The City of Johnston Public Works and Public Safety staff have been and are continuing to assess any damage that may have occurred to public infrastructure due to the excessive amount of rain last night. At this time, all roadways are open however there are areas where stalled vehicles remain in the roadway.
Residents who may have experienced flooding in their basement are advised to follow these precautions.
After a Flood
- Avoid floodwaters. Do not let children play in the water.
- Be aware of areas where water has receded. Roadways may have weakened and could collapse. Avoid down power lines and muddy waters where power lines may have fallen. Return home only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Discard food that may have been contaminated.
- Check on sewage systems. If damaged, these can be a serious hazard.
- Make sure the building is structurally safe to enter or reoccupy.
- Turn off electrical power. Do not use electricity until it is safe to do so.
- Ensure that natural gas sources are safely secured.
- Secure the exterior to prevent further water intrusion. This can include boarding up broken windows, making temporary roof repairs, sealing cracks or tacking down plastic sheeting against open gaps in walls or roofs.
When It’s Safe to Begin Cleanup
- Disconnect all electronics/electrical equipment and move it to a safe, dry location.
- Remove as much standing water as possible from inside the building.
- Begin to remove water-damaged materials immediately.
- Ventilate the home as best you can with fans and/or dehumidifiers.
- Contact a water extraction company, if necessary, for assistance.
By taking immediate action, you will reduce the amount of damage and increase the chance of salvaging usable materials. You'll also reduce the amount of rust, rot, mold and mildew that may develop, and lower the likelihood that the water will lead to structural problems.