Flood clean up continues, despite continuing rain. Volunteer caseworkers visited homes in affected areas to assess needs and help residents identify resources for assistance. “We found families who have lost everything,” says Viviane Khounlavong-Vallance, Associate Executive Director of Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, and a volunteer caseworker.

Current cleanup efforts focus on deconstruction, removing furniture and personal belongings, as well as damaged floors and walls from flooded homes”. Dan Palmer of the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District expressed concern for the deconstruction process, saying, “We want to be sure wood, lumber and drywall, which are all classified as ‘demolition debris’, are disposed in a safe manner to protect everyone’s health as well as the environment.” Palmer noted that the Iron Valley Landfill, on Township Road 287 in Chesapeake, is a licensed Construction and Demolition Debris Landfill. For specifics about debris disposal, contact Iron Valley Landfill at 740-867-9991.

Mold is a big problem after flooding. Health officials remind those involved in clean up to

Dispose of anything that can’t be cleaned.

Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. If you will be in the building for over an hour or cleaning mold, wear a mask.

Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and / or bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.

Rebuilding lives is not as easy as taking out the debris. “Many people simply can’t afford to fix their house and replace their belongings. They don’t know what they will do,” Khounlavong-Vallance said. “As a community, we need to help each other.”

You can help by donating gently used furniture or appliances and new construction materials like 2x4s, flooring and insulation.

Adventist Community Services will be accepting donations at a temporary warehouse in the Point Industrial Park on Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To find the warehouse, take the County Road 1 exit off US 52, go to the Point Industrial Park and follow the signs to the warehouse.

“We may not have identified all the families who need assistance,” says Khounlavong-Vallance.

Families who have not been contacted by a caseworker and are in need of assistance should call the Lawrence County Emergency Management Agency at 740-533-4375.