ANC 5C and surrounding areas were particularly hard hit by recent heavy rains
and flooding that caused extensive damage in our neighborhood.
ANC 5C Commissioners Cleopatra Jones (ANC 5 03), and Vicki
Leonard-Chambers (ANC 5 04) called together a Citizens’ Forum at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, August 13, 2001 attended by Mayor Anthony Williams, Ward 5
Councilmember Vincent Orange and various city public works and health
officials, as well as the local chapter of the Red Cross, to seek
damage assessments from citizens and to address the possibility of seeking
Disaster Area relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
If you or your neighbors, and particularly elderly residents, have been
affected by flooding, please read the following points that came out of
the meeting to ensure that you receive consideration for assistance if
and when it becomes available:
Keep all paperwork, receipts and sewer/drainage bills associated with
the recent flooding. These include receipts for cleaning supplies, sump pump
rentals and sewage company services.
Fill out the ANC 5C Community Damage and Loss Form For the Flood of 2001
(click here for a copy in pdf format).
Fax it to Councilmember Orange's fax
(202) 724-8076.
If you have homeowner’s insurance, call your insurance agent to
make a claim related to the recent flooding. Even if your insurer denies the
claim, it can strengthen your claim to federal disaster assistance.
Document any damage: Take pictures, note the high water mark
Call the DC Emergency
Management Agency's Hotline at (202) 673-2101 exts. 1138, 1141 or 1173
to report any damage.
Staff will also be on hand at Call Councilmember Orange’s office
to take your call (202) 724-8028
Call the Mayor's Command Center
at (202) 727-1000
Do not wade or walk in a flooded basement without taking necessary
precautions. Some residents have reported that raw sewage has seeped into
basement areas, which can cause serious health problems. Electricity can
also an issue in flooded basements.
The public health official in attendance recommends that if you must go
into affected areas that you avoid direct contact with flood water
and wear protective clothing such as rubber boots, rubber gloves,
face and eye protection.
If you decide to clean up flooded areas in your home after the waters have
drained away or dried up, use one type of antibacterial cleaner (call the DC
Department of Health for suggestions if you are unsure) and stay with it.
Do not mix household cleaners.
Do not ignore the problem.
Even when dry, your basement can pose health problems if raw sewage has
dried and turned into power or dust.
Advisory
Neighborhood Commission 5C
