain. fect opportunity for the organism to grow. The organism produces a powerful toxin, A health care provider can determine one of the most lethal toxins known to whether you need a tetanus shot. Contact man, and this toxin affects the central your health-care provider if you do not nervous system and specific muscles. recall the date of your last tetanus immunization or booster shot. Symptoms: Fever, difficulty swallowing, irritability, headache, and muscle spasms Signs of infection near the infected area. When the infection The area around the wound becomes progresses throughout the body, it can swollen and red. The area is warm to affect other muscles, such as the jaw, thus touch and may throb in pain. Some coining the term known as “lockjaw.” wounds have a pus discharge or slight Once tetanus gets into the nervous system, drainage (yellowish or whitish). A more the condition is irreversible. serious infection may cause the person to feel ill and may cause him to develop a Prevention: Immunization and continu- fever. Red streaks may develop that ing to receive tetanus boosters is the best progress from the wound in the direction way to prevent this infection. Because the of the heart. If a fever or red streaks devel- immunization does not last a lifetime, the op, this is a sign the infection is becoming booster shot is necessary to protect against much worse. If this should occur, contact a this infection. Booster shots are recom- health-care provider immediately. mended every 5 to 10 years or whenever a wound has been contaminated. This

18 From the American Red Cross (2005) FIRSTAID, Responding to Emergencies. Distributed in Mississippi by Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion staff. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1715 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD 06-06)

19 Disaster Relief How To Care for Minor and Major Open Wounds

Minor wound: A minor wound, such as a Major wound: A major wound has severe scrape, means there is only a little bleed- bleeding, a deeply embedded object, or ing and the wound is on the surface. Mild deep destruction of the tissue. Severe bleeding can always be stopped within 15 bleeding means you cannot slow or stop minutes by direct pressure to the wound. the blood after applying steady, direct pressure to the wound for 15 minutes. • Put on disposable gloves. • Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency num- • Use soap and water to clean the area ber. thoroughly. • Put on disposable gloves. • Place a clean (sterile) dressing over the wound. • Control bleeding: a) cover wound with dressing and press firmly against the • Apply direct pressure to the site to con- wound; b) elevate the injured area above trol any blood flow. the level of the heart, if you suspect no broken bones; c) apply a pressure band- • Remove the dressing, and apply antibi- age over the dressing to keep pressure otic ointment after the blood stops. on the wound; d) if blood soaks through, do not remove blood-soaked • Apply a new dressing (gauze or gauze bandages; add more pads and bandages pad), and hold it with tape or use a to help absorb blood; and e) apply pres- band-aid. sure and bandages to help absorb the blood. • Dispose of gloves properly, and wash your hands with soap and water. • Monitor airway and breathing. Watch whether the victim is breathing faster or slower, changes in skin color, restless- Stitches: It is difficult to judge sometimes ness, and a look of anxiousness. when a wound may require stitches. A general rule is stitches are needed when • Keep the victim from getting cold or the edges of the skin do not fall neatly overheated. together, for any wound that is more than an inch long, or for any wound that is • Reassure, and help him to rest comfort- deep. Stitches should be applied within ably. the first few hours to eliminate the chances of infection and scarring. • Dispose of gloves properly, and wash hands with soap and water.

20 If there is a body part severed: If there is an object in the wound: • Put on disposable gloves. • Put on disposable gloves. • Wrap the body part in sterile gauze or any clean • Do not remove the object. material. • Use some sort of bulky dressing to stabilize the • Place the wrapped part in a bag, and put on ice. object and avoid further tissue damage. • Do not put the bag on dry ice or in ice water. • Dispose of gloves properly, and wash hands with • Make sure the body part follows the victim to the soap and water. medical facility.

Note: Always put on disposable gloves for any type of wound treatment to prevent infection. Tetanus is a threat for any type of wound injury. Make sure tetanus immunization is current (boosters are given every 5 to 10 years)

From the American Red Cross (2005) FIRSTAID, Responding to Emergencies. Distributed in Mississippi by Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion staff. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1687 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD 06-06)

21 Disaster Relief Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

The best defense is prevention. Here are of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. some prevention tips: Infants and young children, of course, • Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), need much more frequent watching. regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. If you must be out in the heat: Warning: If your doctor generally lim- • Limit your outdoor activity to its the amount of fluid you drink or morning and evening hours. has you on water pills, ask him how • Cut down on exercise. If you must much you should drink while the exercise, drink two to four glasses of weather is hot. cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A • Don't drink liquids that contain sports beverage can replace the salt caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of and minerals you lose in sweat. sugar – these actually cause you to lose Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold talk with your doctor before drinking a drinks, because they can cause sports beverage. Remember the warn- stomach cramps. ing in the first “tip” (above), too. • Stay indoors and, if at all possible, • Try to rest often in shady areas. stay in an air-conditioned place. If • Protect yourself from the sun by your home does not have air condi- wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also tioning, go to the shopping mall or keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and public library – even a few hours spent by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or in air conditioning can help your body higher (the most effective products say stay cooler when you go back into the “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB heat. Call your local health department protection” on their labels). to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area. This information provided by NCEH's Health • Electric fans may provide comfort, Studies Branch (www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb). but when the temperature is in the For more information, visit high 90s, fans will not prevent heat- www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat, or call related illness. Taking a cool shower or the CDC public response hotline at (888) 246- bath or moving to an air-conditioned 2675 (English), (888) 246-2857 (español), or (866) place is a much better way to cool off. 874-2646 (TTY). • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Heat Stress in the Elderly • NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle. Elderly people (that is, people aged 65 years • Although anyone at any time can and older) are more prone to heat stress than suffer from heat-related illness, some younger people for several reasons: people are at greater risk than others. • Elderly people do not adjust as well as Check regularly on: young people to sudden changes • Infants and young children in temperature. • People aged 65 or older • They are more likely to have a chronic • People who have a mental illness medical condition that upsets normal • Those who are physically ill, body responses to heat. especially with heart disease or •They are more likely to take prescrip- high blood pressure tion medicines that impair the body's • Visit adults at risk at least twice a ability to regulate its temperature or that day and closely watch them for signs inhibit perspiration.

22 Heat Stroke (If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs library to cool off.) when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the • Wear lightweight clothing. body's temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to • If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day. sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Body temperatures rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can • Do not engage in strenuous activities. cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. What You Can Do To Help Protect Elderly Relatives and Neighbors Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, you can help them Warning signs vary but may include the following: protect themselves from heat related stress: • An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F) • Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and • Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating) watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. • Rapid, strong pulse • Take them to air-conditioned locations if they • Throbbing headache have transportation problems. • Dizziness • Make sure older adults have access to an electric • Nausea fan whenever possible.

Heat Exhaustion What You Can Do for Someone Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that With Heat Stress can develop after several days of exposure to high tempera- If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing tures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person. Do the following: Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion • Get the person to a shady area. Warning signs vary but may include the following: • Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods • Heavy sweating you can. For example, immerse the person in a • Paleness tub of cool water; place the person in a cool • Muscle Cramps shower; spray the person with cool water from a • Tiredness garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or • Weakness if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a • Dizziness cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously. • Headache • Monitor body temperature and continue cooling • Nausea or vomiting efforts until the body temperature drops • Fainting to 101 - 102°F • Skin: may be cool and moist • If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call • Pulse rate: fast and weak the hospital emergency room for further instructions. • Breathing: fast and shallow • Do not give the person alcohol to drink. • Get medical assistance as soon as possible. What You Can Do To Protect Yourself You can follow these prevention tips to protect yourself from For more information, visit heat-related stress: www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat, or call the CDC pub- • Drink cool, nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated bever- lic response hotline at (888) 246-2675 (English), (888) 246-2857 ages. (If your doctor generally limits the amount of (español), or (866) 874-2646 (TTY). fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink when the weather is Reprinted from the US Department of Health and Human hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web page: they can cause cramps.) http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disaters/hurricanes/printindex.asp • Rest. • Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. • If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment.

Distributed in Mississippi by Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion staff. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Publication 2403 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

23 Disaster Relief Flooded Private Sewage Systems

Safety, Sanitation, and During a Flood Clean-up Concerns • Stop using your private sewage sys- A flooded private sewage system can be haz- tem. Use portable toilets, if possible, or ardous. Sewage may back up into the home, use any large container with a tight-fit- contaminate drinking water and prevent ting lid for a temporary toilet. Line the proper sanitation until the system is fixed. container with a plastic bag. After each You can't control rainfall or flooding in your use, add chlorine bleach or disinfectant area, but you can prepare for high water to stop odor and kill germs. If necessary, problems and respond appropriately to emer- bury wastes on high ground far away gency flooding. from your well. • Remember that a well may become How Problems Occur contaminated during a flood. Therefore, DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Drink When flooding or saturated soil conditions bottled water, or disinfect water before persist, a private sewage system cannot func- drinking. Contact your local health tion properly. Soil treatment systems for department for disinfection instructions. wastewater rely on aerobic (with oxygen) • Do not bathe or swim in floodwater. regions to reduce the amounts of chemicals It may contain harmful organisms. and living organisms (viruses, bacteria and • Shut off power to a sewage lift pump protozoa). When the soil is saturated or if you have one in the house or in a flooded, those hazardous materials can enter pump chamber (mound, in-ground pres- the groundwater and your drinking water sure, at-grade systems). supply. After the Flood Preparing for Flooding • Do not use the sewage system until If you are prepared when flooding occurs, water in the disposal field is lower than your family can be safe and your system the water level around the house. should survive. To prepare for a flood: • If you suspect damage to your septic tank, have it professionally inspected • Make sure all septic tanks are full of and serviced. Signs of damage include liquid. The high-water season is not the settling or inability to accept water. Most time to have tanks pumped; empty tanks septic tanks are not damaged by a flood are buoyant and may “pop” out of the since they are belowground and com- ground during flooding. pletely covered. However, sometimes • Plug floor drains, if necessary, to keep septic tanks or pump chambers become sewage from backing up into the base- filled with silt and debris, and must be ment. Floodwaters may still enter the professionally cleaned. If tile lines in the basement through cracks and seams, disposal field are filled with silt, a new however. system may have to be installed in new trenches. Because septic tanks may con-

24 tain dangerous gases, state codes may require Additional resources homeowners to obtain a permit from the Health • Your County Extension Agent Department before cleaning or repairing the tank. • Your county code administrator Although the Health Department will probably • Your local health department provide the homeowner with guidelines for cleaning and repairing septic tanks, it is recommended that the job be left to a licensed plumber. • Discard any items that are damaged by contaminated water and cannot be steam cleaned or ade- quately cleaned and disinfected. • Do not pump water out of basements too quickly. Exterior water pressure could collapse the walls. • If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor with a chlorine solution of one-half cup of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water. • Contact the county health department or County Extension Office to obtain a drinking water test kit. Do not drink the water until it has been tested and is safe.

