CEDAR COUNTY FLOOD INFORMATION
FEMA: Register AS SOON AS POSSIBLE at 1-800-621-FEMA or online at www.fema.gov.
Anyone affected in any manor by the flood should sign up, even if you do not feel you need assistance at this time. Be sure that when you are asked to fill out a loan application, you do so. This is
part of the process and if you fail to do this, your chance for qualifying for any federal assistance program may be impacted.
HOME ENTRY: You should
use EXTREME CAUTION when evaluating your property prior to entry to your home or buildings. The buildings may be unsafe. Assistance
of a contractor is strongly advised. The American Red Cross has a booklet entitled Repairing
Your Flooded Home. Please refer to this booklet for steps to safely return to and clean your home.
WASTE REMOVAL: Flood-damaged material may be taken to the Cedar County Transfer Station and you will need to leave your
name and phone number. You will not be required to pay upfront, but unless other funding sources are found, you will be responsible
for the bill.
SANDBAG DISPOSAL: Contact with flood waters may have contaminated the sand, so prolonged contact is not recommended. Citizens
are also advised against using the sand for play areas, like sand boxes or play grounds.
The Cedar County Environmental Health office recommends the following:
· Use gloves and eye protection when dealing with
the used sandbags.
· Sandbags may be retained for up to six months
for use in future flood fighting operations.
· Sandbags may be used as fill if they will be covered
with a layer of dirt.
· Sand may be emptied from the bags and used to
fill low areas or added to soil as conditioner.
· Empty sandbags should be placed in a yard and
garden type trash bag and sent to the transfer station.
TETANUS BOOSTERS: The recommendation is for a tetanus booster every ten years. People who are cut or injured and have not
had a tetanus shot in the last five years should receive a booster. If you are
unsure of the date of your last vaccine, you should receive a booster. Cedar County Public Health will be coming out to the
area this week to offer needed boosters. If you have questions, please contact your physician or Cedar County Public Health
at 886-2226.
BE SAFE and HEALTHY: It is important to consider health and safety when dealing with flood clean up.
- Avoid flood waters
when possible. When you do have contact with contaminated material and water, be sure to wash with soap and hot water or use
alcohol-based sanitizer. THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT DISEASE IS TO WASH YOUR HANDS.
- Use only clean
water (bottled, boiled or treated) for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene.
- Be extra careful
during clean up efforts. Keep children and pets out of the affected area; discard any items that cannot be completely washed
and disinfected, and watch where you step. There may be hidden dangers, as well
as animals, such as snakes, present.
- Do not use your
well until it is properly disinfected and tested. Contact your well contractors or the Cedar County Environmental office 886-2248
for information on disinfecting your water well. Testing kits will be available
through the Cedar County Environmental office.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT: If you are in need of emotional support or someone to talk to, please call Community Mental Health Center
for Mid-Eastern Iowa at 1-800-697-3165. You will need to identify yourself as a Cedar County flood victim.
Iowa Department of Public Health
Division of Behavioral Health
Frequently Asked Questions
About Coping with Stress After a Disaster
Overview:
Recent storms and rainfall have caused flooding
throughout Iowa. Certain communities have also been impacted by tornados. While the immediate crisis will stabilize, many
Iowans face long hours of clean-up and disaster recovery. This fact sheet answers questions about how to cope with emotional
stress related to disaster and disaster recovery.
What should I know about disaster and stress?
No one who witnesses a disaster is untouched by it. In the middle of the crisis, it’s normal to be anxious
about your safety and the safety of your family and friends. It is also normal to be worried about your property. As the crisis
passes and recovery begins, you may begin to wonder about the impact on work or school and the community around you and on
your daily activities. You may face many frustrations as you try to get things back to normal. It is important to believe
that you will get through this. It helps if you follow a few basic tips to manage your stress.
What should I do to take care of myself and support others?
Different people react in different ways -- there is no one right way to feel or to respond to disaster! Taking
care of yourself is the right thing to do for yourself and for those who count on you. Here are things to do:
- • Watch out for emotional exhaustion or strain. Signs may include:
- general anxiety or nervousness
- feeling numb or having difficulty communicating thoughts/feelings
- confusion or difficulty concentrating
- limited attention span
- becoming easily frustrated or irritable
- feeling depressed or crying easily
- poor work performance
- physical problems like increased heart rate/blood pressure, headaches, stomach problems, or cold/flu symptoms
- • Spend time with family and friends. If your normal supports are not available, do not hesitate to turn to:
- community health centers
- mental health organizations
- substance abuse counselors
- 12-Step or other self help groups
- your church, mosque, synagogue, or clergy
• Resume a normal sleep schedule as quickly as possible. Get plenty of rest and take frequent rest breaks
before exhaustion builds up.
- • Pay attention to any change in your use of alcohol and/or drugs. Avoid increasing your use. Continue to take prescription
medications as prescribed.
- • Set priorities for clean-up and recovery. Pace yourself to avoid physical or mental exhaustion.
- • Take advantage of disaster relief programs and services in your community. Learn as much as you can!
