Municipal Affairs and Environment
May 22, 2017

Public Advisory: Financial Assistance for Residents of Mud Lake Affected by Flooding

Now that the emergency response to the flooding at Mud Lake is moving into the recovery phase, residents of Mud Lake are advised that applications for the Newfoundland and Labrador Disaster Financial Assistance Program (NL-DFAP) are now being accepted.

Compensation for damages caused by the recent flooding will be based on criteria established by both the federal and provincial disaster financial assistance programs. Applications can be made by individual homeowners, small businesses, and not-for-profit organizations.

Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance companies first and to take steps to mitigate any further damage. The Insurance Bureau of Canada has an information line for insurance policy holders to get information and advice: 1-844-227-5422.

Further information and applications for the Newfoundland and Labrador Disaster Financial Assistance Program can be attained by emailing NL-DFAP@gov.nl.ca, or beginning tomorrow (Tuesday, May 23) by telephone at 1-888-395-5611.

Important information for residents and communities is contained in the Backgrounder below.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Advice for Residents and Communities Affected by Flooding

RE-ENTERING YOUR HOME

General Advice

  • Contact your insurance company immediately to determine whether you have coverage. Follow any advice they provide.
  • Ensure authorities have advised that it is safe to re-enter the home.
  • If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter the home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
  • Use extreme caution when returning to the home after a flood.
  • The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested by a qualified electrician to ensure that it is safe.
  • Depending on where residents live, the municipal or provincial inspection authority is responsible for the permitting process required before the electric utility can reconnect power to the home.
  • Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure, or sewage systems until electrical components have been thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected by a qualified electrician. Appliances that may have been flooded pose a risk of shock or fire when turned on.
  • Do not use a generator to run‎ appliances until all appliances, as stated above, have been inspected and determined to be undamaged, dry, and safe to use.
  • Never use a barbecue or other fuel-burning appliance inside a home, garage or vehicle as carbon monoxide can build up in these appliances which can lead to serious injury or death. Any use of a portable generator should be done outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your house.
  • If Mud Lake residents have concerns/questions about electrical issues, water/sewer, or oil tanks, they can contact the Service NL Government Service Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, 2 Tenth Street, at 709-896-5428 and 709-896-5430.

Ensuring Building Safety

  • Make sure the building is structurally safe.
  • Look for buckled walls or floors.
  • Watch for holes in the floor, broken glass and other potentially dangerous debris.

Flood Water

  • Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants. It can cause sickness and infections.
  • If by colour, odour or taste you suspect that your drinking water has been contaminated, don't drink it.
  • Household items that have been flood-damaged will have to be discarded according to local waste disposal regulations, but do not do so until such time as adjustors have had a chance to review the items. Please keep in a specific area on your property, covered with a tarp.

Documentation of Flood Damage

  • Store all valuable papers that have been damaged in a freezer until they are needed (after the cleanup, consult a lawyer to determine whether flood-damaged documents, or just the information in them, must be retained).
  • Record details of flood damage by photograph or video, if possible.
  • Register the amount of damage to the home with both the insurance agent and local municipality immediately.

DRINKING WATER AND HOME HEATING FUEL

Flooding of Wells

  • Assess the condition of the well. Ensure the ground surface around the well is intact and stable. Check to see if any electrical components or wires are visible, or if there is damage to the well casing.
  • Mud, silt and other debris should be removed from the well casing, cap and all accessible components.
  • Disinfect the well.
  • After a contaminated well has been properly disinfected and the chlorine has been flushed out of the water system, the water should be tested to confirm that bacterial contamination has been removed.
  • Until testing shows that the water is free of bacterial contamination, continue to use disinfected or boiled water.

If residents of Mud Lake have questions around septic and drinking water wells, they can call Service NL’s Government Service Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay at 2 Tenth Street. The numbers to call are 709-896-5428 and 709-896-5430.

Oil Tank Leaks

  • Stop any leak and clean up the impacted area, including taking all reasonable steps to recover escaped fuel, and remove or treat contaminated soil located on the property. This should be done only when the site has been assessed and it is deemed safe to do so.
  • Contact a heating oil provider, heating contractor or a licensed inspector for assistance.
  • Contact the Spill Report Line at 1-800-563-9089.
  • Have any leak temporarily sealed, if possible.
  • Remove any heating oil from the leaking tank.

Homeowners who have experienced damage to their oil tanks can contact their local Government Service Center (GSC) office through Service NL: www.mae.gov.nl.ca/env_protection/petroleum/pdf/oil_tank_damage.pdf PDF

Mud Lake Residents can contact the Government Service Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, 2 Tenth Street, at 709-896-5428 and 709-896-5430.

MOULD ABATEMENT

The following are guidelines to use while dealing with mould:

  • While cleaning up in a room where mould is present, people should wear a face mask and disposable gloves.
  • Residents may need to have their home professionally cleaned by a company specializing in mould abatement. Home owners are reminded to contact their insurance company to check coverage.
  • A cool, dry area minimizes mould growth.
  • Alternatively, textiles, furs, paper and books can be frozen until they are treated.
  • Wet mould will smear if wiped. Let it dry and, if possible, move the effected items outside to brush it off.
  • Mould spores can also be destroyed by lightly misting the item with isopropanol (rubbing alcohol).

For carpets and furniture:

  • Carpets soaked with sewage must be discarded.
  • Remove residual mud and soil from furniture, appliances, and other affected items.
  • If items are just damp, let the mud dry and then brush it off.
  • To test if material is dry, tape clear food wrap to the surface of the item. If the covered section turns darker than the surrounding material, it is still damp. Dry until this no longer occurs.
  • For upholstered furniture, residents should consult a professional to see what can be salvaged. In the meantime, remove cushions and dry separately. Do not remove upholstery. Raise furniture on blocks and place fans underneath.
  • Wooden furniture: remove drawers and open doors. Do not dry quickly or splitting may occur.

2017 05 22                             8:25 p.m.