The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:
•    Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
•    Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
•    Avoid moving water.
•    Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
•    Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
•    Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
•    Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
•    Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
•    Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
•    Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
 
 Federal (FEMA)Information

On May 25, 2006 President George W. Bush issued a federal disaster declaration for Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk Counties in response to severe and extensive flooding in the region.  He issued the federal disaster declaration in order to provide financial and logistical assistance to local officials, businesses, and residents affected by massive flooding in the area.  Residents of these counties are now eligible for temporary housing benefits, Small Business Administration low-interest loans, and flood-related unemployment assistance.  Grants are also available to cover needs and expenses not covered by insurance policies.  
 
All those who have suffered property damage or loss resulting from storms and flooding since May 12th, 2006 are eligible to apply for these benefits.  Those affected by this disaster may contact the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to apply for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) from 8:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time seven days a week.  Residents who suffer from hearing and/or speech impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.  FEMA also allows on-line applications at the FEMA Website.
 
Those affected by the disaster may apply for assistance immediately by calling this toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, seven days a week. Those with speech and hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. You may also register on-line at FEMA Website.

When calling or registering online have the following information available:
•    Your current phone number;
•    Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
•    Your Social Security number, if available;
•    A general list of damages and losses you suffered;
•    If insured, the name of your company or agent and your policy number;
•    General financial information; and
•    Bank account coding if you wish to speed up receiving your assistance with direct deposit”



Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

INDIVIDUALS and HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM: Housing assistance to individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the flood. Types of aid include grants for temporary rental housing; essential repairs needed to make a residence safe, secure and sanitary; and to help meet serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other programs, such as medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage. Funds are also available for mitigation measures to help reduce future disaster damages.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE: Weekly benefits to those individuals out of work due to the disaster, including self-employed persons, farm owners and others not usually covered under regular unemployment insurance.
U.S. Small Business Administration Programs

HOME/PERSONAL PROPERTY DISASTER LOANS: Disaster loans to homeowners and renters for restoring or replacing underinsured or uninsured disaster-damaged real and personal property. (Available in declared counties.)
BUSINESS DISASTER LOANS: Disaster loans to repair or replace destroyed or damaged business facilities, inventory, machinery, equipment, etc. not covered by insurance. (Available to large and small businesses in declared counties.) Loans also may be available only to small businesses for working capital to assist them during the disaster recovery period.”

Local (MEMA) Emergency Contact Information

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
400 Worcester Road
Framingham, Massachusetts 01702-5399
(508) 820-2000
(508) 820-2030 FAX
MEMA Website

Region I Mailing Address:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
99 High Street
6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Serving:
•    Connecticut
•    Maine
•    Massachusetts
•    New Hampshire
•    Rhode Island
•    Vermont

Disaster Assistance Employee Information
Amy Corbiere
Email: amy.corbiere@dhs.gov
Telephone: (617) 956-7556

Diane McKenzie, Contracting Officer
Email: diane.mckenzie@dhs.gov
Telephone: (617) 956-7529

Environment & Historic Preservation Contact
Jack Sullivan
E-Mail: jack.sullivan@dhs.gov  
Telephone: (617) 832-4791

Flood Hazard Mapping Contacts
Michael Goetz, HIRA Branch Chief
E-Mail: mike.goetz@dhs.gov
Telephone: (617) 956-7571

David Knowles, Hydrologist
E-Mail: david.knowles@dhs.gov
Telephone: (617) 956-7570

Dean Savramis, Civil Engineer
E-Mail: dean.savramis@dhs.gov
Telephone: (617) 956-7564

Freedom of Information Act Contact
Marty Bahamonde
E-Mail: marty.bahamonde@dhs.gov
Telephone: (617) 956-7547

Media Contact
Marty Bahamonde
E-Mail: marty.bahamonde@dhs.gov
Telephone: (617) 956-7547

National Flood Insurance Program Contacts
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Telephone: (617) 832-4761 / (617) 956-7559
FEMA
6th Floor
99 High Street
Boston, MA 02110

Flood Insurance Information for Insurance and Lenders
Tom Gann
New England Regional Insurance Manager
Bureau and Statistical Office
Computer Sciences Corporation
Telephone: (781) 848-1908
Fax: (781) 356-4142

Tribal Contact
Nicole Andrews
E-Mail: nicole.andrews@dhs.gov
Telephone: (617) 832-4745

Public Assistance & Fire Management Assistance Grant Programs
Jim Donovan
Email: jim.donovan@dhs.gov
Telephone: (617) 832-4765

Preparedness
Dan McElhinney
Email: dan.mcelhinney@dhs.gov
Telephone: (617) 956-7567

All Other Inquiries
Telephone: (877) 336-2734