Linda and other flood victims

I'm posting this to share my experience and to give advice on a topic I unfortunately know a lot about.  In 1997, Troy and I had 11 feet of the Ohio River in our house.  It literally sucked the windows, frames and all, out of the walls.  It was devastating.   Linda, as others have told you, document everything.  FEMA will require dated photographs of damage.  Make sure you take lots and lots of pictures before anything is touched.  Keep receipts of anything you purchase...cleaning supplies, disinfectants, etc.  Make sure you and everyone around you has an up-to-date tetanus shot.  Accept any and all help you can receive.  The Red Cross came in before FEMA did and offered free cleaning supplies and food.  Even if you don't think you need it, take it.  They can provide rubber gloves, trash bags, bleach, mops, buckets, prepared meals, water.  Make sure you use rubber gloves and disinfectant cleansers.  If it doesn't say disinfecting on it, then it's of no use.  Use 1/4 cup bleach to a gallon of water.  Make sure any wet material is removed from the house before mold can grow on it.  Molds created from flood waters can be deadly if inhaled or ingested. I'll post more as I remember more.

Linda, I am so sorry about the loss of your precious items that belonged to Lucy.  Floods are terrible things and such terrible, shocking ordeals to go through.  FEMA helps but does take a long, long time.  You must be able to document any funds you receive through FEMA so keep excellent records of anything spent.  Get receipts for in-kind (donated) help.  If you have a contractor or qualified person helping you remove/repair items, ask them to give you a written receipt in the amount that they would've charged if they billed you.  You will be required to prove it cost more than FEMA gave you to recover from the devastation.  If you can't, you will have to pay back any funds not accounted for. I'm not a lawyer, but if your place is unlivable, it seems to me you should be able to get out of any lease or contract with the property.  There were lawyers that donated time to help flood victims in 1997.  Check with your local Red Cross.  They should have a complete list of any assistance available.  Register with FEMA as soon as you can.  The Red Cross will have their contact as well. Post needed items on our page.  I know I for one have been through what you're going through and will happily help out in any way I can.  I am also on the board of directors of our local food and clothing bank.  I can get some supplies easily for you if you let me know what you need.  Food and clothes especially. We're praying for all of the victims and asking God to support and comfort you through this trying time.

Blessings, Jacqui

Jacqui...hope you don't mind I add a tag of info onto your post for Linda but I do know that if your home that your rent or lease becomes uninhabitable...you are not obligated to your lease/contract for that time period. They cannot collect rent from you nor can they keep your rent for that time frame. Since I am sure you paid your rent for June...the landlord is obligated to return the prorated unused portion of it. Hope this helps!