From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431. Distributed in Mississippi by Amy Schmidt, Assistant Extension Professor, Agricultural Engineering. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1695 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-09-11)

25 Disaster Preparedness Tree Removal and Timber Recovery Issues

After the hurricane winds have passed, • Watch out when cutting bent limbs or homeowners and landowners are faced branches. They may snap back and hit with cleanup issues. Mississippi State you. University Extension Services specialists • Never leave the ground unless you have offer the following tips for anyone begin- had the necessary training and are using ning to clear debris after a disaster. safety equipment. Never work alone above the ground. Do not cut limbs Tree Removal from a ladder. Even the simplest tasks • Do not use a chain saw if you don't on the ground become more complicat- know what you are doing. Anything ed when up in the air. that will cut wood will cut you. • Read and understand the chainsaw The bottom line is don't take risks. Most manufacturer’s operating and safety limbs can wait for professional help. instructions in the owner’s manual. • Be sure you are familiar with your chain Timber Recovery saw before operating it. Many of the Losses to timber stands can be a big con- newer models have safety features, such cern because timber is an important fam- as chain brakes and kickback chains, ily asset. that help protect you. For tax purposes, landowners need to • Make sure the chain is sharp. Let the document the catastrophic event and the chain saw do the work. Don’t try to losses. Save a copy of your local newspa- force the saw. per to document the hurricane, and take • Wear protective clothing: hard hat, gog- pictures to show your property damage gles, safety shoes, gloves, and trim-fit- before cleanup begins. You can claim ting clothes. timber losses from a hurricane or other • Always start the saw while it is on the natural disasters as a "casualty loss" if ground. the timber has a book value or basis. • ALWAYS keep both hands on the chain Forrest sales of involuntary conversions saw handles. of timber because of a casualty are sub- • Cut only on the right side of your body. ject to capital gains tax. Such tax may be • Cut below your head. Never cut over postponed if you reinvest proceeds in your head. qualified replacement property accord- • Cut with the lower edge of the saw ing to IRS rules. blade whenever possible. Cutting with The greater the forestry investment, the tip of the saw invites injury. the more important role a registered • Never put yourself in a position where forester should play. Foresters can pro- you can't get out of the way or where vide official documentation of the quali- the tree can pin you. ty and quantity of the losses. Significant • Avoid tight spots or awkward positions losses may result in the need for salvage when cutting limbs. cutting and sale of some or all of the

26 timber. When salvaging timber, place a priority on trees that have the highest value, are easiest to cut, and/or are most perishable. Sell damaged timber promptly. Delaying harvest can result in insect and disease problems, reducing the value of the harvest. Be aware that a lot of timber coming on the market after a natural disaster hurts timber prices. Timber remains a good investment, particularly in Mississippi. But timber investment does carry risk that you should counter by treating timber as part of a balanced portfolio with other assets of dif- fering risk factors. If timber is your only asset, consider insurance on standing timber. Using a registered forester and an accountant minimizes losses from hurricanes and other natural disasters and increases the profitability of forestland in the future.

Distributed in Mississippi by Dr. Andy Londo, Extension Research Professor, Forestry. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1708 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD 06-06)

27 section section 2

Section 2: Home Cleanup and Renovation

• Priorities for Cleanup and Repair ...... 29 • Home Cleanup and Renovation for Floors ...... 31 • Home Cleanup and Renovation for Walls...... 33 • Controlling Mold Growth When Cleaning Flooded and/or Rain-Wetted Homes...... 35 • Salvaging Household Furniture...... 37 • Cleaning Flood-Damaged Carpets and Rugs ...... 39 • Salvaging Clothing...... 41 • Drying Books and Family Papers ...... 43 • Cleaning Household Utensils and Metals ...... 45 Disaster Relief Priorities for Cleanup and Repair

Priorities for cleanup and repair vary, according to the • Care for damaged trees, shrubs, and lawn. kind and seriousness of damage. Buildings may not be • Repaint, repair, and refinish as necessary. habitable during repair. • Examine building structure. Supplies and Equipment - Check foundations for settling, cracking, or for Home Cleanup undermining. - Examine walls, floors, doors and windows Cleaning Supplies 1 for what repairs are necessary. _ Non-phosphate detergents 2 - You may want to repair only temporarily _ Bleaches until extensive work can be done. _ Disinfectants • If basement is flooded, start pumping the _ Ammonia water in stages. Pump about a third of the water _ Scouring powder each day. _ Rubber gloves • Get the electrical system working. _ Strong boots or heavy-soled shoes - If the switchbox is in a flooded basement, do not turn electricity back on until you have Equipment for Small Jobs pumped out the water. _ Buckets - Take electrical appliances to a qualified serv _ Tools (crowbar, hammer, screwdriver) ice repair center as soon as possible. _ Sponges and cloths • Get the water system working. Disinfect wells _ Scrub brushes and water system. _ Scoops • Shovel out mud and silt before it dries. _ Throw-away containers for garbage, and • Before they dry, wash down flooded walls and container to carry from house to street floors with hose. Start at upper limit of flooding _ Water hose and work downward. • Scrub and disinfect walls and floors. Equipment for Large Jobs • Start heating system, if possible, to speed up _ Buckets drying. _ Tools - Before operating the heating system, you _ Brooms may need to clean, dry, and recondition it. _ Shovels - Make sure chimneys are clean before starting _ Hoes the system. _ Sponge mop or a mop that is easily squeezed out • Dry out walls and floors. _ Water hose - If required for proper drying, strip drywall _ Wheelbarrow up to water level. _ Dolly - Drill holes in exterior siding. _ Bushel baskets - Complete drying may take months. _ Wash tubs (for soaking objects) • Repair buckled walls and floors. • Clean and dry household items, furniture, car- 1 U.S. manufacturers have removed phosphate from pets, clothing, dishes, and bedding. Disinfect laundry detergents. when necessary. 2 Use bleach sparingly, if at all. New EPA recommenda- • Treat items for mildew as needed. tions caution against its use.

29 For More Information Booklets with more detailed information and illustrations about flood and mold clean-up may be downloaded from the Internet. Use the links listed here, or search by title and sponsoring organization.

Creating a Healthy Home: A Field Guide for Clean-up of Flooded Homes An illustrated 18-page booklet created through a cooperative effort of the National Center for Healthy Housing, NeighborWorks America, and Enterprise Community Partners. http://www.nchh.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ANhnOoaH SfY%3d&tabid=311

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home Photos and instructions may be viewed online, or a booklet may be downloaded, with EPA recommendations. http://www.epa.gov/mold/cleanupguidelines.html

Flood Cleanup and the Air in Your Home Basic safety and cleanup information in easy to read booklet with color illustrations. Also available in Spanish. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/flood/index.html

Recover after a Disaster Red Cross online guides. http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214 c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=74e51a53f1c37110Vg nVCM1000003481a10aRCRD

Recover and Rebuild FEMA http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/index.shtm

From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431.

Reviewed by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences

Information Sheet 1699 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-09-11)

30 Disaster Relief Home Cleanup and Renovation for Floors

Warped and De-Laminated Floors Pine Not all warped wood flooring can be repaired. The Warped wide pine board flooring often flattens out extent of damage depends partly on the kind of mate- after it has thoroughly dried. Clean the floor and let it rial used in the floor. Different woods react differently dry for several months. Using the furnace as much as to dampness or flooding. possible during the drying time speeds up the process. Do not try to repair the floor until it is dry. If any Plywood boards are still slightly warped when dry, use the same Many homes have plywood subfloors. Plywood usual- technique as for warped hardwood floors (refer to the ly separates (delaminates) when exposed to excessive Hardwood section above). When laying a new floor or moisture. This makes the covering material (carpet, subfloor, remove baseboards and moldings. The fin- sheet-flooring, or tile) buckle. Consult a reliable con- ished floor should be the same level as the original tractor for this work. floor, if possible. If floor level changes, doors must be refitted to the new level. Consult a carpenter before A small section of the subfloor that has separated trying this. can be replaced with new plywood. If the entire floor has delaminated, either remove the entire sub- Repairing Flooded Tile, Linoleum and floor and replace it or nail new plywood over the Vinyl Floor Coverings old. Thoroughly dry the subfloor before recovering it with carpet or new flooring. Subfloor Water coming up from below causes the most damage Hardwood to subfloor material. If a linoleum or vinyl floor cover- Badly-warped hardwood floors usually can't be ing is not under water many days, the floor covering repaired. If the floor is clearly unrepairable, take it up may partially protect the subfloor material. Long sub- and discard it. Allow subflooring to dry for several mersion, however, loosens adhesives and warps sub- months before installing another floor over it. flooring. If a plywood or hardwood subfloor is wet, you should probably remove the linoleum or vinyl and To repair slightly warped hardwood floors: replace the subfloor material. 1. Clean and dry the floor completely before attempting any repairs. This may take weeks or even Removing Loosened Floor Coverings months. 2. If the floor is still warped in places when it is dry, Some floor coverings may crack or break when you try remove strips next to the bulges and plane them on to loosen them. Contact a reputable dealer to find out their edges. This gives more space for the warped what solvent loosens adhesives with least damage to boards to flatten out in time. (If boards are tongue linoleum or vinyl. Heating with a heat lamp or propane and groove, consult a carpenter about the special torch may make the covering less brittle. How easily techniques necessary for this work.) the covering can be lifted depends on the material and 3. You may be able to draw some buckled flooring adhesive. If the adhesive is waterproof, it may be diffi- into place by nailing the bulged spots. Some cult, if not impossible, to remove the floor covering humps may be removed by planing or sanding. without considerable damage. Heavily planed or sanded floors, though unsuitable to be used uncovered, can serve as a base for new Tiles flooring or for carpet or resilient floor covering. If the floor has not been badly soaked, you may not need to replace the subfloor. It is possible to re-cement

31 loosened tiles of any type. Be sure the floor is thor- of kerosene, or in a mixture of borax dissolved in oughly dry before trying to re-cement. Blisters may be hot water. left in the linoleum tiles after warped wooden flooring 3. Rinse with clear water. has dried. Carefully puncture each blister with a nail. 4. Wipe clean floors dry with old towels. With a hand syringe, force diluted linoleum paste 5. Allow wood to dry thoroughly. through the hole, and weight the linoleum down with 6. Apply a mildew-resistant paint after woodwork has bricks. thoroughly dried. 7. Replace badly-infected wood. Sheet Linoleum or Vinyl Water may have seeped under a loose section of vinyl Bleaching Wood Stained by Mildew or sheet linoleum. Carefully remove the entire sheet. 1. Remove paint or varnish with paint remover with Let the floor dry thoroughly before trying to re-cement room well-ventilated. the linoleum. Thorough drying may take as long as six 2. Apply a solution of 3 tablespoons oxalic acid dis- weeks or more. Use a new sheet of lining felt before re- solved in a pint of water to the stains. (You can buy cementing the floor covering. oxalic acid crystals at drug stores.) CAUTION: Oxalic acid is poisonous. Label it clearly and keep Cleaning Flooded Floors and Woodwork out of children's reach. Cleaning 3. Rinse with clear water. Wipe dry. 4. Dry thoroughly before refinishing. 1. Shovel out the worst of the mud and silt before it dries. Use a hose if necessary. 2. Before the house has dried out, scrub floors and Refinishing woodwork with a stiff brush, plenty of water, a You may prefer to have floors professionally refin- detergent and a disinfectant. Remove mud and silt ished. If you decide to do the work yourself: from corners, cracks and crevices. 1. Be sure floors and subfloors are thoroughly dry. 3. Water may have accumulated in partitions and 2. Sand the surface until it is clean and smooth. exterior walls. Drain these areas by removing base- Heavily-planed floors may never look good again, board and drilling holes between studs a few inches but they can serve as a base for carpeting, tile, or above the floor. You may need to remove sections of sheet flooring. the wallboard or plaster so that wall studding and 3. If floor is oak, apply a filler; then apply two coats of interior can dry thoroughly-a process that may take a penetrating floor seal or spar varnish. Sand months. between coats. 4. Give floors a final thorough washing with a non- 4. Apply varnish, following directions on can. 5. Treat sudsy cleaning product. fir flooring in the same way, but omit the filler.

Removing Surface Mildew 1. Heat the room to 50 to 60 ºF to help dry mildewed wood. 2. Scrub mildewed floors and woodwork with a mild alkaline solution such as washing soda or non- phosphate detergent (4 to 6 tablespoons to a gallon of water), available in paint and grocery stores. Or use a cloth dipped in hot water and a small amount

From The Disaster Handbook – 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP2431.

Reviewed by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences.

