(MANHATTAN, KS – September 7, 2018) – Inspections have completed for properties affected by the flood. The preliminary estimate of damage includes 93 properties with 106 buildings and a total of 381 dwelling units. Staff continues to input data into the FEMA model to arrive at a total amount of building damage and hope to be finished by the middle of next week.

The Multi Agency Resource Center hosted by the American Red Cross is open this evening until 7:00 PM at St. Thomas Moore Church, located at 2900 Kimball Ave. As of 5:00 PM, more than 100 households have participated in the event. Resources such as the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Charities, Department of Motor Vehicles, and the City of Manahattan are on hand to provide assistance to people affected by the flood. Food for the event has been provided by Dillons and Harvesters.

The Red Cross shelter at Pottorf Hall at 1710 Avery Ave in CiCo Park will remain open this evening.

All roads are open and passable in Manahttan except for Poliska Road. A small portion of Poliska washed out in flood waters and will be repaired next week once surfaces have dried completely. Portions of Linear Trail remain closed at this time and more information is available on www.mhkprd.com.

The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation has established a fund to help those affected by the flood. People who wish to donate to help flood victims can do so online at https://www.mcfks.org/flood or by texting “FLOOD” to 785-284-8783.

Safe cleanup practices are important for folks removing mud and water-damaged items from their property. The Center for Disease Control recommends the following:

Clean Up

– Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.

– Wear personal protective equipment, including rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.

– While cleaning up areas with mold damage, wear a NIOSH-approved N-95 respirator, or one that provides even more protection.

– All food exposed to floodwater should be thrown out.  All food requiring refrigeration should be thrown out if the power was out more than four hours.

– Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).

– Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters. This should include materials that are located a foot higher than the high water line.

– Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.

– Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.

– Be sure your tetanus shot is current.  Hand washing with soap and clean water is important when cleaning areas that have been exposed to flood water.

– Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.

– Wash clothes contaminated with flood water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens.

– Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.