Weather
What’s New Since the Last News Release Update?
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Center opened in east Memphis today. Fourteen (14) flood survivors talked in person with FEMA representatives about how they might receive disaster funds. The center is located inside the Shelby County Code Enforcement office at 6465 Mullins Station Road. FEMA staff will be on-site seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to assist flood survivors
• If possible, flood survivors should register for benefits before going to the Disaster Recovery Center. To register for FEMA assistance call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by internet at www.disasterassistance.gov
• Business owners affected by the flood may be eligible for low interest loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA representatives are also on-site at the Disaster Recovery Center
• The shelter assistance center also reopened today on the same site as the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. The center on Mullins Station Road will also open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Once flood survivors register at the center, they will be assigned to one of five shelters being operated by faith-based organizations in the “Shelby Cares” shelter network overseen by the Shelby County Office of Preparedness
• So far, 1719 people from Shelby County have applied for disaster assistance from FEMA. The Shelby County Office of Preparedness estimates 2,500 properties near rivers and creeks were damaged by the high water
• The Consul General of Israel, Opher Aviran, will be at the Shelby County Office of Preparedness Emergency Operations Center at 2668 Avery at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow, May 18th. He will meet briefly with Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr. and Shelby County Office of Preparedness Director Bob Nations, Jr. The Consul General will then tour flood damaged areas. Later, at 4:00 p.m. the Consul General will attend the daily briefing about the flood recovery effort
Dangers of Flood Waters
• Officials with the Shelby County Health Department say people should not come into contact with flood waters. Sewage and other contaminates can make people seriously ill especially if cuts and open wounds become infected. Additionally fish in flood waters should not be eaten.
• Flood waters are filled with snakes. As water subsides, snakes will be looking for food and shelter inside houses and storage sheds
Public Safety
• Officers and deputies are patrolling neighborhoods that have been evacuated
• Additionally, law enforcement officers and firefighters continue their routine checks on people who remain at their homes in flooded areas
Shelby County Office of Preparedness Shelters
Those needing shelter are to first go to the service center at the Shelby County Code Enforcement Office at 6465 Mullins Station Road.
1. Hope Presbyterian Church, 8500 Walnut Grove Road
2. Cummings Street Baptist Church, 250 East Raines
3. Millington Civic Center, 8077 Wilkinsville Road, Millington, TN
4. Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, 70 north Bellevue
5. Faith Baptist Church, 3755 North Germantown Road
The Shelby County Office of Preparedness has a partnership with several faith-based organizations. Those congregations in the “Shelby Cares” network will open additional shelters if needed. For shelter occupancy rates go to www.StaySafeShelby.us
FEMA/SBA assistance for those affected by the flood waters
• Flood survivors need a claim number to apply for disaster benefits. They can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register on line at: www.disasterassistance.gov
• Business owners affected by the flood may be eligible for low interest loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA representatives are also on-site at the Disaster Recovery Center
• For questions, contact Mr. Gary Weidner, Public Information Officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency at (571) 408-1858 or email Gary at: gary.weidner@dhs.gov
• The flood recovery task force is assessing damage to an estimated 2,500 homes, businesses and other properties affected by the flood. The task force will also check roads and bridge supports submerged by water. Roads won’t be reopened to traffic until they are deemed safe for travel. For a complete listing of closed roads go to the website www.staysafeshelby.us
Be Aware of Scam Artists During the Flood Crisis
The Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office urges everyone to be vigilant. Some individuals may attempt to take advantage of flood victims. As a precaution, District Attorney Amy Weirich has issued the following statement:
"While countless Shelby County citizens work tirelessly to minimize flood damage, there are those who may view this as an opportunity to exploit vulnerable victims. Those who choose to turn flood victims into crime victims will be met with tough prosecution by the District Attorney's Office.”
• A FEMA community relations representatives and contractors wear uniforms and have picture identification cards. Report any suspicious person who claims to be a FEMA benefit representative or FEMA property inspector to the Shelby County Office of Preparedness (901) 324-8799
MLGW Concerns
• MLGW supervisors at the emergency operations center are monitoring the effects of the flooding
Electricity
• Stay away from anything electrical that may be in contact with water and always assume that it’s energized
• You should never attempt to operate breakers or switches that are wet or under water
• Never attempt to disconnect or remove your electric meter; call MLGW for assistance
• Should water damage your home’s electrical system or appliances, have them inspected by a qualified, licensed professional
• Operate all generators outside your home in a well-ventilated area
Electric Shut-Off Policy During Flooding Events:
• MLGW has turned off electricity to flooded properties
• For information, call MLGW at (901) 544-MLGW (6549) (Quick access codes 1-1-1 (English) or 3-1-1 (Spanish)
Water
• The water supply is safe for drinking and has not been contaminated
Care of Pets and Animals—Pets Are Not Allowed in Shelters
• 68 dogs, 54 cats, 2 birds and 2 domestic ducks are being housed at an emergency animal shelter at 1716 Shelby Oaks Drive, North, Suite #1. 75 horses are being sheltered at the Shelby Farms Showplace Arena.
• If a pet owner needs sheltering for their pet(s) they should bring the following items to the shelter: Shot records or rabies tag, a collar, leash and any medications. If the owner does not have these items, the shelter is able to provide these and will be vaccinating pets at no charge
• Pet owners will need to provide the shelter with contact information and present some form of identification (Drivers license, state id etc.) Representatives from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the DART (Disaster Animal Recovery Team) are caring for the animals. The shelter site is also being used as a regional distribution center for Pet Smart Charities. Food, kennels, other pet supplies are being sent from the site to other states affected by recent tornadoes, storms and floods
Volunteers
• Volunteers are needed to work at shelters and for other duties
• Call the Flood Watch Hotline (901) 324-8799. Text requests to: (901) 290-7530 or send messages by email to: StaySafeShelby@gmail.com
Roads Closed
• Many roads have been closed due to the flooding. For a complete list of closed roads, go to www.StaySafeShelby.us
Language Interpretations
• Volunteers are being coordinated by the Shelby County Mayor’s Office of Multi-Cultural and Hispanic Affairs. Email: Ivette.baldizon@shelbycountytn.gov or call (901) 508-7972
How to stay informed
• All aspects of the flood recovery effort are posted at: www.StaySafeShelby.us
• Those without internet service can get information by phone at the 24-Hour Flood Watch Hotline (901) 324-8799 or text requests to: (901) 290-7530