Information Sheet 1702 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-09-11)

32 Disaster Relief Home Cleanup and Renovation for Walls

Drying Inner Walls • Sheetrock warps and disintegrates in water. Warping above the water level can also be expected. Drywall that Walls must dry from the inside out. The interior framing of has been submerged must be replaced. walls should be allowed to dry thoroughly. Sometimes this • Laminated paneling (plywood, masonite) separates takes weeks or even months. To release water and mud and warps above and below the water level. The extent from walls, remove top and bottom strips of siding on the of damage depends on how long the paneling was in outside of the building. Drill several holes in walls near the water and how quickly moisture is removed from the inside floor line. studding. Slow drying decreases the possibility of delamination. The total drying time depends partly on how much dry air can circulate through the studding (called “chimney action”). To provide for best chimney action, first consider Siding the construction of the building. • Masonry dries slowly but will be undamaged except for possible cracking or settling. Open the inside walls Fire Stops or Cross Bracing to prevent mildew and decay of wooden supports. There are horizontal or diagonal braces between the vertical • Lapped siding (wood, asbestos, aluminum). Remove supports or studs. Cross bracing prevents chimney action strips or sections to dry insulation and studding. The between the studding. Cross bracing is not usually found in type of sheathing determines drying rate. To prevent modern construction, except in two-story houses where it oxidation, make sure backing of aluminum siding is dry. has been specified. To allow free air movement, remove interior or exterior wall covering wherever cross braces are Sheathing (Material Between Studding located. To check for cross bracing or fire stops, put a stiff and Finish Siding) wire into the wall cavity. • Wooden boards dry slowly, and some warp. If possible, nail warped areas again before they dry. Replace Insulation those that are too badly warped to salvage. Most types of insulation will be ruined if water-soaked. You • Sheathing board is usually absorbent and is difficult will probably have to replace flood-soaked insulation. to dry. Some disintegrate or separate and must be • Loose fill (such as vermiculite) settles to the bottom of replaced. walls. You can remove it as it dries. If you don’t remove • Plywood will probably separate and must be it, loose fill insulation will create odors and eventually replaced. Marine plywood will not warp or separate cause studding to decay. but is generally considered too expensive to use in resi- • Rock wool batting insulation also bunches and settles. dential construction unless the building is subject to If it is absorbent, it will create odors and could eventual- frequent flooding. ly cause studding decay. • Fiberglass batting also bunches but may not develop Cleaning Interior Walls odors. Its insulating value will be greatly reduced if it is not thoroughly dry or if it settles and leaves areas at the • If walls have been flooded, hose them down while top of walls unprotected. they are still damp to remove most of the mud and silt. • Reflective surfaces (such as aluminum foil) some- • Scrub with a sponge and a warm non-phosphate* times lose their reflective ability, thus decreasing their solution or a commercial cleaner. Clean a small section insulation effectiveness. The material itself should be of the wall at a time. undamaged. • To get rid of the stench that often accompanies flooding, rinse with a solution of 2 tablespoons sodium hypochlorite laundry bleach (such as Purex or Wall Coverings and Finishes Clorox) to a gallon of water. Repeat the scrubbing and • Plaster takes weeks or even months to dry but may rinsing several times if necessary. You can also use not be ruined by water. Old plaster, however, may disin- household disinfectants such as Lysol. Follow direc- tegrate after being wet for a long time. tions on container.

33 • Work from the floor to the ceiling to prevent streaking. Rinse with an old bath towel wrung out in clear water. Overlap sections. • Clean the ceiling last. • Let walls dry thoroughly before repainting, repairing plaster, papering, or applying any wall covering. Allow at lest four to six weeks drying time. Total drying time depends on weather conditions. You may need to remove baseboards or sections of the walls to dry interi- or studding and insulation (see Drying Walls section). • If mildew appears on walls, scrub with a disinfectant solution or a non-phosphate detergent*.

*U.S. manufacturers have removed phosphate from laundry detergents. Special non-phosphate detergents may also be purchased at paint or hardware stores.

From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431.

Reviewed by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences.

Information Sheet 1703 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-09-11)

34 Controlling Mold Growth when Cleaning Flooded or Rain-Wetted Homes

Hurricane victims whose homes have been severely primitive organisms that obtain their food from vari- damaged by winds and rainfall or flooding also find ous materials on which they grow. Molds growing on themselves confronted with the rapid growth of mold wood building components use simple sugars and fungi on the wetted interior building components. other products stored within specialized wood cells. Unfortunately, hurricanes often occur during the Molds do not cause structural damage to wood. summer in the hot, humid southern and southeast- The reproductive units of molds are called spores, ern United States. The environmental conditions at and these can be seen on the surface of materials colo- this time of year also are ideal for the growth of mold nized by them. These small spores are pigmented and, fungi. depending on the mold species, may be black, green, Long-term residents of this region know that red, yellow, or other colors. In small quantities, these air-conditioning, fans, and ventilation not only make spores are very unlikely to elicit an allergic response. In the temperatures in their homes more comfortable large numbers, as may occur in flooded or rain-wetted but also decrease the interior moisture and chances of houses along the Gulf Coast, mold spores can trigger mold growth. However, following a hurricane, many respiratory allergic responses in some individuals. homes are exposed to rain or flooding with no way Other irritants, such as the dust created when wall to decrease their moisture. If interior walls and floor- coverings such as gypsum sheetrock are removed, also ing are wet, all wall and/or flooring components (for may cause allergic responses. Susceptible individuals example, wall coverings, insulation, and framing) are should take precautions, such as wearing respirators or wet and will remain so for an extended period of time. dust masks as needed. These items are likely to become moldy and must be It is usually not necessary to spend money to iden- removed as soon as possible. tify the mold species present. If you see mold in your However, in the days and weeks following hur- home, you should take measures to get rid of them, ricanes Katrina and Rita, a reasonable approach to regardless of the type. controlling molds was replaced by near hysteria. Newspaper articles and instant “mold experts” con- Controlling Mold Growth vinced owners of damaged structures that their homes While they are primitive organisms, molds need the contained “toxic molds” that threatened their lives. same things humans do in order to grow: The perceived growth of “toxic mold fungi” within 1. Air for respiration. the walls of otherwise habitable structures was of 2. Favorable temperatures. Many mold species grow concern to many hurricane victims whose homes were well between 60 and 90 °F. flooded or wetted by rainfall. However, relatively few 3. Water. Molds cannot grow on wood with a mois- mold species are “toxic” to humans, and the probabil- ture content of less than about 20 percent. Building ity of these causing medical problems is extremely low. components normally have an average moisture The spores of most molds are airborne, and some content of 10–15 percent. can cause allergic reactions in people. But the spores 4. Food. Molds can obtain nutrients from a variety of of stachybotrys, a mold that causes toxic responses in building components. humans and can occur on wet building components, are not airborne and people are not likely to come into If you want to prevent or control mold growth, you contact with them. must alter one of these four basic factors. For example, dry building components to a moisture content below What Are Mold Fungi? 20 percent, or add mold-inhibiting fungicides to the As a homeowner, you need to understand what molds food source. are and how they can be controlled. Mold fungi are

35 Cleaning/Controlling Microbes according to label directions. Restricted-use pes- In Flooded And Rain-Wetted Homes ticides should be applied by licensed, certified pesticide technicians. Borate products supplement- The interior building materials of structurally sound, ed with a mold-control agent are recommended flooded homes on the Gulf Coast were wet and very because borates will kill bacteria and decay fungi, warm for several weeks after Hurricane Katrina. The as well as insects such as termites and roaches. The flood waters likely deposited bacteria in the structures, mold-control agent increases the effectiveness of and the warm, wet conditions also contributed to the borates on mold fungi. In addition, borates have widespread growth of mold fungi. In instances where low mammalian toxicity, are corrosion inhibitors, house framing remained wet for prolonged periods of and are colorless and odorless. Two EPA-registered time, wood decay fungi resulted. products labeled for use on wood for controlling When cleaning up mold, keep these points in mind: wood-inhabiting insects and fungi are Bora-Care • People with known mold allergies should not at- with Mold-Care by Nisus Corporation (www. tempt to clean moldy structures. nisuscorp.com) and Bor-Ram with Mold-Ram by • Even people who don’t have mold allergies should Sostram Corporation (www.sostram.com). These wear particulate masks or other respiratory equip- products contain both borate and a mold-control ment to avoid inhaling air-borne materials while agent. Check with the EPA to see if other products cleaning. have been registered for use on porous building • Wear light-weight moisture-resistant coveralls dur- materials in living spaces. ing cleaning operations, and wash these separately 5. Place fans throughout the structure and open all from normal laundry. interior doors. This will increase ventilation and • Wash your hands often with soap and water. allow materials to dry more quickly. • Always make sure the electricity and gas have been 6. When the framing is dry, have the electrical con- turned off before you begin cleaning activities. nections and plumbing within the walls checked by licensed professionals. Flooded Homes 7. Replace wall insulation and wall coverings. All 1. First, open all windows for ventilation and remove closet doors should be louvered to increase interior all carpets, furniture, clothes, and other items that ventilation. were wetted by floodwaters. 2. Remove interior ceiling and wall coverings and Rain-Wetted Homes insulation in the wall cavities, attics, and between All of the points discussed above for flooded homes floor joists. apply to homes “flooded” by rainwater, except for item 3. Wash the wall cavities and wall framing with an 3. The wall cavities should be relatively clean when aqueous low-phosphate detergent solution using exposed and not require a detergent wash. low to moderate pressure. Phosphate residues In most instances, homes wetted by rainfall have can stimulate the growth of mold fungi on moist experienced roof damage. A priority item should be to surfaces, so be sure to rinse thoroughly. Using make temporary roof repairs to keep interior materials sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) solutions from getting wet again. is not recommended except on small areas or non- porous materials (such as tile). Sodium hypochlorite is an EPA-registered pesticide, but it is not labeled for treatment of wood or other porous The information given here is for educational purposes only. building materials. References to commercial products, trade names, or suppli- 4. Spray-treat the framing and wall cavities with a ers are made with the understanding that no endorsement is nonvolatile antimicrobial that is registered by the implied and that no discrimination against other products or EPA for this use. All pesticides should be applied suppliers is intended.

Copyright 2011 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Reviewed and distributed by Dr. David Jones, Assistant Extension Professor, Forest Products. Written by Dr. Terry Amburgey, Professor, Forest Products. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Publication 2694 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Pub- lished in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-09-11) 36 Disaster Relief Salvaging Household Furniture

Before starting to salvage damaged furniture, 2. Remove all tacks from the frame. decide which pieces are worth restoring. Make 3. Wash coverings. your decision according to these factors: 4. Throw away all cotton stuffing. You can dry, • Extent of damage fumigate, and sometimes reuse padding made • Cost of the article of materials other than cotton. • Sentimental value • Cost of restoration Springs and Frame Consider each piece individually. Antiques 1. Wipe off springs and frame. Dry all metal may be worth the time, effort, and expense of parts, and paint them with rust-inhibiting restoration. Unless damage is severe, you likely paint. Oil springs. can clean, reglue, and refinish antiques at home. 2. Store wood furniture where it will dry Extensive repair or reveneering should be done out slowly. at a reliable furniture repair shop. Solid wood furniture can usually be restored, unless damage is severe. You will Mildew probably need to clean, dry and reglue the Mildew may have developed on damp or piece. You can remove and straighten slightly wet furniture. Mildew is a gray-white mold that warped boards. stains and rots fabric unless you remove it Wood-veneered furniture is available in promptly. Here's how to remove mildew or many qualities. Extensive damage may be costly mildew spots: to repair. If veneer is loose in just a few places, 1. Brush with a broom to remove loose mold you may be able to repair it. Upholstered furni- from outer covering. Do this outdoors, if possi- ture may be salvageable, depending on its gen- ble, so you don't scatter mildew spots (which eral condition. Flooded pieces will need to be can start new growth) in the house. cleaned and dried, and mildew should be 2. Vacuum the surface to draw out mold. removed. If damage is extensive, you may have Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag outside to to replace padding and upholstery. This is avoid scattering mold spores in the house. expensive, so it might be wiser to apply the 3. If mildew remains and fabric is washable, money toward new furniture. sponge lightly with thick soap or detergent You don't need to repair all pieces right suds. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Get as lit- away. Any furniture worthy of repair should be tle water on the fabric as possible so the completely cleaned, dried, and stored in a dry, padding doesn't get wet. well-ventilated place until you have time to 4. If mold remains, wipe the furniture with a repair it. damp cloth dipped in diluted alcohol (1 cup denatured alcohol to 1 cup water) of a chlorine bleach solution (1⁄4 teaspoon bleach to a cup of Salvaging Flooded water). Test in an area that is hidden. Upholstered Furniture 5. Dry the article thoroughly. 6. Use a low-pressure spray containing a fungi- Upholstered furniture that has been covered cide to get rid of musty odors and remaining with floodwater may be impossible to salvage if mildew. Moisten all surfaces thoroughly. it has been badly soaked. But if the piece seems Respray frequently if mildew is still a problem. worth the effort, you need to clean and oil the Spraying rooms with an aerosol material does springs, replace the stuffing, and clean the not eliminate mildew problems. frame. 7. If molds have grown into an inner part of furniture, send furniture to a dry cleaning or stor- Stuffing and Covering age company for thorough drying and fumiga- 1. Remove furniture coverings using a ripping tion. Fumigation kills molds present at the time tool, hammer, or tack puller, and screwdriver or but will not protect against future attacks. chisel.

