HANNIBAL, MO. -- Here's a Flood Watch 2010 Followup:
Many flood victims get frustrated when trying to figure out which organization to contact and how to get help. That's why members from agencies including S.E.M.A., the Salvation Army and the Red Cross met in Hannibal this morning. They have three major concerns.
Report Flood Damage
Tom Dugger with the Red Cross Northeast Missouri Chapter, told us it's crucial that flood victims call in about damage to their property.
"Hannibal, for example, is in both Marion and Ralls County. So if they don't declare both counties, we could see people on the same street, one with F.E.M.A. assistance and another without F.E.M.A. assistance," said Dugger.
Keep Your Receipts
Take pictures of flood damage and keep records of how much you spend when cleaning up and repairing your home.
"If F.E.M.A. does make a declaration, then they will be able to use those receipts to get approval for flood assistance," said Dugger.
Stay Safe and Healthy
Agencies shared concerns about food and health after a flood. Even canned food and home gardens that came in contact with flood waters are not safe. And be sure to update your tetanus and hepatitis shots.
"You need to go to your local health department and get a tetanus shot," said Stacey Nicholas, the director of R.S.V.P. at the Douglass Community Center. "Usually I tell people, if you haven't had one in the 2008 flood, get one now. The other worry is hepatitis, because this water is not clean. Please don't let your kids play in it. If you're mucking up and cleaning up, wear masks, wear gloves and wash your hands in hot soapy water."
The Marion County Health Department charges five dollars apiece for those vaccines. They're free at the Ralls County Health Department, but you should call ahead to make sure the vaccines are available.
Who to Call for Help
If you or someone you know still needs flood assistance, call the R.S.V.P. offices at (573) 221-3892. Members also ask that flood victims call their U.S. senators to encourage Missouri Governor Jay Nixon to declare their county as a disaster area.
If you'd like to donate items to flood relief efforts, R.S.V.P. is asking for bed linens, canned foods and monetary donations for people needing medications.