Bishop - Flood victims try to pick up the pieces

7-22-2008

As rehabilitation efforts continue after the devastating flood in Independence a week ago, local authorities are still waiting for a completed damage report.
Many residents are unable to file insurance claims and move forward with rebuilding their property – and lives – until the Sheriff’s Department releases that information.
“We’re in the process of doing a master police report that will be available for insurance purposes along with a map of the affected area,” said Inyo County Sheriff Bill Lutze.
That report is expected to be complete sometime this week.

Others affected by the mudslide did not have flood insurance on their homes, and are facing a total loss of their possessions.
“Flood insurance is oftentimes separate from regular insurance and comes through the federal government,” said Inyo County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Carma Roper. “Most of them up there (in the Fort Independence and Oak Creek areas affected by the flood) have renter’s insurance, but that doesn’t cover flood damage. Many of them are out the cost to rebuild and the things they owned. Luckily the Salvation Army has been very helpful.”
In fact, many community groups and individuals have come forward to offer relief aid for the victims of the flood.
While residents await the police report and other insurance information, they are banding together and working closely with nonprofit groups and community organizations to complete whatever clean-up they can in the wake of the flood.
Organizations such as the California Conservation Corps and the Youth Conservation Corps have gotten involved in the clean-up effort and have been working with residents to begin the long task of cleaning mud and debris from flooded out homes.
There are also private citizens working in Independence to do their part to provide relief assistance to victims of the flood.

A group of California Conservation Corps workers pose with Oak Creek resident Sharon Avey after a weekend of relief work in the Independence Flood Zone. The CCC group came from Southern California to help residents pick up the pieces after last weekend’s flood. Photo by Linda Ellsworth/courtesy Sharon Avey

Noa Mine Lush and Hayden Stamey, organized and operated a juice and snack sale on the lawn of the Inyo County Courthouse in Independence on Friday to help raise funds for the flood victims, and thanks to community support, were able to raise more than $1,650.
But despite all the community support, one of the major problems clean-up workers are facing in the wake of last week’s flood is Oak Creek itself, which ran over its banks as the stream bed filled with mud, and forged a new path south of the original creek. That new creek happens to flow right through some homes in the Oak Creek residential neighborhood.
Currently, an Army Corps of Engineers is assessing the damage to the creek bed and working on an engineering plan that may include returning the water flow to its original course.
But as residents work to clean their homes and properties, more dangers await.
“Storm and flood clean-up activities can be hazardous,” a press release from Inyo County Health and Human Services states. “Workers and volunteers involved with flood clean-up should be aware of the potential dangers involved, and the proper safety precautions.”
Work-related hazards that could be encountered could include electrical hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, heat stress, hazardous materials such as asbestos, mold, rabies, poisonous bites, fires and falls.
“Although exposure to flood waters does not increase the risk of tetanus, the risk of wounds during flood clean-up may be increased,” said Health and Human Services. “For this reason, workers should be sure that they are up-to-date with their tetanus vaccination.”
Inyo County Health and Human Services will be offering free tetanus boosters to emergency responders and community volunteers who are working in the Oak Creek flood area.
Shots will be provided at 155 E. Market St. in Independence from 1-4 p.m. today, July 22. For more information, call (760) 873-7868 or (866) 398-7134.
Another hazard relief workers are facing is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, as many are using fans and gas-powered equipment, such as fans and blowers, to dry their homes.
“Small gasoline-powered engines used indoors may cause a deadly accumulation of carbon monoxide, resulting in confusion, headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness and potentially death,” the Health and Human Services press release states.
But drying homes is a necessity as flood damage often causes mold accumulations in carpet, drywall and other areas of the home.
“Excessive moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold. People with asthma, allergies or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold, suffering stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, shortness of breath or skin irritation,” said Heath and Human Services.
Relief workers should look for discoloration or a musty or earthy smell as indicators of mold. “In cleaning up mold, remember to wear an N-95 mask, eye protection, nonporous gloves and never to mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners,” Health and Human Services advised.
Aside from the obvious effects of the flood, residents must also be aware of natural hazards, such as animals displaced by the floodwaters.
“Animals whose habitat has been disrupted present a risk,” the press release states. Residents must be mindful of the possibility of working in close proximity to poisonous snakes, bats, which may carry rabies and rodents that may carry plague bacteria.
Standing water present after the flood has also provided breeding grounds for mosquitoes which may put relief workers at risk of contracting West Nile virus. All workers are advised to use mosquito repellent.
The local office of the Salvation Army, headed up by commander Rob Lawler, has set up a mobile thrift store in Independence where it is offering free assistance to flood victims in the form of clothes, furniture and small household appliances.
The Red Cross is also working with flood victims.
“If you’ve lost your homes, clothes and belongings, we can get you supplies in the beginning,” said Red Cross representative Pat McNeil. She mentioned that all information collected by the Red Cross is kept confidential and invited residents to make an appointment to meet with representatives.
The Red Cross was also on hand shortly after the flood to assist with medical aid for residents injured in the flood.
Any Independence resident who would like to meet with the Red Cross is invited to call (323) 356-3988.
The Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action is also working with residents to provide relief as they attempt to clean the water, mud and debris out of their homes.
Last week the group set up a food distribution center, providing flood victims with free USDA surplus commodities
IMACA’s Mike Murphy said that the organization is also available to help residents with temporary housing arrangements immediately, and reconstruction efforts in the future.
Finally, a flood relief fund has been set up by the Independence Civic Club to help those whose homes have been destroyed or damaged by the flooding. Donations may be sent to the Independence Civic Club, attention Flood Relief Fund, P.O. Box 482, Independence, CA 93526.