My house was flooded

[douglisa]

I need to know, do you think this email I sent was too obvious in my distaste of his family who have hardly helped us? My sli had sent us an invite to their 4th of July bbq. After fil pulled the dehumidifier out of the basement he told dh that he would like to take it home and see if he can get it working because they need another. He also put dibs on our old grill! I am going to throw them both away in the dumpster we rented. OOPS! I "forgot!" I will say.

I think we will be going to Jean and Vaughn's but thanks for the invite.
I also wanted to send a thank you to everyone that helped us with our flooding situation. I am so lucky to have such wonderful family. My folks let me and Tsi stay there. Thank you guys for the camera and thanks Mary and Gary for helping to get a couple stuff out of the basement. (the hot water heater and the dehumidifier.
Holy smokes what a mess. Hopefully Steamatic will get here soon, the mold is burning my eyes and makes my nose run.

Thanks, Lisa

 

[RUDisney]

I think you were too subtle. Ignoramouses like that don't understand subtlety.

 

[Terry36]

I need to know, do you think this email I sent was too obvious in my distaste of his family who have hardly helped us? My sli had sent us an invite to their 4th of July bbq. After fil pulled the dehumidifier out of the basement he told dh that he would like to take it home and see if he can get it working because they need another. He also put dibs on our old grill! I am going to throw them both away in the dumpster we rented. OOPS! I "forgot!" I will say.

Thank you for the invite; however I think we will be going to Jean and Vaughn's.
I also wanted to send a thank you to everyone that helped us with our flooding situation. I am so lucky to have such wonderful family. My folks let me and Tsi stay there. Thank you guys for the camera and thanks Mary and Gary for helping to get a couple stuff out of the basement. (the hot water heater and the dehumidifier).
Holy smokes what a mess. Hopefully Steamatic will get here soon, the mold is burning my eyes and makes my nose run.

Thanks, Lisa

Lisa this sounds perfect, I just rearranged the top line and added a parenthesis behind dehumidifier! You do not have to act ignorant just because they are. Unfortunately it is times like these where you find out who you can count on. Been there done that.

I am glad you guys finally received DH's check. I remember right after Katrina we ran around like mad people trying to figure out how to get DH's check but thank goodness mine was direct deposited. So a lesson in this is maybe DH can see if he can have his Direct Deposited now.

 

[robinb]

Lisa, I'm glad things are starting to look up for you! Are you living in the house with all that mold? My allergies are kicking up just thinking about it! You had some questions about the structural integrity of your house. Do you plan on having it inspected?

I think that email is fine as long as it is also going out to people who have helped you. Otherwise, it is too snarky IMO. I also think it's too snarky to throw out things that your FIL has asked for just because you're honked off at him. Put 'em outside and tell the FIL that he needs to pick them up by the time the dumpster is emptied or they'll go on top.

 

[RitaE]

I'm rather surprised you are keeping your carpets, especially with your asthma.

We had some area flooding last year from river water and 4 or 5 houses had water a couple of feet on their first floors. Guys with masks over their faces came in and removed the carpets and couch and fabric covered furniture. They also had to cut out the drywall below a certain level and spray something around to kill the beginnings of mold growth.

Then after a couple of weeks, somebody came in and tested for mold growth.

Only then did all the volunteers come back in and start putting the house back together. They were all out of their houses for quite some time.

I'm happy to hear that your house is apparently livable. Best of luck to you.

 

[douglisa]

Lisa, I'm glad things are starting to look up for you! Are you living in the house with all that mold? My allergies are kicking up just thinking about it! You had some questions about the structural integrity of your house. Do you plan on having it inspected?

I think that email is fine as long as it is also going out to people who have helped you. Otherwise, it is too snarky IMO. I also think it's too snarky to throw out things that your FIL has asked for just because you're honked off at him. Put 'em outside and tell the FIL that he needs to pick them up by the time the dumpster is emptied or they'll go on top.

Thank you, Yes, I have to be here to fill the dumpster. LOL
We will find out soon about the structural damage. Service Master is coming soon to take care of the mold thank God!
Fil told us he wants us to bring them to him. I am not going to throw them out cause I can not lift them over the dumpster! Too high and that stuff is mud caked, ewwww gross!!!

