How to Cope Following a Flood

How to Cope Following a Flood

After a flood, your home and its contents may look beyond hope, but
many of your belongings can be restored. If you do things right, your
flooded home can be cleaned up, dried out, rebuilt, and reoccupied
sooner than you think. This article provides a series of actions for
you to follow in the event of a flood impacting your home.

!! Steps !!

!! Personal Crisis Help !!

* *Keep the family together.* Before anything else, ensure that
everyone is safe and in the same place or at least somewhere you
know they're safe. In bad times, togetherness is more important
than ever for providing mutual support for all family members.
*Deal with any health issues impacting your family.* It's important
to deal with health impacts such as protecting against waterborne
diseases, stress, and fatigue.

* Take care of emotional health. Discuss what is happening, talk
together and share your anxieties. Let others talk to you to help
release tension. Allow space for releasing emotions: crying is a
natural response to a disaster and it's also a great way to
release pent-up emotions. Watch for signs of stress. You've just
been through a disaster and the recovery period can be long, hard,
and chaotic.

* Ensure that everyone is getting enough sleep. Fatigue can bring on
other health problems as well as reducing energy levels. Rest
often.

* Eat well. You are more likely to suffer from stress and health
problems when you are weak and nutritionally impoverished.

*Stay healthy.* Prevent the flood waters from causing further damage
to your family's health by keeping good hygiene as much as possible.

* Wash your hands with soap and water, thoroughly and often.

* Confirm that the water is clean and safe. Don't drink it or
wash dishes until you're sure.

* Be safe around poisons. Many of the products you'll use to clean,
disinfect, and repair your home are poisons. Keep them out of the
reach of children and wear appropriate covering to protect
yourself.

* Take care not to hurt yourself. Injuries, especially back
injuries, are a common side effect of cleaning up after a flood.
Be conscious that infections are everywhere.

* Report health hazards. Tell the Health Department about animal
carcasses, rats, dangerous chemicals, and similar hazards on your
property.

* Infants, pregnant women, and people with health problems should
avoid the flooded area until cleanup is complete. When you work
in an area that has been flooded, you'll be exposed to dangerous
chemicals and germs that you are not used to and can make you very
sick.

*Take care of your children's specific needs.* Watch your children
closely. You can expect to see them display fear or symptoms of
stress.

* Make an effort to re-establish normal family routines as quickly
as possible, including schooling.

* Listen to what children say. Encourage them to talk or otherwise
express their feelings.

* Explain the disaster factually. Knowing the facts can help
children deal better with the disaster.

* Reassure children. Show them through words and actions that life
will return to normal.

* Be understanding. Remember, they are also going through a rough
time too. Be aware too that some children have heightened
sensitivities to the emotions of adults around them and will react
accordingly.

*Set a manageable schedule to start rebuilding.* Getting active as
soon as possible can help restore a sense of coping and well-being.
Make a list and do jobs one at a time. Establish a schedule to clean
up and rebuild. See the later sections of this article for more
details.

* As part of your plans, be sure to include flood-proofing. People
who are prepared ahead of time are better able to deal with
disasters. Getting ready for the next flood can give you a sense
of control over the future.

* *Seek help.* Special outreach programs and crisis counseling are
often set up following a disaster because so many people need help
to cope with their situation. You might be able to get shelter,
food, supplies, debriefing, etc., through such services.

* *Be patient.* Above all, try to be patient with your family, your
neighbors, the local, state, and federal authorities, and
volunteer agency personnel.

!! Giving Your Home First Aid !!

*Check your home before entering it again.* Once it's safe to go back
in, you'll be able to start protecting your home and contents from
further damage. Things to check before entering include:

* If there is standing water next to the outside walls of your home,
*don't* go in. You won't be able to tell if the building is
safe or structurally sound.

* Walk carefully around the outside of your home and check for loose
power lines and gas leaks. If you find downed lines or leaks, call
your utility company and don't enter until they've checked.

* Check the foundation for cracks or other damage. Examine porch
roofs and overhangs to be sure they still have all their supports.
If any supports or portions of the foundation wall are missing or
the ground has washed away, the floor is not safe.

* If you have any doubts about safety, contact a contractor before
going in. Proceed very carefully.

