News about the Flood In Southeast Kansas

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ACCESS TO AFFECTED AREA: Residents of the affected area are allowed back to their properties.  There will be a curfew in effect from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.  This curfew will be strictly enforced.  All homes have been placarded and logged with various colors. In addition homes wrapped in red or yellow tape are off limits. Those with green placards may occupy their residence. However, they must remain in their home during the curfew hours of 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.  Anyone outside of their home will be detained by law enforcement.  This will be strictly enforced with absolute zero tolerance.
ADDITIONAL PROPERTY EVALUATION:  If your property has not been placarded, call the Coffeyville Police Department at 620-252-6160 and leave your name and address.  An assessment team will respond and properly placard your residence.  This process has to happen in order to receive the proper assistance.

SECURE BUILDINGS:  Those in the affected areas need to start taking proper steps to secure their structures.  This needs to begin in the near future as the heightened law enforcement presence is gradually reduced.
REHABILITATION CENTER:  There will be a rehabilitation center for citizens at 11^th and Northeast.  There will be decontamination assistance, water, ice and protective equipment available.
ASSISTANCE WITHIN THE AFFECTED AREA:  There will be officials from various agencies who will be roaming in the affected area.  Contact one of these officials if you have questions concerning health or safety concerns or need information on proper disposal and clean-up.  There will also be a rehabilitation center 

PROGRESS REPORT:

• 470 total structures were placarded as to July 11, 2007
• Red Cross has processed 431 disaster assistance applications totaling 1045 people
• Lions Club took over 350 disaster applications and issued 157 vouchers
• Over 200 citizens participated in the bus tour on July 9, 2007

SEVERE WEATHER SHELTERS: Severe weather shelters are located at:

• Field Kindley High School
• Roosevelt Middle School
• St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
• First Assembly of God Church
• Coffeyville Regional Medical Center
• Community Elementary School

WEATHER REPORT: There is a continued possibility of thunderstorms for the area.
SAFETY UPDATE:

• Do not enter any area that is still flooded
• While working take frequent breaks in shaded areas and drink plenty of water.  If you feel dizzy, nauseated or experience vomiting you may have heat exhaustion and should seek immediate medical attention.
• If you smell gas, or hear the sound of escaping gas leave immediately and contact an emergency worker.
• Wear disposable covers for your shoes and disposable gloves.
• Wash your hands with a waterless sanitizer as soon as you leave your home.
• If your clothes are soiled after working in your home, remove and wash separately from other clothing.
• Do not enter any building that appears unsafe

MOLD CONCERNS:  Residents returning to their homes need to be aware of the mold content in their homes.  Those occupying their homes should replace all ventilation filters prior to turning on any air conditioning to reduce the amount of possible mold contamination.  For more information on mold concerns call 1-800-438-4318 or visit www.epa.gov.
HAZARDOUS SPILLS: Call 911 if you encounter a hazardous spill, leak, or unidentified chemical barrel.  If containers are damaged or leaking, do not handle.  You can also contact the EPA Spill Line at 913-281-0991.
MENTAL HEALTH: To reach a mental health professional call Four County Mental Health, 620-251-8180.

LEVEE SYSTEMS: The US Corp of Engineers has inspected the levee system and believe they are in good shape.  Minor repairs have been recommended
COFFEYVILLE CITY OFFICES:  Open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 620-252-6100.  Utility Customer Service hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

VOLUNTEERS: Individuals wanting to volunteer must call Gary Frazier at 620-988-3362.
COFFEYVILLE MAIL: The Coffeyville Post Office is delivering mail to those affected by the recent flood where they are able.  Where delivery is not possible, the Post Office is holding the mail until an alternate delivery address has been established.  And, according to the postal service if you find any mail, leave it in place.
DISASTER RELIEF:  Water and ice, and other donations are available at the Disaster Recovery Center located at the Community Elementary School located at 102 Cline.  Also available are protective equipment and five gallon Flood Bucket Kits that contain cleaning supplies and protective gear.  These buckets will also be available at St. James Methodist Church at 502 South Cedar. 