 

[douglisa]

I'm rather surprised you are keeping your carpets, especially with your asthma.

We had some area flooding last year from river water and 4 or 5 houses had water a couple of feet on their first floors. Guys with masks over their faces came in and removed the carpets and couch and fabric covered furniture. They also had to cut out the drywall below a certain level and spray something around to kill the beginnings of mold growth.

Then after a couple of weeks, somebody came in and tested for mold growth.

Only then did all the volunteers come back in and start putting the house back together. They were all out of their houses for quite some time.

I'm happy to hear that your house is apparently livable. Best of luck to you.

We have hard wood floors on the 1st floor. I was talking about the carpets that are on the 2nd floor that did not get touched by the flood.
Our mold is in the unfinished basement and the garage.
I bought respirator masks for when I am cleaning. I just want to stay upstairs as much as possible.

 

[3littlepigs]

Found this on the American Red Cross of the Tri States Area website (the one that serves Dubuque county), thought it might be helpful:


CLEANING AND DRYING OUT YOUR HOME
1. Open your doors and windows. Let your home air out for at least 30 minutes, before you stay inside for any length of time. Use fans to dry out your home.
2. Remove all items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be cleaned and dried thoroughly.
3. Examples of absorbent items that cannot be cleaned are: carpets and carpet padding, upholstery, wall paper, dry wall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation material, clothing, leather, paper, books, wood and food.
4. To remove mold from hard surfaces, mix one cup of bleach in one gallon of water and wash with the mixture. Use a stiff brush to scrub rough surfaces and rinse with clean water. Dry the item or leave it out to air dry.
5. To prevent mold growth, clean all wet items and surfaces with detergent and water and fix any water problems such as leaks in roofs, walls or plumbing.
6. Turning on air conditioners or heaters can spread mold spores and make the problems worse. Clean these before use.
7. If you wish to disinfect your home, refer to the Environmental Protection Agency¡¦s (EPA) brochure, ¡§A Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture in Your Home (address of website on the Red Cross website)

FLOOD WATER
Flood water may be contaminated by waste from overflowing sewage systems as well as toxic waste from cars and industrial plants. Do not eat or drink anything that has been contaminated by flood water.
• If an open cut or wound is in contact with flood water, clean it with soap and water and use an antibacterial ointment to lower your risk of infection.
• Wash dishes, linens and clothes contaminated by flood water in hot water and detergent. Run the washing machine or dishwasher through one full hot water cycle using a disinfectant or sanitizer, before you wash clothes or dishes.
• Do not allow children to play in places or with toys that have been in contact with flood water. Disinfect contaminated toys by cleaning them with a cleaning mixture with one cup of bleach to five gallons of water.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF MOLD EXPOSURE
• Stuffy nose, sneezing, red eyes and skin rash.
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.
• Allergic reactions to mold including asthma attacks.
• People with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases may develop mold infections in their lungs.

Their website is www dot arcdbq dot org (guess I can't post links)

 

[douglisa]

Thanks 3littlepigs for posting that. I have everything but the rash.
I have been playing phone tag w/ the cleaners. They are super buisy.
I got most of the stuff out of the basement but started having an asthma attack and went to work on the garage where it is better ventilated.
I stood there in the middle of the garage and was overwhelmed. I had no idea where to start and cried my eyes out. The neighbor came over and told me to get the heck out of there or I would make myself sick.
I went to her and we both hugged and cried together. It felt good. I love my neighbors
Then she said something that made sense. She said "There is a possibility that they are going to demolish your garage right?"
She told me to let it go cause service master should not clean there till we know for sure. DUHHH! I felt stupid for not having thought of that.
So Dh will get whatever out he wants to keep when the decision is made. Now it is just a matter of waiting for the structural engineer and the cleaners to disinfect my house.
There is still a possibility they may want to destroy the whole damn thing. I am still crossing my fingers on that one.