37 Salvaging Flooded Wooden Furniture heat with warm iron. Remove iron, and place weights on the area. 2. If veneering doesn't stay in place or is bubbled, carefully slit Wooden furniture damaged by floods can best be salvaged the loose veneer with a razor blade, and apply a good quality through slow drying and proper repair. glue. Cover the glued spots with waxed paper, and put weights on the waxed paper to prevent extra glue (which may Submerged Furniture spurt out when pressure is applied) from gluing the weights 1. Take furniture outdoors and remove as many drawers, to the furniture. Repairing badly damaged veneered furniture slides, and removable parts as possible. Drawers and doors requires special skill and tools. Unless you are an experienced will probably be stuck tight. Do not try to force them out woodworker, don't attempt the job yourself. Take the furni- from the front. After allowing to dry for a brief period, use a ture to a cabinetmaker or have your dealer return it to the fac- screwdriver or chisel to remove the back and push out the tory for repair. If insurance allows part value on flood-dam- drawer from behind. aged furniture, it may be worth the money to get new things, 2. After you have removed movable parts, clean off mud and rather than pay for extensive repairs. dirt, using a hose if necessary. 3. Take all furniture indoors and store it where it will dry slowly. Furniture left in the sun to dry warps and twists out Straightening Warped Furniture Boards of shape. Slightly warped furniture boards, as in table or dresser tops, 4. When furniture is dry, reglue it if necessary. You need often can be straightened if they are solid wood. But don't try woodworking tools and clamps to reglue some pieces. Before to straighten severely warped parts, veneeredparts (veneer you start, decide whether you have the time, equipment, and usually separates), or parts with a fancy grain, such as curly ability to do the work. Consult an experienced cabinetmaker maple. If such pieces are worth the money to salvage them, if necessary. To reglue loose joints, thoroughly clean joints of send them to a reliable furniture repair shop. Get a cost esti- old glue so the area will be as clean and free of glue as possi- mate before leaving the piece for repair. ble. Use white all-purpose glue, following the directions on To straighten slightly warped boards: the container. Hold parts together with rope tourniquets or 1. Remove the warped board from the furniture. suitable clamps. To prevent damage from ropes or clamps, 2. Strip the board of its old finish. A clean board straightens pad contact areas with cloth protection. better than a finished board. You may have to strip the entire piece of furniture to get an even finish when the board is Damp Furniture - Removing White Spots straightened, refinished, and replaced. Furniture that has been submerged in floodwaters often 3. The principle of warp removal is to add moisture to the shows mildew or mold that you can remove with warm dry side (concave) and remove it from the wet side (convex). soapy (mild detergent) water and a soft cloth. White spots or Here's how you do that: a cloudy film may develop on damp furniture that has not - Place the board with the wet side (convex) down on a been under water. To remove white spots: radiator or heat vent in the winter. 1. If the entire surface is affected, rub with a damp cloth -Place wet side (concave) up in the direct rays of the sun. dipped in turpentine or in a solution of 1⁄2 cup household Either way, keep the concave side moist with damp ammonia and 1⁄2 cup water. Wipe dry at once and polish cloths, place bricks or other weights on top of the board, with wax or furniture polish. and leave it for several days or until the board is straight. 2. If color is not restored, dip 000 steel wool in oil (boiled lin- 4. Clamp the board in a flat position when it has straight- seed, olive, mineral, or lemon). Rub lightly with the wood ened. Place clamps 12 inches apart or less. Use small pieces of grain. Wipe with a soft cloth and rewax. wood or pads between board and clamps to protect the 3. For deep spots, use a drop or two of ammonia on a damp board. Loosen clamps, and move them slightly once or twice cloth. Rub at once with a dry cloth. Polish. Rubbing cigarette a day to prevent splitting. You may place several boards in ashes, powdered pumice, or a piece of walnut into spots may the same clamps. Insert small wooden blocks between boards help remove them. for air space. 4. If spots remain after all efforts to remove them, strip off all 5. Stand the boards on end and leave them in the clamped the old finish and refinish the piece. position until thoroughly dry. This will take from several days to several weeks. 6. Paint or refinish as desired. Apply the finish to both under- Veneered Furniture side and top of board. This keeps the board from absorbing Thoroughly dry furniture. If veneer is loose in just a few moisture and from warping again places, carefully scrape glue under loose areas. 1. Press veneer back in place. Place waxed paper over affected area;

From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431. Revised by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1704 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

38 Disaster Relief Cleaning Flood-Damaged Carpets and Rugs

When To Discard, Clean, wet area. If the carpeting is installed with or Call a Professional tack strips, you may be able to remove it and have it cleaned and reinstalled. When you have flood-damaged carpeting Padding is nearly impossible to clean, and rugs, your options depend on the so replace it. If you can’t remove the carpet- source of flooding. If floodwater is clean ing, dry it as quickly as possible to lessen basement seepage or lawn runoff into a growth of mildew. If possible, use a subbasement, drying and cleaning is an wet/dry vacuum system. A dehumidifier easy decision. But if sewage-contaminated can help remove moisture from the air. floodwater has covered your carpeting, you Keep windows closed when using a dehu- probably will need to discard it for health midifier. safety reasons. You can assume the water and the car- • When the carpet is thoroughly dry, vac- pet contain infectious organisms. Throw uum it. rugs can usually be saved. • Shampoo and repeat the drying process. Keep in mind that most mod- General Rules ern carpeting is made of nylon and • If wall-to-wall carpeting, large area should not be treated with bleach. rugs, and any rug with foam backing • Vacuum again. are flooded with contaminated water, • Here's a way you can reduce a musty discard the item. Except for valuable smell: rugs, the time and expense of profes- 1. Sprinkle baking soda over the car- sional cleaning generally is not worth pet, working it in with a broom or the effort or the health risk. sponge mop. • If you are determined to salvage carpet- 2. Leave the baking soda in the carpet ing soaked with contaminated water, overnight. consult a professional cleaning compa- 3. Vacuum the baking soda out. ny that services carpets at its own Vacuum twice, moving back and cleaning and drying facilities. A steam forth in a different direction the sec- cleaning (hot-water extraction) method ond time. is preferable. • You can save wall-to-wall carpeting Additional Resources soaked by clean rainwater. Have it pro- • Your county Extension agents fessionally cleaned or clean it using the • Your local emergency government directions below. office • You can usually clean throw rugs well • The American Red Cross enough in a washing machine. • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Cleaning Rain-Soaked Carpets Cleaning basement carpeting indoors is not a good idea in summer, because you are adding even more moisture to an already

39 From the Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edidtion, University of Florida/Institue of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP2431. Distributed in Mississippi by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1925 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

40 Disaster Relief Salvaging Clothing

Floodwater may be contaminated, so it is - Phenolic (Pine-Sol, Al-Pine) is safe important to thoroughly clean and disin- for most washable garments. Do not fect flood-soiled clothing to kill harmful use on washable wools and silks, bacteria. Prompt attention may save since the odor will remain. much of your clothing that has been dam- • Hang garments to dry. aged by floodwaters. If possible, do not let the floodwater and mud dry in shoes Dry-Cleanable Clothing or garments. Take to the dry cleaner as soon as possible. Be sure to shake and brush well to Washable Garments remove as much dirt as possible. Give the • Check the care label to make sure dry cleaner as much information as possi- garments are washable. ble about what caused the damage and • If labeled hand washable only, then the fiber content of the fabric, if you hand wash. Do not put into the wash- know it. ing machine. • If garment is dry, brush off loose dirt When Dry Cleaning and residue. Service Is Not Available • Rinse in clean, cool water to remove mud and flood water. It takes several Garments Still Damp with Muddy rinses until rinse water is clear. Water • Work a heavy duty detergent (liquid) 1. Rinse in cold water to remove water- or paste of granule detergent into all soluble, clay-type soil. Rinse garment stained areas. Let stand 30 minutes. as quickly as possible to avoid bleed- • Follow care labels and wash in hottest ing of dyes and to lessen shrinkage. water safe for garment with deter- 2. Gently squeeze out water and shake gent. Use bleach if recommended out wrinkles. Rolling in dry towels for garment. helps remove extra water. • Sanitize with a disinfectant. Always 3. Place garment on hanger and dry in test on a hidden seam to be sure it cool air or smooth it out on flat sur- does not harm the garment. face to dry. Add to washing machine before adding clothing. Here are some disin- Partly Wet Garments fectants to try: 1. Try to rinse out the wet portion with- - Liquid chlorine bleach (Clorox, out dipping the entire garment in Purex) if safe. Do not use on wash- cold water. If you can't do this with- able wools and silks. Follow direc- out leaving a strong stain line, dip the tions carefully. entire garment. - Pine oil (Pine-O-Pine, Fyne Pine) is 2. Shake out wrinkles and dry in cool air. safe for most washable garments. Do not use on washable wools and silks, since the odor will remain.

41 Dry Garments with Soil in Them The soil may be difficult to remove. Shake well to remove as much soil as possible before sending to the dry cleaner.

Wet Garments, But Not Soiled Dry in cool air to prevent mildew and transfer of dye.

Mildew If the garment is mildewed: 1. Go outside to brush off garment. 2. Rub liquid (or paste of granular) detergent into stain. 3. Launder using detergent and bleach (follow care label) and hottest water safe for fabric. Some mildew may be too severe to be removed.

Leather and Suede Garments and Accessories Allow leather and suede garments, shoes, belts, and handbags to dry away from direct heat. Then do the following: 1. Brush off as much mud as possible. 2. Use mild soapsuds and cool water to wipe off remaining dirt. 3. Rinse with clean water, and wipe gently with clean cloth until you remove all dirt. Do not get the leather or suede too wet while cleaning. 4. Stuff shoes, handbags, and sleeves with paper so they will hold their shape. 5. Dry away from sun and heat. 6. Clean with saddle soap. 7. Use an oil for leather or suede to soften and prevent stiffening. This oil may darken the leather, so check before using. 8. Use a suede brush to restore its original appearance. Be sure to brush in only one direction.

From the Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edidtion, University of Florida/Institue of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP2431. Distributed in Mississippi by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1706 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

42 Disaster Relief Drying Books and Family Papers

1. Dry books and papers slowly. 8. When books are thoroughly dry, close 2. If books and papers are damp, sprin- them and use C-clamps to help hold kle cornstarch or talcum powder their shape. between pages to absorb moisture. 9. You can freeze books and papers until Leave powder on for several hours, you have time to work with them. and then brush off. Freezing effectively controls mold 3. Place books with water damage on growth. end with pages separated. 10. Even if books and papers appear to 4. When pages are partially dry, pile and have dried successfully, they may dis- press books to keep pages from crum- integrate because of materials in the pling. floodwater. As a precautionary meas- 5. Alternate drying and pressing until ure, photocopy important documents books are thoroughly dry. This helps or papers, or keep them in a safe prevent mildew. Use a fan to hasten deposit box. drying. 11. An excellent source of information is 6. When books are nearly dry, apply low "Procedures for Salvage of Water- heat with an electric iron. Separate the Damaged Library Materials" by the pages to prevent musty odors. This is Library of Congress, available at your a tedious process that you may want local library. to use only with valuable books. 7. Some chemicals, such as parachlorobenzene, may help stop mold growth. Place books in closed containers with moth crystals to help stop mold growth. Contact your county Extension office for recommendations.

