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8/9/2019 Reducing Risks from Flooding
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1
Preparing for Flooding
Reduce the risks from flooding by
identifying risks and taking steps in
advance to reduce or eliminate them.
Identify what risks you face from a
flooding event
Determine priorities
Create a work-list of actions to takebefore flooding
Evaluate resources, and ways to
increase them that can help you
before, during and after flooding
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It can be hard to
make reasoned
decisions when
faced with risk
because of the
role of the sub-
conscious.
Our Minds Are Ever Vigilant, Not That We
Notice It
When planning for potential disasters, it is
important to understand the role our sub-
conscious plays when faced with risk.
Threats can appear with little notice, so our
subconscious is always analyzing our sur-
roundings to determine if action is neces-
sary. If there is the chance that our well-
being is at stake, stress hormones are re-
leased into our system to prepare us to
react quickly. We may interpret these
chemicals as positive or negative moods.
Before we consciously take note, our sub-
conscious has made a judgment either that
we should act so the threat will go away, or
we should ignore it. Unfortunately, this
means our subconscious may be causing
feelings of distress and nervousness at
times when we really want to be suave. On
the other hand, our subconscious may
also be working to distract us from taking
action in order to reduce threats it just
considers too large to tackle.
Signs that our subconscious is interfering
in non-helpful ways:
Dismissal: It wont be so bad. What will
be will be.
Anxiety/Fear: Urge to control everything,
hyper vigilance, feelings of vulnerability,
faster heartbeats, cold hands and feet,
mood swings, reduced patience, urge to
leave, either the area, the mood, or the
situation.
Finding Clarity
It is possible to transfer the majority ofthoughts related to flooding out of the
realm of the sub-conscious, reducing the
number of negative emotions. This can be
done by analyzing all of the key issues
that might go wrong and creating safe-
guards to deal with the possibilities.
Danger and our subconscious
Resilient Attitudes
Accepts that some things will be
affected by the flooding
Recognizes that it is possible to
influence outcomes and reduce
the number of things that can gowrong
Increases connection to commu-
nity to find solutions
Expects and accepts that there
will be periods where life doesnt
feel very good, remembering they
will pass
Remembers to think about the
situation in the long term, not
sacrificing future plans
Knows self: Reactions to stress
and best ways to relax
Attitudes That Make Harm
More Likely
Ignores situation: Hoping it
goes away or works out
Considers reaching out to
help others or to ask for help
as imposing
Treats it as personal attack:
Me vs. the river
Searches for targets to blame
-anger without reasoned ac-
tion
Treats negative emotions as
proof of weakness
Views receiving help a failure
Dreads change above all else
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When the Waters Start RisingEvery storm is different, but you should expect:
Traffic problems: Dont assume that travel into the area will be possible.
Dont assume you will get advance notice: There will usually be some warning that flooding is possible -
but not always. Keep track of the weather. Never have critical plans that depend on having considerable
warning and the ability to travel.
False alarms: Take every flood warning seriously, but be aware that not every warning will lead to
flooding. View false alarms as an opportunity to drill and test plans.
Water is less damaging when allowed to build up slowly and go down slowly. Keep that in mind when
planning for flood-proofing. Working to keep all water out often leads to an increase in the level of
damage if the attempt fails.
Consider early if you will use an emergency shelter or pet shelter. It is important to keep in mind that
they will close quickly. Often people decide to move to a shelter because they are running out of funds
only to find that the shelters have closed. You dont need to stay at an emergency shelter all day, and
you can usually bring bedding and some personal objects to make the experience more comfortable.
Storm
water can worsen
sewage problems if
wastewater manhole
covers are
removed.
Any low-lying area
faces a risk of flood-
ing, particularly if
storm drains are
blocked.
Erosion can happen
quickly as water passes
through. Learn to look
for signs that a landslideis possible.
Less damage occurs
when water is allowedto move in and out
with little resistance.
Wastewater (Sewage)
Storm water
With the wastewater
system overwhelmed,
anyone in this house who
turns on water or flushes a
toilet will have a problem.
When the wastewater
system is overwhelmed,
wastewater will travel
through what ever
opening is available:
Toilets, sinks, manholes.
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Avoiding Floods: Up or Out
The best way to reduce harm from flooding is to get people,
animals, objects, and documents away from flood waters.
