In the wake of a natural disaster, its community coming together that really helps us heal. To our friends, family, team members, customers and community, our hearts are with you as things start to dry out, and we wanted to put together this list of references and tools to help you better locate where assistance and products may be available to get you the help you need. We are committed to helping our customers, especially in times such as now.
For Our Community
Part of what Tundra is, is giving back to our community, and we see this as an opportunity for helping to repair areas that were damaged. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be collecting information from Boulder County to see where there are volunteer opportunities that we can help with.
Our sales team and drivers are also reaching out to access the needs of our customers, and see where there are possible ways that we can help.
For Our Team Members
Our human resources department is working to collect a list of needs for our fellow team members that were affected by the floods, including essentials and help with locating temporary homes. During the flood, many of our team members were unable to make it in, but we were happy to have them safe at home. We did have a few team members that were able to make it in, so we were able to answer our customers’ questions, and help with any concerns they had. We’re happy to say that though many of our team members were affected by the flooding waters, everyone is safe.
Clean-Up
Unfortunately, what happens after a flood is a lot of clean-up. And, as you can read in Congressman Jared Polis’s letter below, mold is a very real problem that can be damaging to your home and your health. To help with cleaning, here are a few of our products that may help, as well as a link to other resources that will help with clean-up.
- Floor Dryers
- Cleaning Agents
- Cleaning Supplies
- Disposable Gloves
- Colorado Flood Relief Information
- Protect Yourself From Mold
- Dry out Your Home to Prevent Mold Growth
- Cleaning and Sanitizing with Bleach
Helping Children During a Natural Disaster
A message from Boulder Valley School District
Natural disasters like the widespread flooding that has occurred within our community can produce strong emotional reactions for us and our children. BVSD staff will make every effort possible to support you and your children throughout this difficult time. Please know that if your children are experiencing stress and/or are overwhelmed with the events of this past week, BVSD has well-trained staff in place to provide support during the school day.
By accessing the following links, you will find articles on how to cope with the stress that arises as a result of natural disasters, as well as ways to support your children:
- Helping Children After a Natural Disaster: Information for Parents and Teachers: https://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/naturaldisaster_ho.aspx
- Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope after a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers: https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA12-4732/SMA12-4732.pdf
- Helping Parents Cope with a Disaster: https://www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/pdf/helping-parents-cope-with-disaster.pdf
- After a Disaster: Self-Care Tips for Dealing with Stress: https://www.samhsa.gov/csatdisasterrecovery/outreach/afterDisasterSelfCareTipsForDealingWithStress.pdf
Community Organizations
A message from Boulder Valley School District
In addition, below you will find links to community organizations that can provide needed emergency or ongoing support through this difficult time:
- Emergency Family Assistance Association: For all emergency needs for residents of Boulder and Broomfield Counties: https://www.efaa.org/
- Mental Health Partners for Boulder and Broomfield Counties- For emotional support, especially for families in need without insurance: https://www.mhpcolorado.org/Home.aspx (Phone: For emergency needs: 303-447-1665; To request services: 303-413-6263)
- Boulder Psychological Services: For a large directory of counselors, therapists, and psychologists throughout our region: Mostly for those with insurance: https://boulderpsychologicalservices.com/
- Community Food Share: For emergency or ongoing food needs for residents of Boulder and Broomfield Counties: https://communityfoodshare.org/
FEMA & Disaster Assistance
To assist anyone that has had significant damage to belongings and property, there is now assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Individuals who suffered losses can learn more and seek assistance by applying online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1.800.621.3362.
Below are documents provided by this agency to help direct to over 70 different types of assistance that have been made available to residents of Boulder County.
Letter From Congressman Jared Polis
Dear Friend:
As we start to clear and rebuild our basements, homes and our communities, it’s important to be aware of all the problems that may arise.
One of the most significant issues that can arise after a flood is mold. Be sure to clean any wet areas with detergent and water, and dry out your home to prevent mold growth, as well as fixing any leaks in your home. After cleaning wet surfaces, sanitize the area with household bleach (make sure you’re wearing gloves and try not to breath in fumes!). Follow these instructions to safely clean surfaces with bleach: Cleaning and Sanitizing with Bleach.
Here are a few additional tips for recognizing and dealing with mold from the Center for Disease Control:
- Sight (Are the walls and ceilings discolored, or do they show signs of mold growth or water damage?)
- Smell (Do you smell a bad odor, such as a musty, earth smell, or a foul stench?)
- When in doubt, take it out! Remove all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. These items can remain a source of mold growth and should be removed from the home. Porous, non-cleanable items include carpeting and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation material, some clothing, leather, paper, wood, and food. Removal and cleaning are important because even dead mold may cause allergic reactions in some people.
We’ve seen Coloradans pull together every time we’re faced with a difficult situation. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals hoping to profit from people’s misfortune may attempt to pose as government officials and scam you of your personal information. FEMA recommends the following precautions:
- Federal workers do not solicit or accept money
- Ask for an official laminated ID. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of identity.
- Safeguard personal information: Do not give personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers unless you initiate the call.
- Beware of people going door-to-door. People going door-to-door to damaged homes, or phoning homeowners claiming to be building contractors could be scam artists, especially if they solicit financial information.
If I can be of any assistance providing you with additional resources, please contact our Disaster Specialist, Danielle Henry, in my Boulder office at (303) 484-9596 or e-mail her at Danielle.Henry@mail.house.gov. If you live in Larimer County, please contact our Disaster Specialist, Jamie Grim, at (970) 226-1239 or e-mail her at Jamie.Grim@mail.house.gov. I am regularly updating my website with important documents related to flood relief and federal assistance available to constituents. Please refer to this page as well for any immediate questions:
Colorado Flood Relief Information
If you have an item that you are in need of to cope with the floods, or if you have an item or time that you can offer to someone in need, please fill in the following spreadsheet with your information so that everyone receives the help they need:
Stay Colorado Strong,
Jared Polis
In Closing
We welcome further ideas, thoughts, or comments on additional ways in which we can help and manage through this very challenging situation.
Sincerely,
Ryan Lewis