 

[sandy2330]

Thanks 3littlepigs for posting that. I have everything but the rash.
I have been playing phone tag w/ the cleaners. They are super buisy.
I got most of the stuff out of the basement but started having an asthma attack and went to work on the garage where it is better ventilated.
I stood there in the middle of the garage and was overwhelmed. I had no idea where to start and cried my eyes out. The neighbor came over and told me to get the heck out of there or I would make myself sick.
I went to her and we both hugged and cried together. It felt good. I love my neighbors
Then she said something that made sense. She said "There is a possibility that they are going to demolish your garage right?"
She told me to let it go cause service master should not clean there till we know for sure. DUHHH! I felt stupid for not having thought of that.
So Dh will get whatever out he wants to keep when the decision is made. Now it is just a matter of waiting for the structural engineer and the cleaners to disinfect my house.
There is still a possibility they may want to destroy the whole damn thing. I am still crossing my fingers on that one.

Don't be so ready for them to destroy your home. You may not have enough left over, after paying off the current mortgage and clearing the lot, to rebuild and afford the next mortgage. And you may end up with a 30 year mortgage to boot!!

If I am reading this thread correctly, you really only had water in the basement and the garage. Even if the basement walls are collapsing, they can rebuild them and the house will still be standing.

What are your basement wall made out of? Concrete, stone, brick or concrete block?

 

[kimmikayb]

Don't be so ready for them to destroy your home. You may not have enough left over, after paying off the current mortgage and clearing the lot, to rebuild and afford the next mortgage. And you may end up with a 30 year mortgage to boot!!

If I am reading this thread correctly, you really only had water in the basement and the garage. Even if the basement walls are collapsing, they can rebuild them and the house will still be standing.

What are your basement wall made out of? Concrete, stone, brick or concrete block?

I agree with Sandy. FEMA has already told people in Palo that if their house is to be demolished they will receive only pennies on the dollar. Not enough to pay off the current mortgage and for sure not enough for another mortgage.

Your garage can be replaced fairly simply and depending on how long the water sat in your basement will determine the damage.

Don't give up hope yet. Take it day by day and minute by minute.

 

[3littlepigs]

Thanks 3littlepigs for posting that. I have everything but the rash.
I have been playing phone tag w/ the cleaners. They are super buisy.
I got most of the stuff out of the basement but started having an asthma attack and went to work on the garage where it is better ventilated.
I stood there in the middle of the garage and was overwhelmed. I had no idea where to start and cried my eyes out. The neighbor came over and told me to get the heck out of there or I would make myself sick.
I went to her and we both hugged and cried together. It felt good. I love my neighbors
Then she said something that made sense. She said "There is a possibility that they are going to demolish your garage right?"
She told me to let it go cause service master should not clean there till we know for sure. DUHHH! I felt stupid for not having thought of that.
So Dh will get whatever out he wants to keep when the decision is made. Now it is just a matter of waiting for the structural engineer and the cleaners to disinfect my house.
There is still a possibility they may want to destroy the whole damn thing. I am still crossing my fingers on that one.

Are you for real?!? You would rather see your house demolished than to clean it up and live in it just because it had a few feet of water in the basement? Who in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, or Iowa for that matter hasn't had water in their basement this year??? I guess everyone should just tear down the houses. There are a few hundred people in Parkersburg, Iowa that would be glad to have your house and your mostly untouched belongings. Google "Parkersburg, Iowa tornado" if you don't know what I'm talking about. The people whose houses are completely submerged and have been for more than a week would probably be happy to have a house that just had water in the basement too.


I'm sorry for what you're going through but I guess if my home was able to be salvaged I would do everything I could to save it, not hope that it was deemed inhabitable, and I was homeless with no savings.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Are you for real?!? You would rather see your house demolished than to clean it up and live in it just because it had a few feet of water in the basement? Who in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, or Iowa for that matter hasn't had water in their basement this year??? I guess everyone should just tear down the houses. There are a few hundred people in Parkersburg, Iowa that would be glad to have your house and your mostly untouched belongings. Google "Parkersburg, Iowa tornado" if you don't know what I'm talking about. The people whose houses are completely submerged and have been for more than a week would probably be happy to have a house that just had water in the basement too.


I'm sorry for what you're going through but I guess if my home was able to be salvaged I would do everything I could to save it, not hope that it was deemed inhabitable, and I was homeless with no savings.

