City of Fort Collins Flood Recovery Updates

Posted on: Sep-17-2013

The most recent information regarding flood recovery status in the City is detailed below. In our efforts to be thorough, the press release is longer than normal.

Flood Updates:
•Poudre River flows are steadily dropping and were 2,590 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the mouth of the canyon at 11:45 a.m. and 1,860 cfs in town (Lincoln Avenue Bridge) at 12:15 p.m.

•The following bridges remain closed per Larimer County:

• *Overland Trail
  
• *Shields Street
  

•The Poudre Trail from Lions Park to I-25 and Legacy Park, 300 Woodlawn Dr., also remain closed.

Resources / Recovery Assistance:

•Anyone impacted by the flood may register with FEMA at 800-621-FEMA or at www.disasterassistance.gov.

• *Once registered, individuals can access all federal programs.
  
• *The Small Business Administration (SBA) will work with some homeowners and renters as well as businesses, providing short-term loans where possible.
  
• *FEMA has grants for those unable to pay back loans.
  
• *For farm-related assistance (crop loss, etc.), farmers can contact Farm Services Agency (part of USDA).
  
• *FEMA expects to have funds available now for recovery efforts, through the Disaster Recovery Fund. FEMA’s first priority is debris removal.
  

•If there is damage to river bank properties, call 970-221-6700 prior to any work for assistance with documentation and permitting.

•Residents who need to manage flood-related debris should consult the following:
http://disasterassistance.gov
http://colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDPHE-EPR/CBON/1251645971558
http://epa.gov/naturaldisasters/returnhomeadvisory.htm

•Local resources for managing flood debris:

• *Contact your private trash hauler regarding any special instructions on the pick-up and management of flood debris.
  
• *Contact the Larimer County Landfill for any special procedures, www.larimer.org/solidwaste/ftc.htm.
  

•Those returning home should go to the following resources for key information on how to manage conditions at home, begin the clean-up process, file insurance claims, etc.:

https://www.fcgov.com/streets/pdf/2013_Flood_Indoor_air_quality_fact_sheet.pdf
http://floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/preparation_recovery/after_a_flood.jsp
http://floodsmart.gov/toolkits/flood/downloads/AfterFloodFactSheet-08-2010.pdf
http://ready.gov/floods

•Residents who need help with disaster assistance resources should call 211 (United Way).

Safety:

•The public is advised to avoid unnecessary contact with river and other water bodies as they are likely contaminated with sewage from breached septic systems, etc. Bacteria (e.g., E-coli) levels are up significantly in the flood waters and can pose serious health issues. Visit https://www.fcgov.com/2013-flood – the warning also is posted in Spanish – for information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the risks associated with flood and standing water. More information also is available at http://larimer.org.

•The EPA urges the public to be on the alert for leaking containers and household chemicals, such as drain cleaners and chlorine bleach. Visit http://epa.gov for details.

•Use caution when moving building debris and supplies that may contain hazardous materials, such as asbestos, which can cause injuries or adverse health effects. The following may contain asbestos and should not be disturbed, including:

• *boiler/pipe insulation
  
• *fireproofing
  
• *floor tiles
  
• *roofing
  
• *transite boards used in laboratory tabletops and in acoustics in auditoriums, music rooms and phone booths
  

•Fort Collins Utilities’ Water Treatment Facility reports that City drinking water remains safe.

•Utilities has begun a systematic damage assessment process
with other City departments.

• *Utilities and City Engineering staff continue to inspect the structural integrity of bridges, which are reported to be holding well. Other infrastructure checks also are reported to be stable at this time.
  
• *Stormwater and Building Inspection employees are conducting structural assessments of buildings damaged in the flood.
  

•Debris management currently is focused on removing blockages to public facilities and addressing public safety issues.

For more information, visit https://www.fcgov.com/2013-flood , call 970-221-6700, email utilities@fcgov.com or TDD 970-224-6003.

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• Lisa Rosintoski, Customer Connections Manager

• 970.416.2432
• bHJvc2ludG9za2lAZmNnb3YuY29tIA==

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