Dear Friend,

Over the past several days, we have visited communities across our congressional district's nine counties to assist in the recovery efforts. Despite the devastation, we are seeing folks come together. Neighbors helping neighbors. Communities helping communities.

As the recover process begins, we encourage you to visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4332 to find important information on filing an insurance claim, cleaning/mucking your home and general guidance on the recovery process. Also, if you have not yet filed a claim with FEMA, please do so as soon as possible at www.disasterassistance.gov. This is the first step in receiving assistance.

Please see the links above and the information below for important guidance directly from FEMA. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for email alerts to receive up-to-the-minute information on the recovery process.

Disaster Clean-Up and Inspections

There are reports that flood victims should not remove flood-damaged sheetrock, flooring, carpet, etc. until the house is assessed by FEMA or insurance adjustors. This is FALSE.

Property owners are encouraged to document storm damage to their properties – either with photographs or video – and to then begin cleaning up and making whatever temporary repairs are necessary to make their homes safe and habitable again.

Put your health and safety first, take pictures of your damaged home, make repairs to prevent further damage to your property, and keep your receipts to show the inspector. Here are a few simple guidelines to follow that will make the clean-up and salvage process safer and easier.

Below are a few simple guidelines from FEMA to follow that will make the clean-up and salvage process safer and easier:

Always wear protective clothing including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, rubber or plastic gloves and waterproof boots or shoes.
Before entering your home, look outside for damaged power lines, gas lines and other exterior damage.
Take photos of your damage before you begin clean up and save repair receipts.
Your home may be contaminated with mold, which raises the health risk for those with asthma, allergies and breathing conditions. Refer to the Center for Disease Control for more info on mold: www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/pdf/flyer-get-rid-of-mold.pdf.
Open doors and windows so your house can air out before spending any length of time inside.
Turn off main electrical power and water systems and don’t use gas appliances until a professional can ensure they are safe.
Check all ceilings and floors for signs of sagging or other potentially dangerous structural damage.
Throw out all foods, beverages and medicines exposed to flood waters or mud including canned goods and containers with food or liquid.
Also, throw out any items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected (mattresses, carpeting, stuffed animals, etc.).
Beware of snakes, insects, and other animals that may be on your property or in your home.
Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters.
Clean all hard surfaces (flooring, countertops, appliances, sinks, etc.) thoroughly with hot water and soap or detergent.

Babin updates constituents on federal response while delivering supplies (Deweyville) & visiting shelter at Calvary Baptist Church (Cleveland).

Again, if our office can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are ready to help.

Sincerely,
Rep. Brian Babin