* *Turn off the electricity.* Even if the power company has turned
off electricity to the area, you must still make certain your
home's power supply is disconnected. You don't want the power
company to turn it on without warning while you're working on
it.

* *Turn off the gas.* Gas appliances and pipes may have moved or
broken during the flood, creating a gas leak. If you suspect a
leak or smell gas, leave your home immediately and call the gas
company from a neighbor's home or emergency shelter. Leave the
door open and, if the gas meter is outside, turn off the gas.
*Go inside carefully.* If the door sticks and has to be forced open,
it has probably swollen. If it only sticks at the bottom, it can be
forced open. If it sticks at the top, your ceiling may be ready to
fall.

* Once inside do not smoke or use candles, gas lanterns, or other
open flames.

* Air out your home completely—there may be explosive gas. This
also ensures that moisture is given a chance to start drying out.
Open doors and windows if the weather permits.

*Rescue the most valuable items.* Find and protect the irreplaceable
valuables such as money, jewelry, insurance papers, photographs, and
family heirlooms.

* Wash the mud off, so the items can dry.

* Resist the urge to stop and clean everything you pick up. You need
to get to work on protecting your home, assessing all the damages,
and planning your recovery.

*Protect your home from further damage.* Your flood insurance policy
may cover some of the cost of protecting your home from further
damage or moving the contents to a safe place. Read your policy
before you need it and ask your agent what expenses are covered by
your policy.

* Patch holes. Cover holes in the roof, walls, or windows with
boards, tarps, or plastic sheeting. It may not look pretty, but
you need to do this so further rain won't cause any more water
damage.

* Repair sagging floors or roof sections. Use 4 x 4's or other
heavy lumber to brace weak areas. If you're uncertain how to
shore up floor or ceiling joists, call a contractor.

* Remove debris. Tree limbs or other trash that may have landed on
or floated into the home should be cleared away.

* Check for broken or leaking water pipes. If you find any, cut off
the water supply by turning off the valve at your water meter. If
the water pipes aren't leaking, use your tap water for hosing and
cleaning. But don't drink or cook with tap water until it has been
declared safe!

* *Drain your basement carefully.* If your
basement is flooded, don't be in too big of a hurry to pump it
out. The forces in the water soaked ground outside could make the
basement walls buckle or even cave in.

* *Hose the house and its contents.* Most of the health hazards
you'll face come from the mud, mold, and algae left behind by
flood waters. It's very important to get rid of the mud as soon as
possible. This is a lot easier if it's done before the mud dries
out.

!! Get Organized !!

Some things are not worth repairing and some things may be too
complicated or expensive for you to do by yourself. A recovery plan
can take these things into account and help you make the most of your
time and money.

*Call your insurance agent.* The sooner you can talk to your agent,
the sooner your claim will be filed and an adjuster will be assigned
to review your damage. Your agent may also be able to give you advice
about where to get help with cleanup and repairs.

* You may have as many as three separate insurance policies:
homeowner's, flood, and wind and hail. Call your flood
insurance agent to report your damage as soon as possible after
the flood. If you are unable to contact the local agent, in the
United States you can call the National Flood Insurance Program at
1- 800-638-6620.

* *Start listing the damage.* List the damage and take pictures or
videotapes as you clean up so you'll have a complete and thorough
record. If you have flood insurance, you'll need to file a "Proof
of Loss" form within 60 days of the flood. Completing your own
inventory form will make this form easier to complete and will
also help the adjuster determine the costs to repair the damage to
your home and belongings.

* *Check for structural damage.* Is there evidence of broken or
cracked basement or foundation walls? Are there broken pilings,
shifted stairs, or slanted floors or walls? Any of these things
could mean that the foundation, floors, or walls will have to be
totally rebuilt.
*Plan your recovery.* Get organized with a recovery plan. A recovery
plan is simply a list of jobs that need to be done. Planning can
help you save time and money. To develop a recovery plan, follow
these steps:

* Make sure it is safe to work in your home.

* Decide what repair work you can and can't do.

* Decide if you need financial assistance.

* Check with your mortgage holder.

* Think before you use credit cards.

* Keep talking openly with your family about what's happening and
where things are headed.