43 From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431. Reviewed by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1926 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

44 Disaster Relief Cleaning Household Utensils and Metals

Cleaning and Sterilizing Iron Pots, Pans, and Utensils Dishes and Cooking Utensils 1. Wash with soap and water, using a stiff brush and scouring powder. Before using any dishes, pots, pans, or cooking 2. If rust remains, wipe with an oil-saturated utensils that were in contact with floodwater, cloth, or use a commercial rust remover. wash and sterilize them. 3. Remove rust from kitchen utensils by scouring with steel wool. 1. Any piece of equipment that can be taken 4. Wash in hot soapsuds, rinse, and dry thor- apart should be cleaned in pieces. Remove oughly. plastic and wooden handles from frying 5. Season iron pans and utensils with a gener- pans and saucepans. Clean parts separately. ous amount of unsalted cooking oil. Heat in 2. Wash dishes, pots, pans, and utensils in hot, a 250 °F oven for two or three hours. This sudsy water. Use a brush, if necessary, to will let oil soak into pores of metal. As it remove dirt. heats, apply more oil as needed. When sea- 3. After brushing in sudsy water, rinse in clear soning is completed, wipe off the excess oil. water. Place dishes in a wire basket or other container and dip them in a sanitizing solu- Hardware tion. Use a solution recommended by local 1. Coat iron hardware with petroleum jelly or health authorities, or use 1 cup liquid chlo- machine oil to prevent further rusting. rine bleach to 1 gallon of water plus non- 2. Use stove polish on stove or similar iron- phosphate detergent for cleaning and disin- work. fecting. Never mix bleach and ammonia. Throw away any unused bleach solution. Bleach may damage wood and some metal- Locks and Hinges lic surfaces and is less effective on porous Locks and hinges, especially iron ones, should surfaces, such as unpainted wood. Clean be taken apart, wiped with kerosene, and these materials with a nonphosphate deter- oiled. Follow the same procedure as for iron gent (One example is Savogran® TSP-PF). hardware. If you can’t remove locks or hinges, Do not use detergents with trisodium phos- squirt a little machine oil into the bolt opening phate (TSP). or keyhole. Work the knobs to distribute the 4. Air-dry dishes. Do not dry them with a oil. This helps prevent rusting of the springs dishcloth. If cupboards and food prepara- and metal casing. (Do not use too much oil: it tion surfaces were in contact with floodwa- may drip on the woodwork, making painting ter, clean and rinse them with a chlorine difficult.) bleach solution before storing dishes and utensils. Stainless Steel, Nickel-Copper Alloy, Nickel or Chrome-Plated Metals Cleaning Household Metals 1. Wash thoroughly, and polish with a fine- Rust causes the most damage to flooded house- powdered cleanser. hold metals, especially iron. Use the following 2. If furniture plating or hardware is broken so treatments to control rusting. that base metal is exposed and rusted, wipe with kerosene, and then wash and dry the surface. Wax to prevent further rusting.

45 Aluminum Pans and Utensils Pewter 1. Wash thoroughly with hot sudsy water. Scour any unpol- 1. Wash thoroughly with hot sudsy water, rinse and dry. Use ished surfaces, such as the insides of pans, with soapy a soft toothbrush to get into crevices. steel wool pads. Rub in one direction only. 2. Rub on silver polish (paste or liquid, not the dip type) 2. Polish plated aluminum surfaces with a fine cleansing with a soft cloth. Use a soft toothbrush to get into powder or silver polish. Do not scour. crevices. 3. Sterilize in a chlorine bleach solution. 3. Rinse in hot soapsuds and dry. 4. To remove dark stains from aluminum pans caused by 4. Check for small holes, cracked joints, and dents. If the alkaline foods, fill pan with water. Add 1 tablespoon vine- pewter needs mending and is a prized piece, let a profes- gar or 2 teaspoons cream of tartar for each quart of water. sional fix it. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes, scour with steel wool pad with 5. You can mend small holes by cleaning the metal inside soap, rinse, and dry. the pewter object with steel wool, then filling with pewter epoxy mender. Follow instructions on the label carefully. Copper and Brass 6. Replace felt or other protection materials that have sepa- 1. Polish with a special polish or rub with cloth soaked with rated from household decorative accessories such as vinegar or with a piece of salted lemon. bookends, ashtrays, and candleholders. You can buy felt 2. Always wash copper thoroughly with soapsuds after or protective materials in fabric stores. Cut it to match using acids or commercial polishes or they will tarnish the damaged ones, and glue the new ones in place with again rapidly. rubber cement. 3. Wash lacquered ornamental copper in warm sudsy water. Rinse with warm water, and wipe dry. Do not polish. Do not soak.

From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431. Reviewed by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1709 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

46 section section 3

Section 3: Consumer and Financial Issues

• Avoiding Frauds and Deception ...... 48 • Seven Steps in Making an Insurance Claim...... 50 • Managing on a Suddenly Reduced Income ...... 52 • Take Control of Your Finances: When Your Income Drops ...... 54 • When Your Income Drops...... 56 Disaster Relief Avoiding Frauds and Deception

When the disaster has passed, it is time to If there is much local damage, tree survey the damage and begin cleanup. services from throughout the region may Homeowners are often devastated when come to help clear. Before hiring one of they see the damage. The damage may be these companies, ask to see its license and downed trees and structural damage. The evidence of liability insurance. Get all per- situation may seem desperate. Delayed tinent information in a written contract repairs may invite more damage, or you before hiring anyone and before work may not be able to live in your home until begins. repairs are made. If you decide to hire an independent This stressful time may make home- tree cutter in spite of the risks involved, owners easy targets for unethical work- draw up a written contract that clearly men who take advantage of someone anx- spells out the work to be done (such as ious to begin home repair work. Victims number of trees to be cut, stump height or must be careful about hiring strangers to treatment, what is to be done with the cut remove trees and do repair work. Read trees and by whom, beginning and com- every agreement and credit contract care- pletion date of work, and amount to be fully and evaluate it before signing. paid and when). NEVER pay for work Shoddy workmanship and price gouging before it is done. Include a statement are common in crises. about who is responsible for expenses in case of an accident. This should include Tree Removal what happens if the worker damages your When the storm is over, workers may property accidentally and who pays if the appear with chainsaws, eager to make a worker is accidentally injured. This state- "fast buck" removing trees and other dam- ment doesn’t assure protection, but it may aged property. Tree removal requires great help. skill; the best bet is to contact local tree services. Home Repairs Improperly felled trees can damage The homeowner should immediately con- your home or a neighbor's. Also, the tree tact his/her insurance company, if the cutter may be injured. Professional tree home is insured. The insurance company services are licensed, insured, and experi- may require specific procedures be fol- enced; they carry liability insurance pro- lowed to collect for repairs. If the home- tecting the homeowner from a lawsuit in owner is responsible for arranging for the case of an accident. repairs, there are certain precautions to Ask for a cost estimate of the work follow. Take time to investigate the work and a schedule for completion of the quality and reliability of the home repair work. Will the trees will be removed from contractor or the worker that you are con- your property after they are cut? Will sidering hiring. stumps remain? Try to get estimates from Shoddy work will only increase your more than one tree service. All details of loss and frustration. Ask to see any appli- the agreement should be in a contract and cable licenses. Always get any agreement signed by the tree service and homeowner. in writing, signed by both parties before work begins. Verbal agreements can be

48 misunderstood and usually can’t be enforced. Landlords and Tenants Contracts for home improvement projects should If you are renting a residence that is damaged, you include the following information: have special rights and responsibilities. Repairs are the landlord’s responsibility. You should immediately • Approximate date for beginning the work and the notify the landlord of any damage to the property and completion date, unless a specific disclosure states reasonably try to help protect it from any additional that no completion date is provided. Always damage. The landlord is responsible for having the require a completion date be given. residence repaired and returned to livable condition. If • A description of the work to be done. Always repairs are not made within a reasonable time, the ten- require this to be detailed, describing the materi- ant has the right to reduced rent or perhaps to termi- als and grades to be used as well as the repairs to nate the lease and move. But damage to your personal be made. property is your own responsibility. • All financing information required by state and federal laws. • Any warranty agreements. • Name and address of contractor and person for whom work is to be done.

Never sign a completion certificate until all work is satisfactorily done. Also, never pay a home repair contractor or a worker for work before it is done. If considerable work is to be done, you may divide the cost for the work to be done into several payments, paying half the cost when the job is half done, for example. You may want to pay for materials directly to the supplier. (If a worker collects for materials and then doen’t pay the supplier, a lien may be put on your property.)

From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431. Reviewed by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1700 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD 06-06)

49 Disaster Relief Seven Steps in Making an Insurance Claim

1. Contact your insurance agent or compa- • Photographs of ruined homes or ny immediately and report the damage. objects are excellent evidence for later Give your name, address, policy number, documentation. and the date and time of loss. • Try to document the value of each object lost. Bills of sale, canceled 2. Take pictures of the damage, if possible, checks, charge account records, and before beginning repairs. If you repair insurance evaluations are good small items, such as TV antennas, window evidence. If you don't have records, coverings, or fences before the adjustor estimate the value, and give purchase arrives, it may be difficult to prove the place and date of purchase. Include damage. You can also use pictures as evi- this information with your list. dence for tax deductions. 6. Contact a reputable firm to have your 3. Protect your property from further dam- damage repaired. Beware of door-to-door age or theft. Patch your roof temporarily. salesmen. Sometimes undependable work- Cover broken windows with boards or ers enter a damaged area, make cheap plastic. If household furnishings are repairs, and leave before the residents dis- exposed to weather, move them to a safe cover the repairs are shabby. If your con- place for storage. Save receipts for what tractor cannot do the work, ask him or her you spend, and submit them to your insur- to recommend someone. Be sure the con- ance company for reimbursement. tractor is licensed.

4. Dry out water-damaged furnishings and 7. Don't be in a hurry to settle your claim. clothing as soon as possible to prevent fad- Although you may want to have your ing and deterioration. You may wish to damage claim settled as quickly as possi- take some items to a reliable dry cleaner. ble, it is sometimes better to wait until all damage is discovered. Damages over- 5. Keep accurate records of the following: looked in an early estimate may become • Cleaning and repair bills, including apparent later. If you are dissatisfied with materials, cost of rental equipment, the settlement offer, talk things over with and depreciation of equipment you own. your agent and adjuster. Check your policy • Additional living expenses you incur to see what settlement steps are outlined. if your home is so severely damaged that you have to find other accommo- dations while repairs are being made, If you are not satisfied with the including motel and restaurant bills, response of your insurance agency, you home rental, and car rental. may want to file a complaint with the com- • Actual losses, including furniture, pany, the Better Business Bureau, and the appliances, clothing, paintings, Mississippi State Department of Insurance. collectibles, valuables, foods, and equipment, regardless of your intent to replace the objects. List all items discarded.

50 Adapted from the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences' Disaster Handbook. Reviewed by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor/Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1767 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

51 Disaster Relief Managing on a Suddenly Reduced Income

A sudden loss of family income can be • Seek cash discounts. traumatic. Here are some positive steps • Substitute lower priced items. you can take: • Keep insurance coverage. Problems from stress may increase your need for Examine family resources. health care. • Determine your current financial • Do not postpone essential medical position by identifying income and and dental care. This may prove costly other assets you can easily convert in the long run. Health care profession- to cash. als may be willing to negotiate a pay- • Identify skills and resources you can ment schedule if you ask in advance. use to cut costs, earn money, or traded for needed goods and services. Maintain debt payments. • You may need to use emergency • Don't neglect regular payments on savings or take out a loan. consumer debt. Your largest and most • Consider applying for disaster assis- important payment is likely your tance from FEMA (1-800- 621-FEMA or mortgage. If you can't manage it, http://www.fema.gov or emergency contact your lender immediately to food stamps. negotiate a repayment plan. If possible, schedule an appointment, and talk Control spending. personally to the person in charge. • Identify critical needs (food, shelter, • Contact other lenders to propose essential clothing). repayment plans. • Develop a realistic, flexible family • Another solution may be to refinance spending plan. a loan, contracting for smaller pay- • Separate expenses into fixed and ments over a longer time. flexible groups. Give higher priority to • Avoid high-cost alternative lending fixed expenses, including mortgage institutions. payments, rent, installment credit, and • Consider bankruptcy only as a last medical and life insurance premiums. resort. It remains on your credit • Flexible expenses, such as food, history for 10 years and jeopardizes utilities, clothing, recreation, and your credit score. household expenses are easier to adjust. • Agree to discuss purchases over a Set payment priorities. certain amount with other family If you can pay some debt but not all, pay members before purchasing. those bills that – • Avoid buying on credit. • are vital services (utilities, phone, • Use community resources. transportation, insurance). • Make a shopping list, and stick to it. • have the highest interest rate. • Comparison shop. • cost the most to postpone (late • Buy specials. penalty, repossession or • Use coupons. disconnect/reconnect charges). • Shop at discount and dollar stores. • may be aggressively collected.