This means moving them eitherup, to the east, or to the
west. How difficult this is depends on just how far the items
must be moved.
If something cannot be moved in the time frame allowed,like a building, be mentally and financially prepared for it to
be damaged by the flood. You may be able to take steps to
minimize the damage, but there is always the possibility
damage will occur.
Know Your Risks
Direct: If you are in the path ofweather-based flooding,
you can also expect risks from debris flow. An area at risk
for weather-related flooding is any area that is lower than
surrounding land around it.
If you live near a steep hill or fast moving water, be aware of
the risks that can occur due to erosion and landslides.
Indirect: If you live outside of the area directly affected by
flooding, you may still have to contend with sewage
backflow or back-up. Backflow happens when the sewage
system is overwhelmed. Wastewater will move backwards
through the pipes and exit wherever it can until pressure is
relieved. Back up can happen when the system is
overwhelmed and someone flushes the toilet, uses the
washing machine, etc.
Expect Isolation and Shortages: Large storm events often
can be expected to cut off roads for extended times. You
may not be able to get to or away from home. Be sure tostock enough groceries to provide for your family for 5 to 7
days.
Steps to Reducing Risk
There are steps that you can take to reduce long- term
harm. Your goal is to have all people, animals, objects, and
critical documents out of harms way.
Identifying Potential Solutions:
Keep in contact with family/loved ones. Maintain
communication about status via cell phone, short wave
radio, text messaging, neighbors, co-workers, and out-
of-area contacts.
Meet with your neighbors and discuss ways you can
help each other before, during, and after the flooding.This can include sharing equipment, providing status
checks on properties, people or animals, and helping
during an evacuation.
Identify locations outside of the flood area where you
can stay: Friends, relatives, motels, emergency shelters
(locations to be announced, AM radio, 2-1-1,
RPIN.org).
Important documents should be kept in a safe deposit
box or scanned and kept on a thumb drive. Keep
copies of originals with a trusted contact person.
Move objects away from the risk of water damageincluding a storage rental, with friends, relatives, or in a
car (if it will be kept out of area).
Arrange alternative care for pets and livestock. Talk to
friends, trusted contacts, vets, kennels, animal rescue
societies. Emergency animal shelters will be opened.
Listen for media announcements.
Arrange for back-up care givers and/or transportation:
Talk to professional care providers, neighbors, schools,
or nearby friends.
Investigate work-related resources such as your
companys Employee Assistance Program and
employee classifieds/message boards. See if you can
set up a section to talk with other people who may face
similar challenges.
Dont forget your personal networks such as local clubs,
affiliations, places of worship, or social networking
contacts.
Identifying Risks and Reducing Harm
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Prioritizing Items
Conduct an inventory of your household items.
Prioritize your items based on:
must preserve
prefer to preserve
The most important items should be stored out of
the area that may face flooding.
In Multi-story Buildings
When evaluating the suitability of multi-story
structures for avoiding flood waters, keep in mind
that any area facing deep water flooding will also
have to contend with the force of the flow of the
water, which can include large debris. Move less
important items to higher floors, but do not assumethat the upper levels will be safe from harm. People
and animals should never attempt to wait out the
flooding on higher floors.
Low-Level Flooding
Information from this section was taken from
FEMAs Repairing Your Flooded Home: http://
tinyurl.com/FEMAfloodrepair, or from information
provided by the LSU Agricultural Center: http://
tinyurl.com/LSU-flood.
Objects to Move Out of Waters Way
Move any item out of the way of flood waters that
can absorb moisture, or will be harmed if water
enters. Examples include: upholstery and
upholstered furniture, carpets, electronics, bedding,
clothes, photographs, and books.
Unmovable or Hard-to-Move Items
If low-level flooding is
predicted, it is possible to
raise appliances withconcrete blocks, or a
wooden platform
supported by concrete
blocks.
Be sure that appliances are secure enough that they
cant vibrate off during use. If changes to your
appliances require working with the gas or plumbing
lines, you will need to work with a licensed
contractor.
Flood Proofing
Do not attempt to create barriers to hold water out
over a depth of three feet.
If you expect flooding under 3 feet, either inside,
due to sewage, or outside, consider the use of low
level barriers. These can be created with sandbags
or plastic sheeting.
