This Post is About the Boulder Flood
The recent flooding in Boulder Colorado is unprecedented in recent years. I think you have to go back to 1894 to find a flood on the scale of last week’s event. With all the damage and disarray and confusion, many folks have questions. Today’s post is a Boulder Flood FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions. BTW: if you have an answer I can share, please send it along. I value your input!
Questions/Boulder Flood FAQ
Q: What to do if caught in a flash flood?
A: Head for higher ground. Avoid contact with the water. Water in a flood can be moving with the force of an SUV – knocking you off your feet before you realize what is occurring. Flood water can contain dangerous debris hidden from sight below the surface.
Q: I have a neighbor/relative/friend I’m concerned about. No one has heard from him/her in the last several days. Who do I contact?
A: The American Red Cross operates a service called, “Safe and Well.” Log in and register yourself, search for loved ones or add a person you are concerned about locating. Here is the link you need:
https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php
Q: Our garden was briefly submerged by flood waters. It looks like it is going to survive. Can we eat the vegetables? Is it safe?
A: Better safe than sorry. I would suggest not eating anything covered by flood waters. Food outbreaks can occur when harvested foods come into contact with contaminants — and your garden was covered by water potentially containing raw sewage and trash.
See page 5 of the CSU manual How To Clean Up After A Flood: http://www.floodsafety.com/media/pdfs/cleanup/Cleanup_after_flood.pdf
Q: How do I find out what roads are closed in Boulder County? The Boulder Office of Emergency Management is an excellent resource. Road closures, electrical and gas issues, public safety all addressed here: http://boulderoem.com/emergency-status
Q: Boulder flood FAQ regarding FEMA — all questions directed to the official site.
A: Call: 1-800-621-3362 or TTY: 1-800-462-7585 OR Visit: http://www.fema.gov/
Let me add, what I’m hearing around Boulder is even if you do not have flood insurance, because Boulder has been declared a National Disaster, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Keep all receipts for work done, call/visit the official website immediately. There are income restrictions, but I’m uncertain what exactly. If you do not qualify for FEMA, there are also loans available via the SBA.
Q: Is there school today for BVSD?
A: Yes. All Boulder Valley Schools re-opened today. Some schools heavily impacted by the flood or located in the hardest hit regions may be closed. Check the BVSD site for the latest up-to-date information.
School Cancellation: http://www.bvsd.org/cancellations/Pages/default.aspx
Keep in mind – if your basement has drywall and it got wet, you have to remove the wet portion to avoid mold and health issues. Wood will dry out. You can apply a bleach solution to prevent mold.
Q: What is OEM? Keep hearing all these new terms.
A: OEM is the Office of Emergency Management.
Q: Is the Mud leftover from the flood dangerous? Are there any risks with cleanup?
A; Use caution with the mud and debris. Wear heavy duty work gloves. Keep in mind there is broken glass, nails, shreds of metal mixed into the debris. Watch your footing. Common secondary injuries after a flood include slipping accidents and stepping on sharp objects. The mud is a danger as well. It can attract Mosquitoes. Colorado is experiencing a higher volume of West Nile cases. Use caution when cleaning up. Thoroughly wash and disinfect all clothing that comes in contact with flood waters.
West Nile and Mosquitoes: http://www.fightthebitecolorado.com/
Your Input Matters!
Have suggestions for Boulder Flood FAQ? Please leave a comment. Thanks and I hope you and your family are safe through this tragic time. – Bob Gordon, Re/Max Realtor, Boulder Colorado