DISASTER ASSISTANCE: If you have been affected by the disaster in any way, call 1-800-621-FEMA and visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Community Elementary School located at 102 Cline:

• The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services
• SBA
• FEMA
• American Red Cross
• Salvation Army
• Four County Mental Health
• Samaritan’s Purse
• Ministerial Support
• Labor Ready
• USDA
• Coffeyville Resources
• Kansas Department of Revenue
• Kansas Department of Housing
• Kansas Department of Labor
• Kansas Department of Health & Environment

Please note:  You do not have to wait for insurance payments before contacting these agencies or visiting the center.

FEMA ASSISTANCE: To register for FEMA assistance call 1-800-621-FEMA or go online to www.fema.gov, or visit them at the Disaster Recovery Center located at the Community Elementary School at 102 Cline.

FSA EMERGENCY LOANS: The Farm Service Agency is making emergency loans available to help qualified producers recover from production and physical losses due to the flooding.  You can contact a FSA representative at 620-724-6227

UNEMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS: Can be accessed by calling 1-800-292-6333.
OIL RELATED CLAIMS: Residents with oil-related claims can call the claims center at 1-800-958-5380.

Some information on handling mold and moisture from the EPA.

 Mold and Moisture Guide

It has come to the attention of the Emergency Operations Center that some residences in the affected Coffeyville flood area have not yet been assessed and placarded.  In order to receive assistance, this process must be completed.  We urge the affected citizens to contact the Coffeyville Police Department at 620-252-6160 and leave their name and address so the assessment team can respond and properly placard the residence.    The Emergency Operation Center would like to remind the residents of the Coffeyville flood affected area if their residence is one of those awaiting assessment, there still exists a health hazard, and they should not enter the residence for at least 30 minutes after opening the doors and windows to let it air out.  In addition, residents in the affected area need to start taking proper steps to secure their residences as the heightened law enforcement presence is gradually reduced.

There will be a community meeting for people interested in discussing a transition plan for the continued operation of the temporary shelter after the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) leaves.  HSUS is in charge of the temporary shelter located in Whittier School at the corner of 3rd and Walnut.  The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sirloin Stockade meeting room in Coffeyville.  Those interested in purchasing dinner should arrive at 6:30 p.m.

ACCESS TO AFFECTED AREA: Beginning today July 11, 2007 at 10:00 a.m., residents of the affected area will be allowed back to their properties.  There will be a curfew in effect from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.  This curfew will be strictly enforced.  All homes have been placarded and logged with various colors. In addition homes wrapped in red or yellow tape are off limits. Those with green placards may occupy their residence.  However, they must remain in their home during the curfew hours of 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.  Anyone outside of their home will be detained by law enforcement.  This will be strictly enforced with absolute zero tolerance.

PROGRESS REPORT:    

•  Red Cross has processed 415 disaster assistance applications totaling 1045 people 
•   Lions Club took over 350 disaster applications and issued 157 vouchers 
•  Over 200 citizens participated in the bus tour on July 9, 2007 

SEVERE WEATHER SHELTERS: Severe weather shelters are located at: Field Kindley High School, Roosevelt Middle School, St Pauls Lutheran Church, Coffeyville Regional medical Center, First Assembly of God Church, Community Elementary School

WEATHER REPORT: There is a continued possibility of thunderstorms for the area. 

SAFETY UPDATE:·          Do not enter any area that is still flooded·          While working take frequent breaks in shaded areas and drink plenty of water.  If you feel dizzy, nauseated or experience vomiting you may have heat exhaustion and should seek immediate medical attention.·          If you smell gas, or hear the sound of escaping gas leave immediately and contact an emergency worker.·          Wear disposable covers for your shoes and disposable gloves.·          Wash your hands with a waterless sanitizer as soon as you leave your home.·          If your cloths are soiled after working in your home, remove and wash separately from other clothing.·          Do not enter any building that appears unsafe 