The Corps of Engineers has a video on creating
barriers with sandbags. It can be viewed at the
shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/Corps-sandbags
Sewage Backflow
Talk to your insurance agent to confirm that you arecovered for flood-related sewage back-up or
backflow.
Long-term solutions that can prevent sewage
backflow require building permits and the use of a
licensed contractor.
Plugs
A short-term solution involves blocking pipes to
prevent sewage backflow.
You can block the sewer pipes by using devices toblock water at points of entry. They go by different
names, such as Gripper plugs or Test plugs.
Gripper or test plugs are installed by placing them in
the drain tube and turning a nut. As the nut turns, it
causes the plug to expand and "grip" the wall of the
pipe.
Gripper plugs come in
different sizes; be sure to
get plugs that are the right
size for all your openings.Some sizes are available at
building supply stores; for
others, you may need to
visit a plumbing supply store. A 4-inch plug sells for
about $4.
Reducing Loss of Property
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To install a gripper in a tub or floor drain, you will
usually need to remove the strainer.
To block back-flow in the toilet using a gripper plug,
remove the toilet and place the gripper plug into
the exposed sewer pipe opening. Do not try to plug
the toilet bowl. Dont forget to turn off the water tothe toilet first and disconnect the water inlet to the
tank.
Long-Term Solutions
Long-term solutions to flooding often require the
use of licensed contractors, and receiving the
appropriate building permits. Never take short cuts
around this process.
Long-term solutions can involve extreme steps,
such as elevating or relocating the building,
creating flood-wall systems, or taking flood-
proofing measures like raising the structureselectrical system and adding openings to allow
water to flow in and out without causing harm.
There may be funding to help cover the costs of
these measures.
FEMA has a well-written document that covers all
of these options. You may read this document by
following the shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/
femafloodretro.
Hiring Contractors
Be cautious when contractors you dont know offer
special deals after a disaster, or want to use your
home as a model home. Ask for complete
financial details in writing and for an explanation of
any differences from regular prices. Sales are
worthwhile and they do exist, but be sure you are
getting the services and products for which you are
paying.
Things to consider if you hire a contractor:
Do not sign a contract when a salesperson has
pressured you. Federal law requires a three-
day cooling off period for unsolicited door-to-
door sales of more than $25. If you want to
cancel such a contract within three business
days of signing it, send your cancellation by
registered mail. Other types of sales may have
contracts with different cancellation clauses.
Beware if you are asked to pay cash on the
spot instead of a check made out to the
contracting company. A reasonable down
payment is up to 30% of the total cost of the
project.
Make sure your contractor calls you or aqualified observer to inspect work before it is
covered over. Shoddy work on sewers or
basement walls will be hidden from view, and
you wont know if there is a problem until the
next flood. Most building departments will want
to inspect electrical and plumbing lines before
the walls are covered with sheetrock or
paneling.
If you are a victim of fraud or have problems with a
less than reputable contractor, the state or localconsumer protection office or public attorneys
office should be able to tell you what to do.
The Washington Department of Labor has a
website with more information, including a
database of licensed contractors and information
on steps you can take if there are problems. You
may reach this website by following the shortened
URL: http://tinyurl.com/WAContractors
A long term so-
lution to back-
flow is to install
an automatic or
manual valve.
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Readiness Steps
Fill out Household Emergency Plan Worksheet to determine level of risk.
Fill out household member planning cards. Discuss plans with household members and caregivers, including shared
communication information.
Register with the citys notification system. Sign up to receive notifications from
RPIN.com. Evaluate whether to purchase a weather radio.
Create disaster supplies kits for your car and office that include storable food,
medicine, clothing, and contact information.
Confirm that you have the appropriate insurance coverage for the situation.
Consider carefully if you need flood insurance or a rider for sewage and/or groundmotion.
Gather important documents listed on page 12, and move to safe location, like a
safe deposit box or trusted contact. Consider scanning or duplicating for backup.
Make video or list of items in house for recovery purposes.
Use household inventory list to assess what priority items may require relocation off
premises, and which can simply be moved to avoid potential flooding.
Brainstorm the names of people and organizations who might be able to provideassistance.
Contact the people and organizations who may be able to help you. Write notes to
yourself beforehand so important details are not forgotten.
Determine strategy for reducing harm, if possible, for non-movable or hard to move
items. Create list of supplies needed.