3littlepigs -- I can understand you being angry because someone else is "worse off." However, the not knowing what is going to happen to your home, neighborhood and community after a disaster (ANY disaster) often leaves the "survivor" (and that's what they are...even if their life was NOT placed into jeopardy) wishing that there was some finality to it all. This is a perfectly normal response exhibited by many affected by disasters (just as your anger is also a normal response).

I say this as a qualified disaster mental health worker (who's seen too many disasters -- both natural and man made).

I have not seen the destruction that you are speaking of in Parkersburg, Iowa...but I have seen destruction that is beyond the imagination.

Here's hoping that ALL who are affected by a disaster soon find out what will be happening with their homes, neighbors and communities.

 

[RUDisney]

Are you for real?!? You would rather see your house demolished than to clean it up and live in it just because it had a few feet of water in the basement? Who in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, or Iowa for that matter hasn't had water in their basement this year??? I guess everyone should just tear down the houses. There are a few hundred people in Parkersburg, Iowa that would be glad to have your house and your mostly untouched belongings. Google "Parkersburg, Iowa tornado" if you don't know what I'm talking about. The people whose houses are completely submerged and have been for more than a week would probably be happy to have a house that just had water in the basement too.


I'm sorry for what you're going through but I guess if my home was able to be salvaged I would do everything I could to save it, not hope that it was deemed inhabitable, and I was homeless with no savings.

I was going to write out a full post, but Pixie Dust for Me said everything that I wanted to say. I think it's perfectly natural to want closure to anything bad that happens in your life. I certainly don't judge Lisa or anyone else for wanting things to be over and final.

 

[douglisa]

Are you for real?!? You would rather see your house demolished than to clean it up and live in it just because it had a few feet of water in the basement? Who in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, or Iowa for that matter hasn't had water in their basement this year??? I guess everyone should just tear down the houses. There are a few hundred people in Parkersburg, Iowa that would be glad to have your house and your mostly untouched belongings. Google "Parkersburg, Iowa tornado" if you don't know what I'm talking about. The people whose houses are completely submerged and have been for more than a week would probably be happy to have a house that just had water in the basement too.


I'm sorry for what you're going through but I guess if my home was able to be salvaged I would do everything I could to save it, not hope that it was deemed inhabitable, and I was homeless with no savings.

Ummmm, it was more than just a few feet of water. Our entire basement was filled to the top almost going to the first floor. Our basement has structural damage and is cracking. Our garage floor is all broken up and the garage is separating from the house. Our front stairs are pulling away from the house.
We had 4 feet of water in our garage. Some of the siding pulled away from the side of the house. Yes I want it torn down, I want the insurance company to say that the structural damage is so bad that that is what will happen. I pay crazy flood insurance premiums. I am scared my basement floor will finish crumbling and then this House that was built in 1864 will collapse. We owe about 30,000 on the house still and I want to move somewhere that will not flood thank you very much. I want to start all over.
My house, my feelings, my reaction, my sadness, my loss. Your not here, your not me. Don't even begin to try to shame me into feeling any other way. Crazy people......poking the bear!
I have been running the gamut of emotions, I think you just put me somewhere in the stage of anger.

 

[RUDisney]

Ummmm, it was more than just a few feet of water. Our entire basement was filled to the top almost going to the first floor. Our basement has structural damage and is cracking. Our garage floor is all broken up and the garage is separating from the house. Our front stairs are pulling away from the house.
We had 4 feet of water in our garage. Some of the siding pulled away from the side of the house. Yes I want it torn down, I want the insurance company to say that the structural damage is so bad that that is what will happen. I pay crazy flood insurance premiums. I am scared my basement floor will finish crumbling and then this House that was built in 1864 will collapse. We owe about 30,000 on the house still and I want to move somewhere that will not flood thank you very much. I want to start all over.
My house, my feelings, my reaction, my sadness, my loss. Your not here, your not me. Don't even begin to try to shame me into feeling any other way. Crazy people......poking the bear!
I have been running the gamut of emotions, I think you just put me somewhere in the stage of anger.

Well said, Lisa! You go girl!

 

[douglisa]

Are you for real?!? You would rather see your house demolished than to clean it up and live in it just because it had a few feet of water in the basement? Who in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, or Iowa for that matter hasn't had water in their basement this year??? I guess everyone should just tear down the houses. There are a few hundred people in Parkersburg, Iowa that would be glad to have your house and your mostly untouched belongings. Google "Parkersburg, Iowa tornado" if you don't know what I'm talking about. The people whose houses are completely submerged and have been for more than a week would probably be happy to have a house that just had water in the basement too.


