For urgent after-hours business or to report a public health threat or emergency, call (928) 442-5262. For medical emergencies, call 9-1-1.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness staff plan for public health threats and emergencies, including natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, disease outbreaks, and terrorism events.
Public health staff regularly update preparedness plans; participate in training, drills, and exercises; provide education and training to volunteers and the public; and work with emergency management, first responders, and others. For more information, visit emergency.cdc.gov.
Medical Reserve Corps is a group of medical and non-medical volunteers that will assist Community Health Services during times of disaster and community events.
Are you ready?
Because first responders may not be able to meet everyone’s needs in the first hours or days following a major disaster, it is important for citizens to be prepared and be able to provide for their own needs for at least 3-5 days.
Think for a moment about the resources you would need to maintain your self-sufficiency for several days. Do you have enough bottled water on hand if the disaster cuts off access to your normal water supply? Do you have enough food if unable to get to a grocery store? What about prescription medications and any special needs you may have? If you have pets, do you have enough food, water, and any pet medications they will need? Do you have a family preparedness plan? A family communication plan in case you find yourselves separated during a disaster?
For help in determining what you will need in a disaster/emergency kit of food, water, and supplies for your family, and how to create a family preparedness and communication plan that will keep your family safe and ready to respond, visit: www.ready.gov or www.justincasearizona.com.
For Arizona disaster information, visit: www.azein.gov.
After a Flood:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local officials advises the homeowner to take the following steps:
Your home has been flooded. Although floodwaters may be down, many dangers could still exist. Here are things to remember in the days ahead.
- Confirm the water supply is safe to drink. Remember to carry bottled drinking water and discard any food products that may have come in contact with floodwater.
- Wear protective clothing. Protect yourself during cleanup by wearing boots, gloves and masks. Clean and disinfect everything floodwater contacted.
- Avoid putting your hands near your face or mouth when working.
- Ventilate your home. Open all doors and windows to allow air to circulate and dry out your home. Dehumidify as soon as possible after a flood.
- Clean up mud, silt and other debris before they dry out. All wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.
- Hose down walls as quickly as possible and follow up with a second hosing with water containing bleach or a disinfectant. Disinfect all surfaces, including shelves.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pit and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
- Make a list of lost or damaged items. Be sure to include their age and value, and if possible, have receipts for those items available.
- Appliances that contain insulation cannot be easily cleaned. Have them checked by a service person before attempting to use.
- Remove all soaked materials and furnishings. Fully upholstered furnishings and mattresses cannot be cleaned and should be destroyed to avoid health problems.
- Carpets and rugs may be cleaned. Permanently attached carpeting should be removed before attempting to clean.
- Items like sheets, bedspreads, curtains and draperies should be washed with very hot water and detergents, or professionally dry-cleaned.
- Prevent mold growth. Wash all surface areas in the house that came in contact with floodwater. Disinfect and wipe surfaces dry with paper towels to minimize bacterial contamination.
- Isolate any moldy objects. Seal moldy trash in plastic bags and remove them immediately. Objects you can save should be dried or frozen as soon as possible. Freezing inactivates mold.
- Any flooded food items should be discarded unless they are in undamaged cans or commercially sealed glass jars. Sanitize the container before opening it.
- Sanitize pots, pans, utensils, dishes, glassware and other items you intend to keep.
- The Red Cross can provide you with a cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and cleaning supplies.
- Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims. Document all losses and damages by taking photos first, or making a list, and then begin immediately removing all flood damaged personal property.
- Before making permanent repairs to your home; such as drywall, structural components, electrical systems or plumbing — make sure you get the proper permits from your local community or county permitting officials.
- If you hire cleanup or repair contractors, be sure they are qualified to do the job. Beware of people who drive through neighborhoods offering help in cleaning up or repairing your home. Check references.
- When cleaning up after a flood, we want residents to take the necessary precautions to ensure they are returning to a healthy indoor environment. You have suffered enough from the storms and floods.
Printable Fact Sheet and Private Wells After a Flood
Contact:
Town of Camp Verde Public Works: 928-554-0824
Yavapai County Flood Control: 928-649-6222
For the Future:
A family disaster plan that sets forth what you and your family need to do to prepare and respond to all types of hazards.
A disaster supplies kit filled with items you would need to sustain you and your family for at least three days, maybe more.
Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following: secure your home; turn off utilities at the main switches or valves and disconnect electrical appliances (do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water).
Check with local officials for more information on preparedness, safety, and recovery from a flood.
Stay Healthy!
A flood can cause emotional and physical stress. You need to look after yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.
Rest often and eat well.
Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list and do jobs one at a time.
Discuss your concerns with others and seek help.