Set a date for a work party to make changes inside house: Remove carpeting from
lower levels, raise appliances, move electronics and clothing, test how you will
block drains.
Meet with neighbors to make sure they are aware of the situation, and see if there
are ways you can help each other.
Use each weather warning as a drill. Evaluate and correct what parts of your
planning that didnt work.
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Determine Your Level of Risk
Circle all applicable: Minor Flooding? Major Flooding? Erosion/landslides?
Sewage Overflow? Isolation and Shortages? Other?
What household members require assistance to evacuate on short notice?
When household members need assistance to stay safe from flooding, the safest
option is to have them stay away from the area during potential flooding. Are thereways to make this possible?
If, after serious consideration, you determine that is not possible, work to create
contingency plans. Who will help the household member if you aren't available?
How will they get access to the household member?
How will you stay in contact?
Where and how will you meet?
What will you do if they cant help?
Household Emergency Plan WorksheetWhile you are thinking about emergency planning, take
the opportunity now to identify potential problems that
you may have, making sure that everyone in your
sphere of care has the ability to get away from the dan-
gers of flood waters.
For this worksheet household memberrefers to any
person, or animal in your sphere of care. This can in-
clude children, older adults, adults with different abili-
ties, etc.
After completion, fill out the Household Member Plan-
ning Cards, make copies, and share with everyone that
may be involved with helping secure everyones safety.
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Household Member Planning CardsName:
Where will they most likely be during flooding if takes place during day?
Night?
How will they get warning that flooding is possible:
How will they get out of the way of flooding?
How will they check in? Mobile Phone/Texting? Number:
Out of area name and number?
Name and number of a friend, co-worker, or neighbor who might be able to tell you information on
their status:
Where and when will you meet if separated? How long should they wait before leaving a note?
Name:
Where will they most likely be during flooding if takes place during day?
Night?
How will they get warning that flooding is possible:
How will they get out of the way of flooding?
How will they check in? Mobile Phone/Texting? Number:
Out of area name and number?
Name and number of a friend, co-worker, or neighbor who might be able to tell you information on
their status:
Where and when will you meet if separated? How long should they wait before leaving a note?
Name:
Where will they most likely be during flooding if takes place during day?
Night?
How will they get warning that flooding is possible:
How will they get out of the way of flooding?
How will they check in? Mobile Phone/Texting? Number:
Out of area name and number?
Name and number of a friend, co-worker, or neighbor who might be able to tell you information on
their status:
Where and when will you meet if separated? How long should they wait before leaving a note?
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Name:
Where will they most likely be during flooding if takes place during day?
Night?
How will they get warning that flooding is possible:
How will they get out of the way of flooding?
How will they check in? Mobile Phone/Texting? Number:
Out of area name and number?
Name and number of a friend, co-worker, or neighbor who might be able to tell you information on
their status:
Where and when will you meet if separated? How long should they wait before leaving a note?
Name:
Where will they most likely be during flooding if takes place during day?
Night?
How will they get warning that flooding is possible:
How will they get out of the way of flooding?
How will they check in? Mobile Phone/Texting? Number:
Out of area name and number?
Name and number of a friend, co-worker, or neighbor who might be able to tell you information on
their status:
Where and when will you meet if separated? How long should they wait before leaving a note?
Name:
Where will they most likely be during flooding if takes place during day?
Night?
How will they get warning that flooding is possible:
How will they get out of the way of flooding?
How will they check in? Mobile Phone/Texting? Number:
Out of area name and number?
Name and number of a friend, co-worker, or neighbor who might be able to tell you information on
their status:
Where and when will you meet if separated? How long should they wait before leaving a note?
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Avoid Situations that Can Lead to a Loss of
Income.
Good Guidance from Human Resources: Human
resources specialist Cathryn Laird had this good
advice on ways to balance work with flood related
problems:
Let your supervisor know ASAP if you are unable to
get to work or if you need to leave early due to the
circumstances.
Know your departments policy, reduce
disruptions, make sure your supervisor knows
what to expect.
Find out if telecommuting is possible, either from
home or an alternate location.
Find out about the absentee policy if you areunable to get to work. Will you need to use
vacation or personal holiday time? Is this policy
different for exempt and non-exempt staff?
Keep Your Financial Information Together, and
Out of Floods Way.
Page 12 lists the types of documents that should be
kept safe.