52 Control stress. When you are back on your feet -- • Be extra patient with yourself and others. Resist the urge to overspend to “catch up” on all of the • Share your grief with a caring friend, family things you have put off buying and doing. Repay debts member, or minister. you may have incurred during times of hardship. Build • Don't expect things to immediately return to normal. an emergency fund for challenging times. • Eat nourishing foods and get rest and relaxation when possible. • Focus on the big picture rather than the small details. • Help others when possible. It will make both of you feel better. • Think positive. • Avoid the tendency to resort to bad habits.

Check out resources and assistance programs. Many federal, state and local resources help people coping with lower income after a disaster. Check out these sources: • FEMA • Department of Social Services • Department of Labor • Red Cross • Churches • Salvation Army • United Way

Reprinted from Disaster Recovery: Managing on a Suddenly Reduced Income by Jeanette Tucker Ph.D., Associate Professor; Diane Sasser, Ph.D., Associate Professor; and Ann Berry, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. Distributed in Mississippi by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1765 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

53 Take Control of Your Finances When Your Income Drops

Studies have found that when income is reduced, many families do not adjust their lifestyle for about 6 months. Ignoring the situation can bring disaster. Your best chance of landing safely on the other side is to take control of your resources as quickly as possible. Be thorough in preparing for takeoff into unknown territory by completing each item in this financial pilot’s checklist. Be sure to involve your family co-pilots and crew in the plan- ning and preparation, too.

Preparing for Takeoff 1. Take stock of your financial situation. ☐ Prepare a net worth statement (list of what you own and owe). ☐ Make an inventory/list of personal property and estimate value. ☐ List personal skills of family members. ☐ Identify skills and resources you could trade, sell, or convert to cash. ☐ Accumulate savings to stay at least 1 to 3 months ahead. 2. Examine family resources. ☐ List current gross income of each family member (before deductions). ☐ Look for ways to reduce paycheck deductions. ☐ Estimate future income from unemployment or other benefits. ☐ List severance pay expected. ☐ Look for ways to increase income. 3. List family expenses. ☐ Fixed monthly expenses. ☐ Flexible monthly expenses. ☐ Daily expenses. ☐ Periodic annual expenses.

54 4. Reorganize family spending. ☐ Look for ways to reduce expenses. ☐ Create a spending plan to live within expected income. ☐ Spend on a cash basis (avoid using debit and credit cards). ☐ Prioritize expenses, separating needs from wants. ☐ Decide which bills are most important to meet critical family needs. ☐ Shop around. Look for sales or generic. Do it yourself. 5. Control credit. ☐ List debts. ☐ Avoid new credit (don’t use credit to replace lost income). ☐ Maintain credit payments. ☐ Create a plan for paying down debts. ☐ Contact creditors to negotiate payments. File written agreements. ☐ Consult a nonprofit credit counselor for serious debt problems. 6. Network with others in your family and community. ☐ Tell friends and family about your job search and situation. ☐ Seek assistance from churches, government, or nonprofit organizations. ☐ Check eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit next year. ☐ Apply for unemployment insurance after separation.

References When Your Income Drops. Mississippi State University Extension Service. MSUcares.com. Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise. (12 issues, particularly issues 1, 2, and 8). Mississippi State University Extension Service. MSUcares.com. Disaster Relief: Managing on a Suddenly Reduced Income. Mississippi State University Extension Service. MSUcares.com. Lost Your Job? Financial Survival Tips for the Recession. LSUAgCenter.com. Living Resourcefully with Reduced Income. University of Arkansas Extension Service. Bouncing Back When Your Income Drops (series). Penn State Extension Setting Spending Priorities. Michigan State University Extension. When Your Income Drops. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. Managing Money in Tough Times. eXtension.org.

Copyright 2010 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service. By Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, School of Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1867 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-10)

55 When Your Income Drops

In today’s economy, many circumstances can lead to a funds which you have in reserve, such as savings or sudden loss of income: loss of job, layoffs or cutbacks, life insurance cash value. reduced income, loss of support from a spouse, illness, Make a list of your family’s nonfinancial resources death of a spouse, or divorce. Any of these can be a that can be used to cut costs, traded for needed goods serious blow to families who are struggling to survive and services, or used to produce income. It is likely economically in difficult times. that each family member can contribute in some way Very often the reduction in a family’s income is to running the household more economically. Be imag- not expected, and the natural reaction is panic. If your inative in assessing all of your resources and looking family suffers loss of income, try to remain calm and for options or ways to make ends meet in hard eco- don’t waste time and energy blaming yourself. nomic times. Instead, take control of the situation by doing the best you can with the resources available to your family. List Family Expenses This publication offers suggestions for helping you Once you’ve listed your family’s resources and poten- make day-to-day decisions with the money you do tial resources, consider your expenses. Expenses can have, cope with creditors, maintain control over your be divided into those that are fixed, at least in the finances, and protect your family’s welfare. short term, and those that are variable or flexible. Fixed expenses, or debts, are those for which your Take Stock of Your Situation family is obligated to pay a set amount. Examples of Uncertainty and financial neglect can increase the fixed expenses are mortgage or rent payments, con- stress associated with income loss. Take some time to sumer or automobile loans, and charge cards. List all study your current financial and family resources and of your fixed expenses by answering the following map out the magnitude of your loss. questions for each: Once you know and understand your situation, • Who is the creditor? (Record name, address, and you can develop a plan for making the most of family telephone number.) and community resources. A little knowledge goes • What is the balance due? much further than either imagining the worst or ignor- • What is the interest rate? ing reality and neglecting bills. • What is your payment? • How often and when is your payment due? Examine Family Resources • Are you behind in payments? How much? Begin by listing the incomes of all earners in the • Has the creditor started any action against you? household. How long can you depend on those incomes? Are there other family members who are Next, calculate your family’s monthly flexible potential income earners, if only for this period of expenses. Flexible expenses are harder to estimate, so financial instability? When income is uncertain, it is use checkbooks, bank statements,and cancelled better to err on the conservative side in your estimates. receipts to gain an accurate accounting of these You may wish to make a few different projections of expenses. Be realistic about which items are actual expected income—low, medium, and high. needs and which items can be reduced or eliminated. Next, calculate the current market value of each The worksheet on the back of this publication can help item you own or asset that you can draw upon. Use you organize your flexible expenses. today’s value (what you could sell it for), not what you paid for it. Look at everything you own with the Reorganize Family Spending idea that its market value might help pay your bills for A reduction or loss of income usually forces a family awhile. Be realistic, however, in assessing what items to alter spending patterns. While this is painful at best, you would be willing to part with. Also, consider any the pain can be minimized if family members commu-

56 nicate openly and if the family works out and follows Contact all of your creditors before your bills are a spending plan. due, explain your situation, and offer to negotiate new While dollars are scarce, their value, in effect, repayment terms. If a creditor agrees to new repayment grows. No longer can the family afford to “waste” terms, uphold your responsibility by meeting the terms money on luxurious, frivolous, or unnecessary items. It you agreed to. If any changes occur that affect your is important, then, that family members agree on which repayment plan, contact your creditors immediately. goods and services are high priority, which are less important, and which can be postponed or replaced by Negotiate Your Payments less expensive substitutes until finances improve. Mortgage Payments. Most lending institutions are When your family begins to see what income is willing to work with homeowners who have mortgage available and how money is being spent, it is time for payment difficulties. Generally, a lender does not want a family conference. Lay out the records of anticipated to foreclose on a mortgage because time and money monthly income and scaled-down expenses for all may be lost in selling the property at public auction. family members to see and evaluate. Subtract expenses Small, locally controlled community lenders can some- from income: Is the remainder positive or negative times be more flexible in negotiating new short term after all monthly fixed and flexible expenses are sub- payment plans than larger or nonlocal lenders. But be tracted from monthly income? Are expenses out of line realistic. Eventually the lender will require full pay- with expected income? Where can cuts be made so ment or will take legal action. they cause the least sacrifice in family welfare? If you can’t make full payments, act immediately It’s easier to see the general pattern of spending if before the first payment is missed. Call the mortgage expenses are categorized. This reveals the percentage of company and speak to someone in the mortgage serv- income spent on food, housing, clothing, medical care, icing department. Identify yourself by the loan num- insurance, and other items. There are no hard-and-fast ber, and then explain your situation. Propose a plan, rules for family spending because individual needs, such as a deferred or partial payment plan. If your goals, and circumstances vary. However, examining plan is rejected, ask what your options are and what spending by category will highlight potential differ- you should do next. These questions are difficult to ences between your family’s stated goals and priorities ask, but the information is absolutely essential for and your actual spending patterns and income. If these your next decision. differences are significant, you need to reach agreement You may want to seek neutral advice regarding on a plan for changing the way income is allocated. repayment alternatives and the consequences of each. If your family is operating “in the red,” a couple of Considerations include these: things must happen: expenses must be reduced, • Extend the loan income must increase, or both. • Refinance • Sell, even if the market is depressed and a prepay- Set Priorities for Spending ment penalty is imposed Some expenses are more important than others. • Voluntarily surrender to the lender (deed in lieu of Putting your bills in a stack and paying them until the foreclosure) or money runs out won’t work. You may not have • File for bankruptcy. enough money to pay all your expenses, but you must get the most out of what you do have. Set priorities for The consequences of each alternative can be posi- your spending to make sure you meet the health and tive or negative and may vary from person to person. welfare needs of family members and minimize the You may have to choose an option based on the least legal and economic risks of not paying some bills. negative consequences. Obviously, food and shelter for your family Consider first your options for extending your should be the first priority with the income you have loan or refinancing. Deciding whether to sell your available. After those two are taken care of, hard home should be done fairly early to ensure that the choices may need to be made on which bills you must equity is not used up with the interest. While the deci- pay first. The following list provides an example of sion to sell may be difficult, the speed with which that how you might rank creditors according to the degree decision is made could be the difference in cash-in- of risk involved in nonpayment: hand versus no cash from the sale. • Second Priority—Utilities, insurance, automobile Voluntary surrender (a deed in lieu of foreclosure) loan. means that you voluntarily turn over your house to • Third Priority—Credit cards and outstanding debts, the lender in consideration for the cancellation of the finance companies, credit union, and other loans. debt. This is an option to consider if foreclosure seems • Fourth Priority—Doctors, dentists, hospital, and inevitable. People choosing this alternative usually – retailers. • Have little equity in the house.

57 • Want to avoid the costs of foreclosure and having • Eliminate added features that increase your costs. the information placed in their credit records. • Eliminate all unnecessary calls. • Have another alternative for housing. Your lender • Reduce long-distance and/or roaming calls. may, but is not required to, make arrangements to • Use either a landline or wireless and discontinue rent you the same house. the other service.

