Press Release

For Immediate Release

May 6, 2011

Media Contact:

Patricia L. Harman,

Director of Communications

Restoration Industry Association

Office: 310.231.6505, ext. 28

Cell: 410.456.3700

pharman@restorationindustry.org

Restoration Industry Association Provides Evacuation

Checklist for Residents Impacted by Flooding

Rockville, Maryland – For individuals in the Midwest forced to evacuate due to rising flood waters, the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) suggests taking these items:

• Health & homeowners insurance policies, wills, passports
• Family photos & irreplaceable mementos, camera (disposable, digital, video)
• Digital inventory CD of house and printout of contents
• Paper, pen, address book, emergency phone numbers (family, hospital, physicians)
• Wallet, checkbook, credit cards and cash
• Canned goods, can opener, peanut butter, protein bars, bouillon cubes, M.R.E.s, baby food
• Bottled water (1/2 gallon per person), water purification tablets
• Sharp knife, duct tape, small shovel, rope, work gloves, fix-a-flat, tarps, all-purpose tool
• Waterproof matches, lighter, fire extinguisher
• Radio, candles, flashlights, extra batteries 
• Pet supplies
• Toiletries – including hand sanitizer, toilet paper, feminine products, baby supplies, paper towels, trash bags
• First aid kit, general remedies (e.g., cold, antacids), medications & prescriptions, glasses
• Clothing – long pants/shirts/shorts/rain poncho, walking/working shoes, extra underwear and socks, jackets/sweaters 
• Sleeping bags, air mattresses, folding chairs
• Laptop computer, cell phone, chargers & car chargers
• Medication & prescriptions
• Extra batteries
• Maps
• Children’s games, deck of cards
• If there is time, take photos of each room in the house or structure, paying particular attention to large items that are valuable and not easily moveable.  

“While this list of is not all-inclusive, it provides a good starting point under very difficult circumstances,” said RIA President, Frank Headen, CR, WLS, CMH. “RIA members know from experience how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected.”

More disaster tips and what to do after a flooding emergency can be found on the RIA website at www.restorationindustry.org under the “consumers” link.

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The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has member firms worldwide. RIA provides industry leadership, supports science, and promotes best practices for cleaning and restoration. More information is available on the RIA website: www.restorationindustry.org.