Avoiding Surprises about Insurance
Homeowners and rental insurance policies rarely
provide any form of coverage for water inundation:
flooding or sewage. These must be added on to
existing coverage.
Insurance: National Flood
It is very important to be aware that flooding and
sewage backflow are not usually covered by
homeowners and rental insurance policies; these
must be added.
National Flood Insurance Program
Homeowners and renters in our area can receive
flood insurance through the National Flood
Insurance Program. The NFIP includes coverage for
flood caused sewage back-up, and flood related
seepage, even if the flood waters do not reach the
property.
Other expenses covered include: loss of food, clean-
up expenses, and debris removal.
Only limited coverage is provided for basements,
and there is no coverage for objects outside the
building, like hot tubs or vehicles. Assistance is not
provided for alternate housing for the period you aredisplaced by the flood, nor damage from mildew
caused by flood waters.
Be aware that there are two types of insurance:
structural, with a maximum coverage of $250,000
and Content, which has a $100,000 maximum.
National Flood Insurance needs to be purchased 4
weeks before it is used.
Private Insurance
Most private insurance plans do not cover flooding,but individuals without flood insurance may get a
rider for sewage back-up. Be sure to check if the
company would cover back-up related to flooding
before purchasing the policy.
Auto Insurance
Comprehensive auto insurance usually covers
damage due to flooding.
Disaster Assistance
The Federal Government provides assistance to
households that have been affected by disasters
only if an area is determined to meet the criteria to
be a Federally Declared Disaster. The process of
determining eligibility is long, and usually is
accompanied by changing information about which
areas will or wont be declared.
Assistance is provided if there is non-insured
damage to the structural parts of your home, and
electrical system, but not to basements, siding, etc.
There are many non-profit organizations that providepost-disaster assistance. This may include help with
clothing, furniture, food, and repairs to make your
house livable. Recently this help has been reduced
in circumstances where the non-profit predicts that
the event will become a Federally Declared Disaster.
Protecting Your Finances
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If it isnt possible to safeguard all of your property,
you can help reduce the impact of flooding by
having information and documentation that will
speed up recovery while reducing frustration.
For insurance or recovery help:
Home inventory: Video or list, with receipts if
possible.
Information that will be requested in order to
receive Federal assistance:
Your Social Security Number
Proof of residency in the damaged location,
such as a utility or credit card bill, delivery
notice, a pay stub, current driver and/or non-
drivers license, or first-class mail addressed to
you
A telephone number where you can be
contacted
Insurance information
Total household annual income
A routing and account number from your bank
(only necessary if you want to have disaster
assistance funds transferred directly into your
bank account)
A description of your losses caused by the
disaster
You may be asked to provide proof of identity
with an original document. Acceptable
documents include: Marriage license, military
ID, tax documents, etc.
Documents to gather, back up, and keep secure
Important photographs and sentimental items
Birth, death, and marriage certificates
Adoption papers
Identification, including drivers license and
passport
Recent bank and brokerage statements
House deeds
Mortgage and home equity notes
Car title, lease, or loan information
Insurance policies and agent contact numbers
Credit and debit cards, both front and back
A household inventory
Tax returns for the past three years
The location of wills, trusts, and powers of
attorney
Names and contact numbers for executors,
trustees, and guardians
A list of your financial advisers and their
contact information
A list of user IDs and passwords for online
financial accounts
Federal Civilian Personnel Records
Immigration Documents
Medical Information Form
Medicare data
Military Service Records
Savings Bonds
School Records
Social Security Card
Tax Returns
Vital Record Replacement:
Replacing Documents: http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/
Topics/Family_Issues/Vital_Docs.shtml
Restoring flood damaged photos: http://
www.archives.gov/preservation/disaster-response/
guidelines.html
Information That Can Speed Recovery
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Remember, all supplies need to
be kept where flood water can
not reach them.
Maintaining Health
Water: Ways to purify, filter,bleach; pots and a safe way
to boil.