Avoid foreclosure if possible. A mortgage is delin- Cable or Internet Bills. Consider reducing to basic quent on the date specified in the mortgage—usually plans or eliminating services as a last resort. when a payment is 30 days overdue. Most mortgage Insurance Payments. If you can’t make an insur- holders begin foreclosing on the first mortgage after ance payment, call or write your agent or the insur- the third month of delinquency. In areas of widespread ance company. Explain your situation and ask them to unemployment, some local mortgage holders may be consider a different payment plan. There may be some willing to accept interest payments plus a small pay- leeway (10 to 30 days) in premium payment due dates. ment on the principal rather than foreclose on a large Check your policy and confirm with your insurance number of homes in the community. Mortgage holders company. outside of the local area may be less willing to extend Determine your minimum needs for insurance. mortgage repayment terms beyond the third month. Check to see if a lower premium is possible through Utility Bills. If you are delinquent on your utility taking the following actions: bills, companies that are regulated by the Mississippi • Change to a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual Public Service Commission (PSC) are required to noti- payment plan with the same coverage. fy you of their intention to discontinue services. You • Change to more basic coverage as long as your must be given notice, allowing you at least five days to needs are met. pay your bill before your service can be cut off. Reduced rates may be available to residential cus- If your car is older and paid for, consider drop- tomers who are unable to pay the full amount of their ping collision coverage or raising the deductible. Make utility bills because of extreme financial difficulty, par- sure you are receiving any discounts offered by your ticularly during months when bills may be highest. company for eligible drivers. Contact your local utility company or the Mississippi Consider changing your life insurance policy to a Public Service Commission by phone at less expensive type if that is appropriate for your fami- www.psc.state.ms.us ly’s situation. Converting whole life to term insurance If you can’t make full payments on your utility may be one option. Another is to use your dividends bills, you should take these steps: to reduce your premiums. • Notify the company immediately, before the due Consumer Credit Counseling Services(CCCS). A date and before fuel is needed. Explain the reason non-profit credit counseling agency may be able to for your inability to pay. help to further negotiate lower monthly payments or • Propose a new payment plan based on your cur- interest. Find a counselor that serves your area by rent ability to pay. If you don’t have a plan or if phone, Internet, or in person at the National your plan is not acceptable, develop one with the Foundation for Credit Counseling’s website: company. www.nfcc.org CCCS agencies in Mississippi include • Check to see if you are eligible for any area assis- Money Management International (statewide), Family tance programs or ask your utility company about Service Agency (Southhaven), and CredAbility assistance. Many agencies, churches, and other (Jackson and statewide). groups provide money for utility bills in emergency situations. Conclusion • Talk with family members and decide how you Coping with the stress and hardships of a reduced will safely reduce the use of your utilities and cut income is not an easy task for you or your family. your costs. There are no easy answers or quick cures. Adapting and regrouping will be easier if you remember that Telephone Bills. If you think you may not be able you are the same person as before—but with reduced to pay your telephone bill, contact the telephone com- cash flow. You can maintain control of your situation pany. You may be able to work out a payment plan or during this period of financial change by reducing and change to a lower-cost service plan. prioritizing spending as much and as quickly as possi- If service is disconnected, you may have to pay ble. The step-by-step procedures outlined here will old charges plus additional fees to reconnect your help you clarify your priorities, make decisions, imple- phone. Here are a few ideas to cut costs: ment your plan, minimize your anxiety, and strength- • Switch to a less expensive service plan with your en and prepare you and your family for the future. current provider.

58 Worksheet for Monthly Flexible Expenses

SPENDING CATEGORY CURRENT AMOUNT ADJUSTED AMOUNT Church $______$______Clothing ______Doctor, Drugs, Dentist ______Education ______Food ______Gifts ______Insurance Payments ______Car ______Health ______Home ______Life ______Personal Allowances ______Recreation ______Savings ______Transportation ______Utilities ______Cable ______Electric ______Gas ______Phone ______Water ______Other: ______

TOTAL $______

References Janice Holm Loyd, When Your Income Drops, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service.

Betty J. Sundling, Living Resourcefully With Reduced Income, Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Michael Rupured, When Your Income Drops: Moving Forward, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service.

Mississippi Public Service Commission, Rules and Regulations Governing Public Utility Service.

Revised by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, Family Resource Management, from the original by Dr. Beverly R. Howell, former Extension Family and Consumer Education State Program Leader. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Publication 1618 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-10)

59 section section 4

Section 4: Family Stress Management

• Common Responses to Disasters or Traumatic Events ...... 61 • Dealing with Stress After a Disaster...... 63 • Managing a Traumatic Event ...... 65 • How Family and Neighbors Can Help One Another Cope ...... 67 • Recognizing Your Own Anger...... 69 • Signs of Distress in Children ...... 71 • Children Need Help Coping with Disaster...... 73 Disaster Relief Common Responses to Disasters or Traumatic Events

People react in a variety of different ways • Restlessness, can't sit still to disasters. Professionals agree there's no • A racing heart one “healthy” pattern for reacting to a • Feeling scattered, difficulty making deci- traumatic event. Some people appear to be sions, difficulty concentrating greatly disturbed, while others throw • Feeling sad or blue themselves into recovery efforts or other • Fatigue, loss of appetite, low energy activities, showing little emotion or con- • Crying spontaneously cern. Neither type of response is necessari- • Withdrawing from others, feeling “dis- ly better than the other – it depends on the connected” or isolated individual. • Anger/resentment toward others or no- Most people experience some signs or one in particular, feeling irritable symptoms of trauma-related stress after • Feeling guilty about the losses of others natural or personal disasters. Whether a or receiving help from others person experiences these stress symptoms immediately after the disaster or later on, Remember, these responses are con- it is important to recognize them and help sidered normal. In a sense, they are an people cope with their feelings. instinctive way for the body to protect Even when a person's response to a itself from other trauma. The symptoms disaster is very dramatic, it's important to may last for days or weeks. But the remember that he or she is reacting quite American Psychological Association has normally to very abnormal conditions. recommended that a person consider seek- One aspect of stress reactions that can be ing help from a professional therapist if most upsetting to the individual is the the symptoms last for more than a month. belief that no one else is experiencing what he is. Many people are amazed to Longer-term Reactions find out that others are thinking and feel- People typically find that many of their ing the same way. immediate stress reactions decline or dis- appear after a little time. But some people Common Immediate Responses continue to experience stress-related reac- to Trauma or Disaster tions for months, occasionally even years, You may notice some or all of the follow- after a traumatic event. Here are some ing, normal behaviors as you meet those common longer-term reactions: who have been affected by a disaster: • Re-experiencing an event through night- • Shock, feeling dazed or numb mares, flashbacks, and disruptive mem- • Disorientation, confusion ories • Disbelief • Avoiding situations or people that • Overwhelming sense of helplessness, remind a person of the traumatic event despair, hopelessness • Being startled easily or very dramatically • Extreme fear that the disaster will • Emotional withdrawal or avoiding occur again social situations • Feeling on edge, easily startled, alert to • Difficulty sleeping or eating any sign of danger • Irritability • Nervousness, feeling dizzy • Sadness or depression

61 Many times these troubling reactions can be trig- gered by places, people, or objects that remind a person of the traumatic event. Often, specific events or physical sensations cue a person for memories of a disaster or traumatic event. Here are some common triggers of stress-related symptoms: • Anniversaries of the event • Sights, sounds, smells, or physical sensations that remind the person of the event • Returning to the scene of the event • Weather reports or other warning that a similar event could occur

If You Are Having Difficulties Remember, you are not alone. Many people are experiencing or have experienced many of the same feelings you are having now. Your feelings are important; you are not being silly, weak, or childish to have them. But keep in mind that as bad as things seem right now, they will get better, and these feelings will go away eventually. Don't rush yourself. Make sure you remain open to talking with others about how you're feeling. It's important. Take comfort that you're also helping someone else when he or she may need it most. If you believe you are having trouble handling the stress of the current situation, consider talking to someone. You decide when you are ready, but keep in mind that by working through your stress and emotions now, you may lessen your chances of having difficulties later. Many mental health professionals volunteer their time to talk with victims of disaster or trauma. Your American Red Cross chapter, Mississippi State University Extension office, mental health professional, or mental health center can help connect you with someone who can provide help.

From The Disaster Handbook - 1998 National Edition, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences SP 2431. Reviewed by Dr. Patsilu Reeves, former Associate Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1714 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD 06-06)

62 Disaster Relief Dealing with Stress after a Disaster

A natural disaster leaves a trail of proper- Tips ty destruction, and many times it leaves • Be extra patient. thousands of its victims with a damaged • Determine what's really important, sense of balance. In addition to restoring keeping in mind that your spouse's buildings and replacing material posses- viewpoint on what should be consid- sions, victims may need to devote time to ered top priority may be different restoring their own emotional well being from yours. during the recovery period. This can be • Don't expect things to instantly especially important for children who do restore themselves. Accept that not have experience to guide them. restoration (both physical and emotional) takes time. Recognize Symptoms • Realize that disaster victims have suf- of Family Stress fered losses and it's natural for them According to Family Information Services, to express disbelief, anger, sadness, families experiencing stress may have anxiety, and depression afterwards. symptoms that include any of these: • Realize that the emotions of victims • little time to spend together will roller-coaster, and moods can • a sense of frustration -- too much to do change unexpectedly. • a desire for the simpler life • Don't overlook the feelings of chil- • never time to relax dren as you deal with the situation. • not enough opportunities to talk They need to feel they can count on • explosive arguments you for the extra attention, love, and • bickering support needed to get through. • conversations centered on time and • Reassure them, making sure they tasks rather than people and feelings understand they are not responsible • meals eaten in a hurry for the problems you face. • constant rushing from place to place, • Try to keep your family diet as nour- task to task ishing as possible under the circum- • escaping into work or other activities stances. • isolation in a room • Refocusing on the big picture, • not enough one-on-one contact instead of the little details and the lit- • a sense of guilt tle problems, will give you a sense of competency. Focusing on the present can help people • Talk with friends, family, counselors, or work through many of life's setbacks, members of the clergy. In crisis situa- both big and small. Spending time won- tions, a supportive network is essential. dering "what could have been" or thinking • Be aware of the tendency to resort to about "if only" will cause more stress, bad habits when you are under stress. because the situation is in the past and out • Get enough sleep. Being a "sleep of their control. cheat" ultimately will backfire. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Avoid sleeping pills, since these pills hurt normal sleep patterns.

63 • Make a list. List the things that need to be done first, second, third, and so on. By ranking what needs to be done, you first take care of the tasks you can’t put off . Too often, we try to do everything at once, with nothing getting done the right way. • Learn acceptance. So often, we worry about things we cannot control. If you cannot control a situation or occurrence, then learn to accept that. Save your energy for things you can control.

Based on information developed by Clemson Cooperative Extension following Hurricane Hugo. Revised for Virginia audiences by Virginia Cooperative Extension, April 10, 1997. Reviewed by Dr. Patsilu Reeves, former Associate Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1764 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

64 Disaster Relief Managing a Traumatic Event

Traumatic events involve a sense of misery 2. Try to keep as normal a routine as and a sense of helplessness. There can be a possible. serious emotional injury to you or your 3. Find ways to be kind to yourself and to loved ones. If the traumatic experience relax each day. Try meditation. included a serious threat of injury or death, 4. Use your friends, family, and church the emotional strain could be even greater. for support. Discuss your experience These events affect not only the survivors, with them. but the rescue workers, friends, and rela- 5. Participate in leisure and recreational tives of the people involved. The trauma activities. Include exercise in your day. can also affect people who have seen the 6. Try to help others and to keep yourself event in person or viewed on television. busy. 7. Do not avoid situations or people that Common responses remind you of the trauma. A person's response to a traumatic event is 8. Resolve daily conflicts and issues so influenced by his or her life experiences they don't add to your stress. and resources, such as a support network 9. Consider seeking professional assis- of family and friends. If the disaster sepa- tance if your symptoms affect your rates you from your support network for a day-to-day living and your relation- long time, you need to work on building a ships with family and friends. Call new support network in the area where your health care provider or call your you have relocated. local mental health clinic if you or Common emotions may include feel- someone you know has these symp- ings of fear, grief, and depression. Physical toms. symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, 10. Avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope changes in appetite, flashbacks, and with the trauma. changes in sleep patterns, to name a few. How long these responses last are individ- How To Help Your Child ual, but some can last weeks and in some 1. Return to your child's daily routines as cases months. Most people report feeling soon as possible. better within three months after the event. 2. Help your child eat at normal times and get rest. How To Help Yourself 3. Encourage your child to discuss his or 1. Understand that your feelings (such as her feelings and thoughts. Don't be anger and depression) and symptoms judgmental. (such as nausea, fatigue, and 4. Talk to your child and explain that it is headache), especially right after the okay to feel upset when bad or scary event, are normal. things happen.

