Living where flooding Living where flooding happenshappens

Carol DunnFor Depiction

Danger and Danger and your your subconscioussubconscious

It is hard to think clearly about risks.

New York Times:

“certain emotional reactions occur before the brain has even had time to fully register what it is that is causing the reaction; the emotion occurs before thought. “

Our opinion on Our opinion on risk is decided risk is decided for usfor us

The subconscious communicates by triggering the release of chemicals

Our conscious brain interprets as emotions, gut feelings.

Sub-conscious at workSub-conscious at work

Do not act DO SOMETHING!!!

“It won’t happen”“What will be will be”ProcrastinationShutting down when

start thinking about it.

Hyper vigilanceSleep problemsReduced patienceIncreased heart rateIcy feeling in hands

Attitude is EverythingAttitude is Everything

Longer Recovery Faster Recovery

Refuses to focusWorries about

imposingConsiders fight

against the riverNot prepared to

accept that some things will get wet, some things will change.

Takes it personally

Recognize that it is possible to influence but not outright control situation.

Collaborates to find solutions

Expects hard times and hard emotions

Who needs to think about flooding?Who needs to think about flooding?

How much water?How much water?

It is important to determine your specific risk from flooding

◦Search: (your city/county/state) + flood maps (your city/county/state) + parcel viewer

◦Terrain maps, Maps with 3D views

◦Use Mapping Software Manipulate data to make it relevant

Increase your options by knowing Increase your options by knowing as much as you can in advanceas much as you can in advance

Example: City of Fargo http://www.cityoffargo.com/CityInfo/Departments/Engineering/FloodInfoCenter/

http://tinyurl.com/FloodinFargo

Action now can reduce harm:Action now can reduce harm:

Keep from being surprised

Create ways to know status of most important people, animals & things

Prioritize Actions to reduce harm

Help speed up your recovery

Avoid long term problems

Stay ahead of the weatherStay ahead of the weather

Weather Radio

Check if your area has an emergency calling system.◦ Code red, Reverse 911

Online tools to keep track of the rivers◦ www.weather.gov/water

Constant Constant communicationcommunication

Create multiple ways to stay in touch.◦Out of Area Contacts-

strategic message relaying◦Text messaging◦Two way radios◦Twitter/Facebook◦Getting contact details of

neighbors/co-workers

Plan what everyone will do if a storm is immenent.

If a person or animal can not independently get out of the way of flood waters-move them out of the area where flooding is possible.◦Finding solutions can

take work and courage◦Brainstorm: there may

be more options than it seems at first.

Finding SolutionsFinding Solutions

Sources of help◦Company EAP◦Community Services: 2-1-1◦Local Plans◦Neighbors◦Friends◦Relatives◦Your W.O.W, etc. club

Evacuation PlanEvacuation Plan

Think through each step in what will happen. What have you missed?

Talk with household members, caregivers, neighbors—discuss where to meet if separated and can’t reach each other.

◦How long to wait? Where to leave a message.◦There’s a website helps find locations that are

between two spots: http://www.mezzoman.com/

Protecting your stuffProtecting your stuff

Create an inventory of your possessions: List or video

Prioritize the items

If at risk of high level flooding, move as many of the items as you can out of the area. ◦Some items handle water better-focus on what

you have that doesn’t.

Short term solutionsShort term solutions

Creating barriers in situations where water is expected to be over 4 feet can increase the level of damage to the structure. ◦Concentrate on removing high value items

Flood proof if less than 3 feet of water expected:◦Sand bags, concrete blocks, plastic sheeting◦(inside house: around drain, furnace)

Sewage backflow or back upSewage backflow or back upShort Term: Block the drains.

There are related risks, talk to a plumber.

Longer Longer Term Term Solution Solution requires the use of a licensed contractor and permits—no short cuts!

Protecting Your FinancesProtecting Your Finances

Keep all receipts for flood and flood clean up preparation

Be sure you have the right insurance coverage.

Protect Vital Documents http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Family_Issues/Vital_Docs.shtml

Have supplies for isolation and Have supplies for isolation and shortagesshortages

All supplies must be stored away from expected flooding.◦Water◦Medicine/electrical equipment with power back up

◦Non perishable food◦Safe lighting, heat◦Comfort items◦Have clean up supplies

Useful Supplies: Work togetherUseful Supplies: Work together

◦Can you reduce the blow to your budget by searching to borrow, rent or collaboratively purchase pumps, fans etc.

Be ready to dry out and clean upBe ready to dry out and clean up

Stay Safe! ◦Never drive through flood

waters◦Electrocution, gas leaks◦Flood waters, mold and

mildew

Making it through the emotional Making it through the emotional marathonmarathon

In a normal dayIn a normal day

In periods of high stress, we have more stress chemicals released into our system than we can neutralize to find balance.

Easy to make life changing errorsEasy to make life changing errors

Fight or Flight “Act”

Looping thoughtsShort TemperUrge to leave:

◦ Company◦ Marriage◦ Friendship◦ Consciousness

Thrill seeking behavior

Tend or Befriend

Need to talk and talk

DIY stress neutralizingDIY stress neutralizing

Counter negative emotions with positive ones, from any source◦Talk to a trained counselor◦Write about feelings◦Laugh, even if fake.

Questions?Questions?

Carol@tvorun.com @caroldn

Do searches to find local flooding resources

Useful links: ◦ Red Cross/FEMA Repairing your Flooded Home

http://tinyurl.com/Repairfloodedhome ◦ Flood workbook:

http://2resilience.org/Floodingworkbook.pdf ◦ Flood Proofing: http://tinyurl.com/LSUAgCenterflood ◦ So you live behind a levee

http://content.asce.org/ASCELeveeGuide.html