*Check on the availability of financial assistance.* Voluntary
agencies, businesses, insurance, and government disaster programs
can help you through recovery. Private voluntary agencies such as
the American (or other country) Red Cross, Salvation Army,
non-profit organizations, and church or charity groups are usually
on the scene during or right after a flood. These groups provide for
immediate needs such as clothing, groceries, shelter, medical aid,
and counseling.

* Your local TV, radio and newspapers will usually publicize how
businesses are contributing to the recovery process. Some
businesses may offer reduced prices, but be wary of "flood
sales" that are selling flood damaged items.

*Seek government emergency funding where relevant.* If the flooding
was widespread and caused a lot of damage, your community might be
eligible for state, provincial, or federal aid. If the flood is
severe enough for your area to be declared a disaster area by the
federal or national government, funds will often be freed up to
assist victims. Each country has different processes in place, so
look online for the relevant government department, or contact your
local representative.

* In the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency may
open "tele-registration", which provides a toll-free number
for you to call to request assistance. Or, it may open one or
more Disaster Application Centers. This program may provide a safe
place to live until repairs to damaged homes are completed. Home
and business owners, farmers, and others with real or personal
property losses may be eligible for low interest loans. This
program may provide funds for necessary expenses and serious
needs. If a federal disaster declaration was made, you might
quality to file an amended tax return for the past year and get a
partial refund for your uninsured casualty losses.

* Note that many programs now encourage "flood proofing," that
is, modifying the structure to help it withstand damage from the
next flood.

* A variety of programs give advice on recovering from a disaster.
These include help with unemployment, food stamps, income taxes,
insurance claims, legal issues, veterans benefits, and crisis
counseling.

!! Dry Out Your Home !!

Flood waters damage materials, leave mud, silt and unknown
contaminants, and promote the growth of mildew. You need to dry your
home to reduce these hazards and the damage they cause.

*Reduce the humidity in your home.* Everything will dry more quickly
and clean more easily if you can reduce the humidity in the home. If
the humidity outside is lower than indoors, and if the weather
permits, open all the doors and windows.

* Open closet and cabinet doors, and remove drawers to allow air
circulation.

* Use fans to help move the air and dry out your home. Do not use
central air conditioning or the furnace blower if the ducts were
under water. If there is a way to run the fan in reverse, run it
venting to the outside to dry out the ducts.

* Run dehumidifiers to draw out moisture. Dehumidifiers and window
air conditioners will reduce the humidity, especially in closed up
areas.

* Desiccants (materials that absorb moisture) are very useful in
drying closets or other enclosed areas where air cannot move
through.

*Sort contents and discard debris.* You have three types of contents
that should go to three different places:

* Move items you want to save to a safe, dry place, such as the
second story, or outside.

* Put things you don't want to save outside to dry until the
adjuster comes to confirm your losses.

* Get rid of food and anything else that could spoil or go bad
immediately.

*Get the water out of the ceilings and walls next.* How you drain
and dry your ceilings and walls depends on what they are made of.

* Gypsum wallboard becomes very soft when wet. It will be fragile,
and will lose any shape or strength when it dries. Gypsum,
drywall, and sheetrock will have to be ripped out.

* Plaster will survive a flood better than wallboard. It should not
have to be replaced but it will take a very long time to dry.

* There are three main types of insulation and each reacts
differently to flood waters. Styrofoam survives best; it may only
need to be hosed off. Fiberglass batts should be discarded if
they're muddy. Cellulose (loose or blown-in treated paper)
insulation will hold water for a long time. It can also lose its
anti-fungal and fire retardant abilities. Therefore, flooded
cellulose insulation should be replaced.

* If wood is allowed to dry naturally, it will generally regain its
original shape, with some exceptions such as laminated wood.

* Drain Ceiling *Drain the ceilings and walls.* Check for
sagging ceilings. Drain them carefully; start by making a hole
near the edge of the sag and work in toward the center.
Drain Walls *Remove water trapped within your walls.* To check
for water, take off the baseboard. Stick an awl or knife into
the wall about 2 inches (5cm) above the floor (just above the 2
X 4 wood sill plate). If water drips out, cut or drill a hole
large enough to allow water to drain freely. Depending on the
spacing between studs in your walls, make a hole every 16"
(40.6cm) or every 24" (60.9cm). That wall will have to be ripped
out.