Back up prescription
medication
Power back up for medical
equipment, emergency
prescription replacements
(medicine, glasses, hearing
aids). Red Cross site and
Public Health have pharmacyinformation
Food: Non-perishable, out of
flood water: Soups, peanut
butter, fruits, and can opener
Soap, hand sanitizer,
disinfectant
Plan for sanitation: Plastic
bags, bucket
Blankets
Coats
Wet-weather gear
Comfort and Well Being
Bedding
Clothing
Comfort items: Tea,
chocolate, good book, games
Communication device with
contact numbers
Speeding up recovery
Camera or camcorder to
record damages
Cleaning Up
*Save receipts for equipment,
cleaning products, services
Work gloves
Masks
Eye protection
Long sleeves/pants
Waders/boots
Broomstick with nail pokerfor creating drainage paths in
walls or ceilings
Shovels
Buckets
Mops
Plastic contractor bags
Hoses
Hammer, nails
Cleaning Supplies
Bleach,
Hard surface disinfectants
Mildew reducers
Squeegee
Drying Out
Chemical dehumidifier packs
used for drying boats and
damp closets
Clay-based cat litter
List of flood recovery
contractors
Consider renting or buying
Pumps
Fans or blowers
Wet-Dry vacuum
Dehumidifiers
Back-up power source
Flickr.com Phrakture
Useful Supplies To Have On Hand
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Many of us dont think very much
about the role of our
subconscious when we go aboutour days, but it is always very
active. It plays a role in helping
us fall asleep, getting us to wake
up, regulating when we are
worried, happy, or even ecstatic.
Each of the different feelings we
experience are related to a
mixture of different chemicals our
bodys produce. Some can create
nervous or excited experiences
until others are triggered that
neutralize them. In a normal day
this chemical profile is
characterized by surges of stress
-related hormones in the morning
to wake us up. However, over the
course of the day, even with the
occasional challenge that causes
a spike in excitement, the level of
this chemical is neutralized, until
in the evening we are ready for
an enjoyable nights rest.
When faced with a threat, the
brain triggers the release of a
combination of stress hormones
with the goal of pushing the
conscious mind to act.
Initially these chemicals can feel
great. They can lead to a sense
of confidence, excitement, and
focus. But if you compare a
period of extended stress with arelaxed day, far more stress
chemicals are released than can
be processed, so our sleep
begins to be disrupted, and we
start the next day with an even
higher level of stress hormones in
our system.
Dont Necessarily Trust Your
Feelings
In periods of extended stress, the
cause of the stress passes, but
the chemicals released in
response stay. These chemicals
are designed to push you to act
through the urge to get away or
to confront. In women, often the
urge is to reach out to others.
However, the stressful emotions
remain, and this can lead to
problems when our conscious
minds try to attribute them tosomething. Get away becomes
quit my job or take something to
leave my consciousness.
Confront can become picking a
fight. Taking a bold step to tackle
danger is transmuted into risk-
taking behavior. It is very easy to
Making It Through the Emotional Marathon
Never underestimate
the power of bunnies.
Grab on to good feel-
ings wherever youfind them.
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take an action that changes the course of your life
in the wrong direction, simply based on the
misinterpretation of why a stressor is gone but you
still feel stressed.
DIY Stress Reduction
In times of extreme stress, it is possible to reduce
the level of stress hormones in your system by
recognizing and stopping the release of stress
chemicals, and triggering the release of
neutralizing and relaxation chemicals.
Pause stressful thoughts: Pay attention to your
emotions. If you find yourself worried and unhappy,
pause your thinking by imagining what neutral
would feel like.
Work it out. Your subconscious is trying to behelpful by priming your muscles to a fight or flight
response. You can neutralize those chemicals by
giving your subconscious what it wants: A surge of
movement. If your doctor says your health is up to
it, go create a short burst of activityclimb some
stairs, work out, shake your hands vigorously .
Find a happy place. Weve all seen how actors
can create real emotion by focusing on a memory,
or how they imagine a character would feel. We
can do that too. You can get a short-term burst of
positive emotions that will help the process ofbalancing the stress chemicals by focusing on a
happy memory. Visualize bliss.
Sigh in contentment. Really. You may not feel
content, but that deep exhale from your diaphragm
is an automatic trigger for relaxation chemicals.
Laugh. This is great if you can find something
funny, but still beneficial if you cant. Simply the act
of laughing is another automatic stress chemical
neutralizer.
Write your memoirs. Often your subconscious willrelease chemicals spurring you to act until it has
the sense that you have solved the problems that
you face. Writing down your experiences can help
this happen.
Talk. Talk with a counselor or spiritual advisor.
Talk with individuals who have experience guiding
others through pain.