65 From the Department of Health and Human Sciences, Centers of Disease Control. Reviewed by Dr. Patsilu Reeves, former Associate Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1707 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

66 Disaster Relief How Families and Neighbors Can Help One Another Cope

Disasters bring an incredible range of emo- sessions, there is a strong sense of having tions. Survivors can feel anger and eupho- shared with others a dangerous, catastroph- ria at the same time. Temporary homeless- ic experience and having lived through it. ness, damaged personal items, lost crops, Research has shown many disaster victims and an uncertain future weigh heavily on think of their fellow shelter residents as disaster victims. Unfortunately, the need family. Supported and often encouraged by to talk about one's losses, fears, and anxi- the influx of official and governmental staff eties may be forgotten in the wake of who promise many kinds of help, the vic- cleanup efforts. tims begin cleanup. There is anticipation Mental health professionals have iden- that more help will soon be available. Pre- tified a number of post-disaster phases sur- existing community groups and emergency vivors may experience, as well as guide- community groups are very important lines for managing disaster-related stress. resources during this period. The most common coping tools are our abilities to listen, talk, and actively support Phase 3: Disillusionment phase one another during this time. This phase generally lasts from about 2 It is important to “lean” on your sup- months to years. Strong feelings of disap- port group, for example family, friends, pointment, anger, resentment, and bitter- neighbors, and church members. ness may appear if failures occur and the It is important to recognize the emo- expected aid is not received. Outside agen- tional phases you may experience after dis- cies may need to leave, and some of the aster. The four principal phases are dis- local community groups may weaken. cussed in the following sections. Phases Also contributing to this stage may be the often overlap. gradual loss of the feeling of shared community as victims concentrate on rebuild- Phase 1: Heroic phase ing their own lives and solving their indi- At the time the disaster hits and immedi- vidual problems. ately after. Emotions are strong and direct. People find themselves being called upon Phase 4: Reconstruction phase and responding to demands for heroic Survivors come to realize they will need to action to save their own and others' lives solve the problems of rebuilding their own and property. People act unselfishly. They homes, businesses, farms, and lives largely help others survive and recover. The most by themselves and gradually assume important resources during this phase are responsibility for the tasks. This phase gen- family groups, neighbors, and emergency erally lasts for several years after the disas- teams of various sorts. ter. The appearance of new buildings replacing old ones, the beginnings of new Phase 2: Honeymoon phase construction, and the development of new This period generally is from 1 week to 6 programs and plans all reaffirm residents' months after the disaster. For survivors, belief in their community and their own even with the loss of loved ones and pos- capabilities. If these signs of progress are

67 delayed, however, the emotional problems that appear • Show by words and actions that you care. A friend- may be serious and intense. Community groups with a ly arm around troubled shoulders or a few words longer-term investment in the community and its peo- of support can help tremendously. Offer specific ple become key players during this phase. types of help, or ask how you can help. Don't be afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing. And Coping Skills keep helping. Even small, kind deeds mean a lot to • Let people help. Take advantage of people who are others. willing and able to help. Volunteers may sandbag • Do not use negative coping strategies such as alco- or cleanup of debris. Relief agencies may offer food hol and drugs. and cleaning supplies. The extra help can make a critical difference between coping and suffering. Supporting Your Family • Take care of your physical and emotional needs. • Tell family members when they have done a good See that you and your family members eat a bal- job. anced diet to fuel your energy. Try to get enough • Laugh! Laughter can help relieve tension. sleep. Fatigue slows you down during an emer- • Be considerate of other family members. gency and makes you prone to accidents and • Express love and concern often. injury. Talk with others about your feelings and lis- • Exercise together. ten to theirs. Together, look for positives in the situation. Additional Resources • Be patient with one another. Realize that when we • Health and human service workers suffer losses, it is natural to express disbelief, anger, • Clergy sadness, anxiety, and depression afterwards. • School personnel Emotions and moods can roller coaster. Spouses' • Financial and legal assistance agencies viewpoints may differ considerably. • Mississippi State University Extension Service • Don't overlook the feelings of children as you deal with the disaster. They need to feel they can count on you for extra attention, love, and support. Reassure them, making sure they understand they are not responsible for the problems you face. • Focus on the big picture instead of little details and little problems. Don't expect things to instantly restore themselves. • Remember that a support network is essential. In addition to family members and friends, you may wish to speak with clergy members and professional counselors. In some cases, you may need to refer a family member or friend for help.

From the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences' Disaster Handbook. Distributed by Human Sciences staff. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1766 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-11-07)

68 Disaster Relief Recognizing Your Own Anger

Anger has three parts. One is the way • Breathe: Take several deep breaths, and your body reacts to anger—the physiologi- roll your shoulders. This helps dissi- cal component. Another is the thoughts pate the anger. we have when we are angry—the cognitive component. And the third part of • Journal: When you journal, you can anger is what we do or want to do when express your emotions without hurting we are angry—the behavioral component. other people.

Situation • Talk it out: Talking to a counselor can Example: Mold in home help get your anger out.

• Meditate: Meditating, reading inspira- Body/Physiological - I feel flushed. tional material, or praying can help reduce stress. Thoughts/Cognitive - It’s not fair! The RETHINK Method Actions/Behavioral - I yell at or ignore my child. of Managing Anger

Anger Coping Methods After the Storm: Deal with disaster stress. It is important to have some positive coping techniques available during difficult R- Recognize anger in yourself and others. times. Here are some positive anger coping methods: E- Empathize with the other person. • Back off: You might take a walk or T- Think about the situation. leave the room to reduce anger and stop an argument. This works even H- Hear what is being said. when the anger is in yourself. I- Integrate respect and love when • Empathize: The anger comes from the expressing anger. frustration of the disaster and the stress the disaster created. N- Notice your body’s reaction to anger. • Perception: Think about the situation K- Keep your attention on the present differently; the way you react to any problem. situation depends on how you perceive that situation.

• Exercise: Exercise can reduce stress and improve your overall mood.

69 Adapted from the North Dakota State University Extension Service publication, Recognizing Your Own Anger. Revised for Mississippi by Dr. Patsilu Reeves, retired Associate Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. M1456 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

70 Disaster Relief Signs of Distress in Children

Things to look for A mental health professional, in a child’s behavior: school counselor, or social • acting like a younger child; thumb suck- worker should be contacted if ing; loss of toilet training skills; separa- you notice any of these: tion difficulties (crying, fussing, or clinging when parents leave); difficulty in • a very unusual change in behavior making changes; increased whining, or appearance that lasts for more dependency, or "neediness" than 2 weeks • fear of storms (rain, thunder, wind) • several different kinds of symptoms • difficulty sleeping, nightmares (child appears sad, complains of • showing no signs of emotion headaches, and sleeps in class) • looking sad or depressed, crying • symptoms are seen in different settings • being unusually quiet or withdrawn (in different classes, outside of school, at • being uninterested in things that were home, with peers) usually enjoyed • the child threatens or actually tries to • complaints of headaches, stomachaches, harm himself or other symptoms of illness • the child shows signs of abuse or neglect • acting out, aggression, disobedience, talking back, destructiveness, stealing What You Can Do • outbursts of anger, irritability, sudden • Hug and touch your child often. changes in mood • Reassure the child frequently that you • poor concentration, restlessness, day- are safe and together. dreaming • Talk with your child about his/her feel- • tiredness, sleeping in class ings about the disaster. Share your feel- • increased absences or tardiness; not ings, too. Give information the child can wanting to go to school understand. • declining school performance; not inter- • Talk about what happened. ested in completing homework • Spend extra time with your child at bed- • changes in relationships with peers time. (suddenly spending a lot more or a lot • Let children grieve about their lost treas- less time with friends) ures: a toy, a blanket, a lost home. • clinging/fear of being left alone • Talk with your child about what you • changes in eating and sleeping habits will do if another disaster strikes. Let your child help in preparing and plan- ning for future disasters. • Try to spend extra time together in family activities to begin replacing fears with pleasant memories (such as going for a walk each night or having a picnic). • If your child is having problems at school, talk to the teacher so that you can work together to help your child.

71 Adapted from materials by the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service and the American Red Cross. Distributed in Mississippi by Human Sciences staff. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1690 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-11-07)

72 Disaster Relief Children Need Help Coping with Disaster

Natural disasters may cause stress for peo- When children exhibit such behaviors, ple of all ages, but adults need to realize they are craving attention. Parents need to children may need extra help in coping continually respond to their needs and with a natural disaster. repeatedly assure them they are loved and A child's reaction to a disaster will their feelings are important. vary depending on age, maturity, and pre- vious experience. Many children express Adults need to remember several facts: common fears during or after a disaster: darkness, abandonment, and death. • Children do not have mature reason- Children have trouble understanding ing skills. what the disaster is and why it happens. When children experience a natural • Children lack an accurate understand- disaster, parents and other adults should ing of cause and effect. encourage them to express their feelings. They may choose to express their feelings • Children have not had the chance to through talking or playing. become skilled at handling stress. Children often have many questions following a disaster. Take time to answer • Children need to discuss stress issues their questions but do so with simple, honestly and at their level of under- accurate answers. Also take time to talk to standing. children about your own feelings. Children may feel at fault for the dis- • Children need help to prevent pres- aster. Parents should reassure them that sures from building. they are not responsible for what occurred. They may also feel abandoned • If the stress reaches a crisis level in the or neglected by parents who are busy child, seek help from professional cleaning and rebuilding after the disaster. counselors. Close contact assures these children that you are there for them and will not aban- don them. Spending extra time putting children to bed at night can help ease their concerns. Other unusual behaviors a child may exhibit include hitting and kicking in anger or frustration, becoming quiet and withdrawn, retreating to behaviors shown at a younger age, exhibiting symptoms of illness, or refusing to be out of a parent's sight.

73 Copyright 2011 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service. By Dr. Louise E. Davis, Extension Professor, Human Sciences. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Information Sheet 1697 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (POD-06-06)

74 Additional Resource Information

Booklets with more detailed information and illustra- Financial Resources tions about flood and mold clean-up may be downloaded from the Internet. Use the links listed here, or Emergency Financial First Aid Kit search by title and sponsoring organization. An effort of FEMA, Operation Hope, and Citizen Corps. http://www.citizencorps.gov/downloads/pdf/ready/EF Creating a Healthy Home: A Field Guide for Clean-up of FAK_2010_FEMA.pdf Flooded Homes An illustrated 18-page booklet created through a coop- Recovery after Disaster: The Family Financial Toolkit erative effort of the National Center for Healthy This toolkit is a joint project of University of Housing, NeighborWorks America, and Enterprise Minnesota Extension, North Dakota State University Community Partners. Extension Service, and Lutheran Social Service of http://www.nchh.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ANhn Minnesota. OoaHSfY%3d&tabid=311 http://www.extension.umn.edu/family/tough- times/disaster-recovery/family-financial-toolkit/ A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home View photos and instructions online or download a Financial Security: Money Management in Times of Disaster booklet. Includes EPA recommendations. Resources from eXtension, the Cooperative Extension http://www.epa.gov/mold/cleanupguidelines.html System. http://www.extension.org/pages/26408/financial-secu- Flood Cleanup and the Air in Your Home rity:-money-management-in-times-of-disaster Basic safety and cleanup information in an easy-to- read booklet with color illustrations. Also available in When Your Income Drops Spanish. Mississippi State University Extension Service Family http://www.epa.gov/iaq/flood/index.html Resource Management series. http://msucares.com/frm/income_drops.html Recover after a Disaster Red Cross online guides. http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aa ecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=74e51a53f1c 37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD

Recover and Rebuild Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/index.shtm additional additional resource information Copyright 2011 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonproﬁt educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Compiled by Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, Extension Professor, School of Human Sciences.

Publication 2693 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director (200-11-11)