I'm sorry for what you're going through but I guess if my home was able to be salvaged I would do everything I could to save it, not hope that it was deemed inhabitable, and I was homeless with no savings.

Besides, if they deem it a hazard they will take care of the rest of what we owe on the house. My mom has a basement w/ a kitchen 4 rooms and a full bathroom. She said she will let us stay there untill we can find another place.
If that is the case we will rent and wait till I am done w/ my education to purchase another home.

 

[douglisa]

Well said, Lisa! You go girl!

Thanks my peeps!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Sorry Lisa but based on what you've said, I don't believe that FEMA will buy out your home and tear it down. Besides, in my town after the first flood this was a very long process (think 18 months). Not all the money comes from FEMA, some comes from the state and some from the municipality. The town also has to agree to it. Just think how many homes want to be bought out. Now think of the property tax revenue that the town will be losing. Its a business decision to them. Our town put in for 17 properties after our last flood even though about 50 people applied. FEMA turned us down.

Now I'm not a structural engineer and I can't see the cracks in your foundation but in most cases, flood insurance will cover it. 2 of my neighbors had one wall completely blown in after our last flood and insurance paid to have it fixed. As for the garage, I'm not sure how that is covered by flood insurance as I don't have a garage. As for the front porch, sorry but that won't be covered by insurance. We had to prove that our porch was physically attached to our foundation (one big pour, done at the same time) in order to get the posts covered. They were cracking from the water damage. If your porch can be separated from the house then it probably wasn't attached the way it needs to be for insurance to cover it.

I wish you nothing but the best and I understand more then most on the Dis what you are going through. My first flood we filled the basement and 5 feet on the first flood. Second flood was a filled basement and 3 feet on the first floor. And my house is elevated 3 feet from ground level. This isn't going to be a quick fix and its going to be a struggle. Keep your calm. Cry when your son isn't around.
Oh and I'm not one for telling the kids everything that they've lost. Kids usually have a lot of stuff. My DD knew what she lost in general but we tossed a lot of stuff that she hasn't remembered yet and its been over a year now. Focus on the positive and not what's been lost. Good luck with everything.

 

[douglisa]

Sorry Lisa but based on what you've said, I don't believe that FEMA will buy out your home and tear it down. Besides, in my town after the first flood this was a very long process (think 18 months). Not all the money comes from FEMA, some comes from the state and some from the municipality. The town also has to agree to it. Just think how many homes want to be bought out. Now think of the property tax revenue that the town will be losing. Its a business decision to them. Our town put in for 17 properties after our last flood even though about 50 people applied. FEMA turned us down.

Now I'm not a structural engineer and I can't see the cracks in your foundation but in most cases, flood insurance will cover it. 2 of my neighbors had one wall completely blown in after our last flood and insurance paid to have it fixed. As for the garage, I'm not sure how that is covered by flood insurance as I don't have a garage. As for the front porch, sorry but that won't be covered by insurance. We had to prove that our porch was physically attached to our foundation (one big pour, done at the same time) in order to get the posts covered. They were cracking from the water damage. If your porch can be separated from the house then it probably wasn't attached the way it needs to be for insurance to cover it.

I wish you nothing but the best and I understand more then most on the Dis what you are going through. My first flood we filled the basement and 5 feet on the first flood. Second flood was a filled basement and 3 feet on the first floor. And my house is elevated 3 feet from ground level. This isn't going to be a quick fix and its going to be a struggle. Keep your calm. Cry when your son isn't around.
Oh and I'm not one for telling the kids everything that they've lost. Kids usually have a lot of stuff. My DD knew what she lost in general but we tossed a lot of stuff that she hasn't remembered yet and its been over a year now. Focus on the positive and not what's been lost. Good luck with everything.

We have no hope for fema, it would be the insuarnce company that would buy it. We are insured up to 52,500. We only owe 30,000 more. There have been a few houses here in town that have been bought out by fema. There is a town here called Garber or Little Port, can't remember which, that was entirely bought out by fema. It is a ghost town now.