Dont expect to feel blissful. Experiencing high-
stress and hard times doesnt feel good. There is
no way around it. Dont be frustrated if all of your
relaxation techniques dont lead to a sense of inner
contentment. That wont be possible until the
problems related to living where flooding happens
have been resolved. Your goal is to reduce the
long-term impact of stress, and to reduce the
chance that you will make poor decisions on
incorrect assumptions.
Dont Rush. Recovery takes time. Everything
about flooding recovery, from insurance payments
to mood improvements, is probably going to take
longer than you feel that it should. Remind yourself
to be patient.
Sources of emotional help:
Call your Employment Assistance Program.
Crisis Clinic: 1-866-427-4747 (1-866 4CRISIS)
Not every tried and true stress-reduction method
works for every person. You may enjoy fussing over
cute and cuddly. Know yourself and find your own
path to relaxation.
8/9/2019 Reducing Risks from Flooding
16/16
16
Information SourcesNotification
Regional Public Information Network http://www.rpin.orgNOAA warnings: http://tinyurl.com/NOAAalertsHow to program a Weather Radios to turn on when a warning is present: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm
Live Stream of Weather Radio Broadcasts for Renton: http://audioplayer.wunderground.com/n7xrd/Renton.mp3.m3u Federal Way: http://audioplayer.wunderground.com/shatch/federal_way.mp3.m3u
Real Time Weather and Forecast:Interactive Weather Map http://www.komonews.com/weather/int_radarGraphical Forecast: http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphical/sectors/pacnorthwest.php
Real Time and 48 Hour Flood ForecastKing County Flood Warning Center: http://kingcounty.gov/floodNOAA Flood Forecast Map* (very user friendly) http://tinyurl.com/NOAAfloodwith more rivers gauges (but less user friendly) http://tinyurl.com/NOAAflooddetail
Tukwila
City of Tukwila: http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/hhdam.html Flood watch elist: http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/listserv/hhdam_elist.html Evacuation Routes: http://tinyurl.com/TukwilaEvacuation
RentonCity of Renton: http://rentonwa.gov/emergencies/default.aspx?id=26157 (includes flood scenario maps)Emergency Telephone notification http://tinyurl.com/RentonCodeRedEvacuation Routes: http://tinyurl.com/RentonEvacuation
AuburnCity of Auburn: http://tinyurl.com/HHAuburn Includes maps of predicted flood and sewage problemsEmergency Telephone Notification: http://tinyurl.com/AuburnCodeRedEvacuation Routes (same routes as the ones used if Mt. Rainier erupts) http://www.auburnwa.gov/Assets/PD/
AuburnWA/Docs/LaharEvacuationRoutes.pdfSandbag distribution points: http://tinyurl.com/Auburnsandbags
KentCity of Kent: http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/emergencymanagement/index.aspx?id=2636 Kent e-alert: http://tinyurl.com/Kentealert Emergency Telephone notification: http://tinyurl.com/KentCodeRedSandbag distribution: http://tinyurl.com/Kentsandbags
Recovery:Replacing Documents http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Family_Issues/Vital_Docs.shtml Restoring flood damaged photos http://www.archives.gov/preservation/disaster-response/guidelines.html FEMA, American Red Cross: Repairing Your Flooded Home: http://tinyurl.com/FEMAfloodrepair
LSU Agricultural Center: Flood Prevention Resource http://tinyurl.com/LSU-floodCorps of Engineers how to prepare sandbags: http://tinyurl.com/Corps-sandbagsAvailable Community Assistance: 2-1-1 (database of community resources)FEMA & SBA website: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/daip_en.portal (only if the flooding is considered a FederallyDeclared Disaster)