!! Restore The Utilities !!

The rest of your work will be much easier if you have heat,
electricity, clean water, and sewage disposal. However, it may take
some time for a repair professional to come. Therefore, do all the
cleaning you can do while you wait for one or more of these utility
systems to be restored. Elevated Utilities

* *Have a professional restore the gas.* If the gas has been turned
off at the main valve serving your home, you need to have a
professional restore gas service to your home, relight pilot
lights, and do a final check of the system.
*Make sure your main oil valve is turned off.* Check your oil pump.
If it got wet, have the pump professionally checked and cleaned.
After you've turned the electricity back on, open the main valve and
turn the pump on. Look carefully for any signs of leaking oil; if
you see any, call a professional.

* Propane, LP gas, and butane systems are kept in pressurized tanks,
so there is no electric pump to turn on, but there are check
valves and emergency shut-off valves. Check the tanks for signs of
movement or floating. Then follow the instructions above for gas
systems.

* *Check with your building or electrical inspector to see how much
work you can do on your wiring.* Many local codes require that a
licensed electrician do the work, or that a municipal inspector
check the system before you can turn the power back on.
*Wait for the water to be restored.* Public water suppliers usually
provide water soon after the flood. If you're unsure of your water
supply, only use it to hose your home or for sanitation purposes
(such as flushing the toilet).

* Private wells should be pumped until the water is clear. You can
decide whether water is clear enough to hose your home and do
other cleaning work. Check with the local health department for
instructions before you drink or cook with your well water.

* Check your water heater. If flood waters got into the gas burner,
electrical parts, or insulation, it should be replaced. If you
want to save it, have it cleaned and restarted by a professional.

* Public sewers should work soon after a flood, but mud and debris
might clog them. Flush the toilet before you use it. If it's
clogged, check with your local sewer department. Septic systems
won't work until the ground water level is below the distribution
lines. So be careful about flushing the toilet and pouring things
down the drain; they may not have anywhere to go.

!! Clean Up !!

The walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and any other flooded
parts of your home should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
Clean Up

* *Get hold of cleaning equipment.* The Red Cross or similar
organizations will often distribute cleanup kits after a disaster.
These contain many useful items such as a broom, mop, bucket, and
cleaning supplies. In most cases, household cleaning products will
do the job if you use them correctly. Check the label on the
products to see how much to use. After cleaning a room or item,
go over it again with a disinfectant to kill the germs and smell
left by the flood waters.
*Tackle one room at a time.* A two bucket approach is most
efficient: use one bucket for rinse water and the other for the
cleaner. Rinse out your sponge, mop, or cleaning cloth in the rinse
bucket.

* Start cleaning a wall at the bottom or where the worst damage was.
If you have removed the wallboard or plaster, wash the studs and
sills and disinfect them.

* If you taped your windows before the storm, clean the tape off as
soon as possible. The sun will bake the adhesive into the glass.
Use orange or eucalyptus oil to help remove the sticky leftovers.

* Don't try to force open swollen wooden doors and drawers. Take
off the back of the piece of furniture to let the air circulate.
You'll probably be able to open the drawers after they dry.

*Take care with appliances.* There's an unexpected danger of shock
with some electrical appliances such as TV sets and radios. Certain
internal parts store electricity even when the appliance is
unplugged. Check the back for a warning label.

* Even if your washing machine did not get wet, do not use it until
you know that the water is safe enough to drink and that your
sewer line works.

* Throw out soft plastic and porous items that probably absorbed
whatever the flood waters carried in. Like the washing machine,
the dishwasher should also be used only after you know your water
is safe to drink and your sewer line works.

* *Throw any food out that has been touched by flood waters.* Even
food in tin cans should be discarded if the cans got wet during
the flood because there is no way to be absolutely certain the
food inside is safe. Do not keep food in bottles or jars with
bottle caps or screw on lids—they do not keep out flood waters.

* *Try to restore valuables.* Valuable papers such as books,
photographs, and stamp collections can be restored with a great
deal of effort. They can be rinsed and frozen (in a frost-free
freezer or commercial meat locker) until you have time to work on
them.
*Keep the house clean.* As you get rid of things from your home,
don't turn your yard into a dump. Food and garbage must be hauled
away as soon as possible.

