Flood cleanup safety tips for residents in Houston, Hickman, Humphreys, and Dickson Counties
WAVERLY, Tenn., Aug. 27, 2021 – American Red Cross
disaster responders from across Tennessee and the nation are on the ground in
Houston, Hickman, Humphreys and Dickson counties assisting residents affected by the historic flooding on Aug. 21. The area received up to 17 inches of rain in 12
hours and is being called the deadliest flooding event in Tennessee history.
Twenty people died in the swift flowing flood waters; and hundreds are
displaced from their homes. The Red Cross is in the area to provide damage
assessment and assistance to residents.
Red Cross is
providing sheltering assistance with our local partners and our volunteers are
out in the areas affected providing clean-up and comfort kits, snacks and meals
to comfort people impacted by floods.
- Red Cross volunteers continue to reach out to access areas affected to provide support to citizens. Many roadways are unpassable still, but our disaster volunteers will continue to seek communities that need assistance as it is safe to do so. If you know of someone in need of assistance, please contact us at 1-800-RED CROSS.
- Red Cross continues working with our shelter partners, feeding and supplying a safe place for residents to sleep that have had their homes were damaged or destroyed.
- A Red Cross managed feeding kitchen has been established at Apex Bank in Waverly. From that location, our crews will load up 2,500 hot meals per day to support mobile feeding in the community.
- Red Cross is working closely with local officials, community partners, and Emergency Management Agencies to assess community needs.
- Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles are working their way through affected neighborhoods supplying hot food, clean-up and comfort kits to residents. Supplies will include rakes, shovels, tarps, cases of water, and snacks for clean-up. Each client household will receive a plastic tote filled with work gloves, flashlight, roll of trash bags, dust mask, hand sanitizer and sunscreen among other items.
- Red Cross is working with the Health Department to provide nursing support for the community’s health needs.
- Disaster Mental Health volunteers are on site providing assistance to anyone in need of help.
- All services of the American Red Cross are being provided with strict COVID protocols to ensure safety for clients, staff and volunteer workforce. This includes a mask mandate regardless of vaccine status.
- Red Cross is working with FEMA and other partners at the Multi-Agency Resource Center at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 109 North Church St. in Waverly. This site will open for the public on Aug. 28, and will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is a “one stop shop” site for services and assistance registration.
“The clean-up has begun in Middle Tennessee” said Joel Sullivan,
Regional Executive Director for the American Red Cross. “We know people want to
salvage what they can from their homes, but with so many homes under water,
there are specific steps you need to take to ensure you and your family’s
safety as you pick up the pieces and clean out homes.”
Tips for Returning Home Safely After a Flood:
·
Do not enter a building until it has been inspected for damage to
the electrical system, gas lines, septic systems, and water lines or
wells.
·
Wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, safety
glasses, rubber boots, and masks to protect you from debris and airborne
particles, e.g., mold and dust.
·
Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and its
contents, for insurance purposes.
·
Do not use electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are
standing in water.
·
Use a flashlight; do not use candles during a power outage due to
extreme risk of fire.
·
Stay out of any building that has water around it.
·
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines. Report them
immediately to the power company.
Cleaning and Repairing Your
Home:
·
Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber
boots, and be cautious when cleaning up.
·
Open doors and windows. If the house was closed for more than 48
hours, air it out before staying inside for any length of time.
·
Remove any remaining water, large amounts of dirt/mud, damaged
items and other trash.
·
Clean hard surfaces throughout your home (flooring, countertops
and appliances) thoroughly with hot water and soap or a detergent. Then
disinfect with bleach or a commercial disinfectant (be sure to follow
directions on the bottle).
·
Dry soft surfaces (upholstered furniture, rugs, bedding and
clothing) in the open air if possible, before cleaning. If items were
underwater, they cannot be sanitized and cleaned.
·
Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood waters
and mud. When in doubt, throw it out. This includes canned goods, plastic
utensils, baby bottle nipples and containers with food or liquid that has been
sealed shut.
·
Any appliances that were inundated by flood water should be
checked by a professional before you use them.
Cleaning and sanitizing food
contact surfaces:
·
Throw away wooden cutting boards, wood or plastic utensils, and
baby bottle nipples and pacifiers that have come into contact with floodwater.
·
Use hot, soapy water to thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes
and utensils that have come into contact with floodwater.
·
Sanitize dishes by boiling them in a clean or properly treated
water or by immersing them for 10 to 15 min in a solution of 1 tablespoons of
unscented liquid of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water.
Health
officials also remind residents to be sure to know your tetanus shot history.
If you need a booster, your local health department, or primary physician can
provide that to you.
Disaster Recovery Updates
Aug. 23:
Shelter locations:
YMCA Dickson County
225 Henslee Dr.
Dickson, TN 37055
Fairfield Church of Christ
1860 TN-100
Centerville, TN 37033
Waverly First Baptist Church
300 E. Main St.
Waverly, TN 37185
Disasters are upsetting experiences for
everyone involved. Children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and
people for whom English is not their first language are especially at risk and
are likely to need extra care and help.
To reach out for free 24/7
counseling or support, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at
1-800-985-5990.
Emergency App:
Download the Red Cross
Emergency App for real-time weather alerts, open shelters, and expert advice on
what to do after a disaster. The Emergency App is available for free in-app
stores by searching “American Red Cross” or going to redcross.org/apps.
If you are interested in
learning about volunteering with the Red Cross, or to make a financial
donation, check out RedCross.org/Tennessee or
call 1-800-Red Cross.
Visit redcross.org/flood for
full flood safety information.
