Mitigation Info Offered at N.Y. Home Depot Store

New York’s State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will have another Building Supply Outreach Partnership with a home supply store in Broome County to assist people with mitigation and disaster assistance information.

The outreach begins this Saturday, May 14 through Friday May 20, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, except Tuesday, May 17, at the Home Depot, 798 Main Street in Johnson City.

Specialists from FEMA will be on hand to explain techniques that can lessen damage to homes, businesses and property from future flooding. How-to information for retrofitting buildings and elevating utilities will be available as well as brochures about the National Flood Insurance Program.

Also, specialists will be able to provide flood safety clean-up tips to help prevent health problems that can be caused by mold and mildew. In addition to causing structural damage, home and business owners should be aware that mold spores can grow in a short period of time, which may cause or aggravate asthma or respiratory problems in adults and children.

Other things residents can do to avoid flood damage in the future include:

* Relocate main electric switchbox above potential flood waters.
* Relocate electric outlets and switches above potential flood waters.
* Move washer and dryer to a higher floor.
* Elevate furnace and water heater.
* Have licensed plumber install a backflow valve to prevent sewer backup.
* Purchase flood insurance.

The team also will supply information on how people can get help with other disaster-related questions.