* Mosquitoes can carry many diseases, and a flood can create ideal
conditions for them to breed. Drain or remove standing water that
can become a breeding ground. Dump water out of barrels, old
tires, and cans. Check that your gutters are clean and can drain.

* Ditches and drains also need to be cleaned so they can carry
stormwater away from your home.

* Lawns usually survive being underwater for up to four days. Salt
water should be hosed off the lawn and shrubs.

!! Rebuild And Flood Proof Your House !!

Take your time to rebuild correctly and make improvements that will
protect your building from damage by the next flood. Rebuilding
after a flood

*Flood proof your house.* Flood proofing means to remodel or rebuild
using materials and methods that will prevent or minimize damage from
future floods. There are five types of flood proofing:

* Most buildings can be raised so that the lowest floor is above the
possible flood level.

* Moving a building out of the flood-prone area is the surest way to
protect it from flood damage.

* Flood walls, berms, and levees all work to keep flood waters from
reaching your house.

* Dry floodproofing means sealing a building to keep flood waters
out.

* Wet floodproofing means modifying a building so that flood waters
will cause only minimal damage to the building and contents.

* *Get the appropriate permits.* Once you've determined the
repairs and flood proofing measures you are going to take, local
codes generally require that you get a building permit. Before you
make repairs or alterations to your home or property, make sure
your plans are reviewed and approved by your building department.

* *Give your house plenty of time to dry.* Many problems result from
rebuilding too quickly after a flood, before everything dries.

* *Move the main breaker or fuse box and the utility meters above
the flood protection level for your home.* If you're going to
replace a flooded furnace, water heater, or air conditioner,
install the new one on a higher floor. If your new air conditioner
or heat pump will be outside, install it on a platform above the
flood protection level.
*Repair the walls.* Wash and disinfect the studs and sills if the
wallboard and insulation had to be removed. If you are going to
rebuild the walls, remember that metal studs and sills are not
damaged by water as much as wooden ones.

* Think horizontal rather than vertical. Install the wallboard
panels sideways so they are only four feet high. If the next flood
is less than four feet deep, you only have to replace half the
wall.

* Do not paint until the surface is completely dry. If the surface
still contains moisture, the paint will peel. Things look dry on
the surface long before they are dry on the inside, and this can
lead to costly mistakes.

* *Repair the floors.* Some floors are made with particle board or
plywood, materials that fall apart when wet for long. Do not lay
new flooring or carpet until the sub flooring is completely dry.
Floor joists and some wood floors will regain their shapes if
allowed to dry naturally.

* *Hire a contractor to help you rebuild.* This is especially
valuable to enable you to handle the difficult jobs such as
foundation repair and electrical work. If you've been satisfied
with work done by licensed local contractors, try them first.

!! Prepare For The Next Flood !!

Elevated HomeProtect yourself from the next flood with flood
insurance, a flood response plan, and community flood protection
programs.

*Develop a flood response plan.* Preparing a flood response plan will
help you think through all the details that demand attention as the
flood waters approach. This is a project for the whole family. As you
write down the plan, make sure everyone understands it. Having the
plan in writing will help you remember what to do when everyone is in
a hurry and excited because a flood is coming.

* Develop a flood response plan based on the flood protection level,
local warning procedures, and the time you will have to respond.
In flash flood areas, you may only have enough time to evacuate.
But if you live in areas in the path of a hurricane or cyclone or
on large rivers, you may have 12-24 hours of warning time.

* If you live in a mountainous area, or if your flooding comes from
a small stream or ditch, your home may be subject to flash
flooding. Flash floods can occur before the local emergency
managers have time to issue a warning. In these cases, listen for
warnings. For example, in the United States, you can listen to the
National Weather Service, which may issue a flash flood watch
advising people that conditions are favorable for a flash flood.
You may not be notified of a flash flood warning before flooding
actually begins.

* If you live near the coast, you'll be asked to evacuate when a
hurricane or cyclone threatens your community. It's important to
evacuate when you're asked to.

* Prepare your flood response plan to take into account all of the
time that you'll need to protect your home before you evacuate.
You'll need time to board your windows and to clear your yard so
your belongings won't blow or float away.