HAZARDOUS SPILLS: Call 911 if you encounter a hazardous spill or leak.  If containers are damaged or leaking, do not handle.  You can also contact the EPA Spill Line at 913-281-0991.  WATER LEVEL: The water level was 9.7 feet at 6 a.m. on July 10, 2007   MENTAL HEALTH: To reach a mental health professional call Four County Mental Health, 620-251-8180.  LEVY SYSTEMS: The US Corp of Engineers has inspected the levy system and believe they are in good shape.  Minor repairs have been recommended  COFFEYVILLE CITY OFFICES:  Open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 620-252-6100.  Utility Customer Service hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.VOLUNTEERS: Individuals wanting to volunteer must call Gary Frazier at 620-988-3362.COFFEYVILLE MAIL: The Coffeyville Post Office is delivering mail to those affected by the recent flood where they are able.  Where delivery is not possible, the Post Office is holding the mail until an alternate delivery address has been established.   

DISASTER RELIEF:  Water and ice, and other donations are available at the Disaster Recovery Center located at the Community Elementary School located at 102 Cline.  Also available are five gallon Flood Bucket Kits that contain cleaning supplies and protective gear.  These buckets will also be available at St. James Methodist Church at 502 South Cedar.   

DISASTER ASSISTANCE: If you have been affected by the disaster in any way, call 1-800-621-FEMA and visit the Disaster Recovery Center located at Community Elementary School located at 102 Cline:   The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, SBA, FEMA, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Four County Mental Health, Samaritan’s Purse, Ministerial Support,  Labor Ready, USDA, Coffeyville Resources Please note:  You do not have to wait for insurance payments before contacting these agencies or visiting the center. FEMA ASSISTANCE: To register for FEMA assistance call 1-800-621-FEMA or go online to www.fema.gov, or visit them at the Disaster Recovery Center located at the Community Elementary School at 102 Cline. UNEMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS: Can be accessed by calling 1-800-292-6333.  OIL RELATED CLAIMS: Residents with oil-related claims can call the claims center at 1-800-958-5380. 

Beginning Tuesday July 11, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. residents of the area affected by the flood will be allowed to return to their homes to begin their recovery efforts.  To ensure the security of the area there will be a curfew in effect until further notice from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.  During those hours residents must vacate the affected area.  Anyone who remains in the affected area during curfew hours may be detained by law enforcement.During the initial process of evaluating structures in the affected area, crews from the Kansas Assessment Team placed placards on all homes and businesses. These placards will most likely be attached to the front door of the structures or near the front door.  There are green, yellow, orange and red placards.  These indicate the level of damage from flood water that reached the building and do not indicate the stability of the structure. There are some homes that have been placarded with a green placard which indicates the home is safe to occupy.  These residents may occupy their homes; however, they must observe the curfew and stay in their residence during the curfew hours. Homes that have been wrapped in red or yellow tape are not safe to enter and no person should enter these structures.Due to health and safety concerns those entering the affected area are encouraged not to bring children, older adults, pregnant women, the ill or infirmed or pets into the affected residence unless the residence has a green placard affixed to it.  Also do not come into contact with any standing water in or around homes.  If you come into contact with standing water wash the exposed area immediately.Residents can obtain protective equipment for recovery efforts at the Disaster Recovery Center located at Community Elementary located at 102 Cline and at St. James Methodist Church at 502 South Cedar.   

United States Environmental Services (USES) has agreed to work with the city of Coffeyville to assist with removal of deceased animals within the affected flood area.  At the direction of city officials, USES has agreed to commit personnel to access the affected area and conduct an area sweep to properly prepare and dispose of deceased animals. The initial sweep will take place starting July 10, 2007 through July 11, 2007.  All deceased animals located within the affected area will be properly disposed.   

Following the initial sweep by USES personnel, residents will be allowed a notification period of 24 hours upon entry of their property to remove deceased animals within the residence and notify Coffeyville Animal Control at 620-252-6160.  However, USES personnel will not go in residences to assist with deceased animal removal.USES personnel will conduct a second pick up operation of the affected areas on July 13, 2007 to remove those deceased animals reported to Coffeyville Animal Control.  Residents are responsible for placing the deceased animals discarded at curbside for disposal.  Starting July 14, 2007 Coffeyville residents will be allowed to collect deceased animals on their own and will have access to a roll-off dumpster located at the City Recreation Building on Park Street for disposal of dead animals only.