http://www.rpin.org/http://www.rpin.org/http://tinyurl.com/NOAAalertshttp://tinyurl.com/NOAAalertshttp://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htmhttp://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htmhttp://audioplayer.wunderground.com/n7xrd/Renton.mp3.m3uhttp://audioplayer.wunderground.com/n7xrd/Renton.mp3.m3uhttp://audioplayer.wunderground.com/shatch/federal_way.mp3.m3uhttp://audioplayer.wunderground.com/shatch/federal_way.mp3.m3uhttp://www.komonews.com/weather/int_radarhttp://www.komonews.com/weather/int_radarhttp://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphical/sectors/pacnorthwest.phphttp://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphical/sectors/pacnorthwest.phphttp://kingcounty.gov/floodhttp://kingcounty.gov/floodhttp://tinyurl.com/NOAAfloodhttp://tinyurl.com/NOAAfloodhttp://tinyurl.com/NOAAflooddetailhttp://tinyurl.com/NOAAflooddetailhttp://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/hhdam.htmlhttp://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/hhdam.htmlhttp://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/listserv/hhdam_elist.htmlhttp://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/listserv/hhdam_elist.htmlhttp://tinyurl.com/TukwilaEvacuationhttp://tinyurl.com/TukwilaEvacuationhttp://rentonwa.gov/emergencies/default.aspx?id=26157http://rentonwa.gov/emergencies/default.aspx?id=26157http://tinyurl.com/RentonCodeRedhttp://tinyurl.com/RentonCodeRedhttp://tinyurl.com/RentonEvacuationhttp://tinyurl.com/RentonEvacuationhttp://tinyurl.com/HHAuburnhttp://tinyurl.com/HHAuburnhttp://tinyurl.com/AuburnCodeRedhttp://tinyurl.com/AuburnCodeRedhttp://www.auburnwa.gov/Assets/PD/AuburnWA/Docs/LaharEvacuationRoutes.pdfhttp://www.auburnwa.gov/Assets/PD/AuburnWA/Docs/LaharEvacuationRoutes.pdfhttp://www.auburnwa.gov/Assets/PD/AuburnWA/Docs/LaharEvacuationRoutes.pdfhttp://tinyurl.com/Auburnsandbagshttp://tinyurl.com/Auburnsandbagshttp://www.ci.kent.wa.us/emergencymanagement/index.aspx?id=2636http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/emergencymanagement/index.aspx?id=2636http://tinyurl.com/Kentealerthttp://tinyurl.com/Kentealerthttp://tinyurl.com/KentCodeRedhttp://tinyurl.com/KentCodeRedhttp://tinyurl.com/Kentsandbagshttp://tinyurl.com/Kentsandbagshttp://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Family_Issues/Vital_Docs.shtmlhttp://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Family_Issues/Vital_Docs.shtmlhttp://www.archives.gov/preservation/disaster-response/guidelines.htmlhttp://www.archives.gov/preservation/disaster-response/guidelines.htmlhttp://tinyurl.com/FEMAfloodrepairhttp://tinyurl.com/FEMAfloodrepairhttp://tinyurl.com/LSU-floodhttp://tinyurl.com/LSU-floodhttp://www.disasterassistance.gov/daip_en.portalhttp://www.disasterassistance.gov/daip_en.portalhttp://www.disasterassistance.gov/daip_en.portalhttp://tinyurl.com/LSU-floodhttp://tinyurl.com/FEMAfloodrepairhttp://www.archives.gov/preservation/disaster-response/guidelines.htmlhttp://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Family_Issues/Vital_Docs.shtmlhttp://tinyurl.com/Kentsandbagshttp://tinyurl.com/KentCodeRedhttp://tinyurl.com/Kentealerthttp://www.ci.kent.wa.us/emergencymanagement/index.aspx?id=2636http://tinyurl.com/Auburnsandbagshttp://www.auburnwa.gov/Assets/PD/AuburnWA/Docs/LaharEvacuationRoutes.pdfhttp://www.auburnwa.gov/Assets/PD/AuburnWA/Docs/LaharEvacuationRoutes.pdfhttp://tinyurl.com/AuburnCodeRedhttp://tinyurl.com/HHAuburnhttp://tinyurl.com/RentonEvacuationhttp://tinyurl.com/RentonCodeRedhttp://rentonwa.gov/emergencies/default.aspx?id=26157http://tinyurl.com/TukwilaEvacuationhttp://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/listserv/hhdam_elist.htmlhttp://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/hhdam.htmlhttp://tinyurl.com/NOAAflooddetailhttp://tinyurl.com/NOAAfloodhttp://kingcounty.gov/floodhttp://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphical/sectors/pacnorthwest.phphttp://www.komonews.com/weather/int_radarhttp://audioplayer.wunderground.com/shatch/federal_way.mp3.m3uhttp://audioplayer.wunderground.com/n7xrd/Renton.mp3.m3uhttp://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htmhttp://tinyurl.com/NOAAalertshttp://www.rpin.org/