*Develop a checklist of what to do in the event of a flood.* Your
flood response plan should be a checklist of steps to take before
flood waters reach your home. The following are examples of things
to include:

* Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information and
evacuation instructions.

* Read safety precautions at the top of this document.

* Get into the habit of keeping a full tank of gas in your car,
especially at times of the year when flooding can be expected in
your area.

* Pack the car with supplies you need while away from home.

* Put supplies needed for clean up and recovery in a safe place. If
your flood protection level is over your top floor, you may have
to store supplies at a friend's home away from the flood-prone
area or take them with you in your car.

* Take pets to a kennel or friend's place on high ground. Health
codes do not allow animals in public shelters.

* If you have enough warning time, move your contents above the
flood protection level or to another safe place. In the United
States, some of the cost of doing this can be covered under an
NFIP flood insurance policy.

* Install flood shields and other flood proofing measures you may
have prepared.

* In hurricane or cyclone prone areas, protect against wind damage.
Install hurricane shutters or plywood covers over windows and
doors, take down TV antennas, and securely tie down boats, garbage
cans, and everything else left outdoors.

* Tape plastic around the cap to your well. This will prevent most,
but not all, flood water from entering your water supply. You will
still have to disinfect your water.

* Turn off the electricity, gas, oil, and water.

* Lock your home.

* Follow your designated evacuation route to a place of shelter.

!! Video !!

!! Tips !!

* If you live near the coast, your home is likely to suffer damage
from the high winds and flood waters of a hurricane. Boarding up
all your windows and doors are the best way to protect them from
breaking and letting in the heavy rains that a coastal storm
brings.
The following people can provide advice or assistance on flood
recovery. Some of these people may be able to speak to neighborhood
groups or help in developing a community flood protection program.

* The Red Cross in your country and local emergency managers conduct
sessions to increase public awareness and to educate the community
in ways to prevent, prepare for, and cope with emergencies. Local
emergency managers also sponsor public meetings on damage
education, safety, response planning, how to handle stress, and
other flood-related topics.

* In the USA, many Cooperative Extension Service offices have home
economists and food and farm experts. Check your telephone book
under the county name. For example, if you live in Pittsburg
County, check under "Pittsburg County Cooperative Extension
Service".

* Questions on cleaning or disinfecting of specific materials can be
answered by manufacturers of cleaning products. Check the product
labels for toll free telephone numbers.

* Your property insurance agent is the best source of information on
flood insurance. He or she can give you forms and instructions for
making your own property inventory.

* Local building and housing departments, and hardware stores are
excellent sources of technical advice. Their staff have many
years of experience in dealing with local construction conditions.
Home maintenance and repair books that are found in libraries or
bookstores are invaluable references for the do-it-yourselfer.

* Private home inspectors can give you itemized lists and cost
estimates of needed repairs. Look in the yellow pages under
Building Inspection Services. Building trades associations and the
Better Business Bureau (or equivalents in your country) can
provide guidance on dealing with contractors.

* Some local building officials and contractors are familiar with
flood proofing techniques. In the United States, several states
and communities have published flood proofing or
"retrofitting" manuals. The Federal Emergency Management
Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have several
publications that provide excellent summaries of various flood
proofing measures. Some of these publications may be applicable
outside the USA too.

!! Warnings !!

* Do not drink any water you are not sure is safe.

* Do not walk through flowing water.

* Do not drive through a flooded area.

* Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.

* Turn off your electricity when you return home.

* Watch for animals, especially snakes.

* Look before you step.

* Be alert for gas leaks.

* Clean everything that got wet.

* Take good care of yourself.

!! Related WikiHows !!

* How to Be Prepared for Natural Disasters

* How to Prepare for a Hurricane

* How to Be Safe During a Landslide

* How to Survive a Winter Storm

* How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

* How to Prepare for a Tornado

* How to Survive a Dust Storm or Sandstorm

!! Sources And Citations !!

* Federal Emergency Management Agency,
http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/index.shtm – research source, public
domain information

* American Red Cross,
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=74e51a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default
– research source

* The Official Site of the National Flood Insurance Program,
http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/ FloodSmart.gov – research
source, public domain information

* Ready.gov, http://www.ready.gov/ – research source, public
domain information

* Prepare.org, http://www.prepare.org/ – research source

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