Assistance offered to flood victims

WORLAND -Assistance for the residents who have been evacuated from their homes since Saturday is coming in a variety of ways and variety of resources.

The American Red Cross of Wyoming set up a shelter at the Worland Community Center Complex. Cindi Shank, district program manager of Wyoming said the shelter will be open as long as the evacuation is in place.

She said there have been about six people stop by the shelter but no one has stayed at the shelter. She said even if they don't stay at the shelter it is available for evacuees to come and have a snack, bottled water, relax, charge cell phones or other mobile devices.

Shelter manager and Red Cross volunteer Charlotte Hardy said they have people bringing in snacks and foods, but noted fresh fruit would be welcome.

The Days Inn and Comfort Inn have also offered some rooms for the evacuees with six at the Days Inn, with nine initially on Saturday, and 15 staying at the Comfort Inn.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Red Cross Damage Assessment Team members arrived over the weekend and have been documenting the homes impacted by the flood area. Community volunteer leader Pat Kondas said in a release, "Red Cross of Wyoming remains on the scene in Worland, completing damage assessment to determine what aid will be needed to help residents recover from the recent ice jam flooding. If anyone needs assistance due to the flooding, they should call the Red Cross of Wyoming 24-hour disaster response line: 307-222-8272."

Kondas said the assessment is done outside the home so Red Cross has a record of homes in the area when residents call in need of assistance. She said Red Cross can assist victims with contacting insurance agencies or other agencies and resources that can offer assistance to the flood victims.

City of Worland Building Official Nick Kruger released a letter to the flood victims letting them know that his department is there to assist.

"It is the responsibility of this department to help residents return to their homes and work, while knowing the buildings are safe around them and will not make them sick."

Kruger said in the letter the city is working with local agencies to assist the residents in verifying the homes or business buildings are structurally sound and that water, sewer, gas and mechanical systems are functioning properly and that it is safe to live or work in.

"It is important to let this department know if your building has damage from the floods. We will provide an inspection without any permit fees or additional costs to you and help find what damage the water or ice has caused. Written reports will be available for your review, along with letters outlining the damage to assist in any insurance claims."

CHURCH ASSISTANCE

The Worland United Methodist Church is offering their free store in the RER building located at the corner of Big Horn Ave. and 14th Street in Worland for victims that have been displaced by the flood. Items that can be obtained free of charge are clothing, toiletries, toys and a few household items with more coming in.

The free store will be open from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with additional days added as needed.

The Grace Chapel located at 1101 Russell Ave. in Worland is holding a dinner tonight at 5:30 p.m. for all flood evacuees, free of charge at a first come first serve basis. Food is being provided by the church, church members and community members. Grace Chapel Lead Pastor Louie Pantelis stated that there will be enough food to serve at least 150 people easily.

EXTENSION RESOURCES

The Washakie County Extension office has information about flood recovery on their website, http://uwyoextension.org/washakiecounty/, and their Facebook pages to assist with residents' recovery efforts after the flood waters recede. Topics covered are:

- Steps to restore your flooded home.

- Drying out after a flood.

- Health concerns after a flood.

- Steps to restore your flooded home.

- Drying out after a flood.

- Selecting building materials to help reduce future flood damage.

- Seven ways to use social media before, during and after a flood.

- Precautions when first entering a flooded home.

- What to do when returning to a home that has flooded.

- Making insurance claims following a flood.

- Managing flooded grain bins.

- Returning to a farm after a flood.

- Salvaging after flooding.

- Salvaging flood-damaged agricultural buildings.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Washakie County Public Health can provide information and guidance on how to safely re-enter a home after a flood. Residents are urged to be mindful that floodwaters may contain bacteria from human and animal wastes; they can also transport disease-carrying materials from barnyards, feedlots, or sewage disposal systems.

Food safety can also be a concern if food or food containers come in contact with floodwater or other contaminated materials, or if it was not stored at correct temperatures.

Contact the Public Health office at 347-3278 for more information on safely returning to your flooded home or business.