Flood relief efforts continue
Comet staff report

Residents of Carroll and surrounding counties affected by recent floods could be eligible for relief benefits from several sources.

Disaster unemployment assistance available

FEMA announced in a Public Service Announcement Thursday that residents of Carroll, Cass, Elkhart, Fulton, Jasper, Marshall, Pulaski, Tippecanoe and White counties may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance. Residents out of work as a result of recent flooding and storms are urged to contact the nearest Indiana Department of Workforce Development Work One Center before March 7.

Mitigation teams to offer cleanup advice

Mitigation specialists will offer building tips which make homes more resistant to storms and flooding to Carroll County residents Feb. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Wallmann's Grocery Store on E. Franklin Street in Delphi. The special team is sponsored by FEMA in cooperation with local businesses, building supply centers and relief agencies.

"Everyone is invited and we urge all to attend, including homeowners, building contractors and architects," FEMA mitigation specialist Michael Klitzke said. "Information provided includes cleanup and repair techniques for flooded homes, how to prevent mold growth, ways to flood-proof your home and how to buy flood insurance."

Red Cross offers mental health service

The American Red Cross is on standby to provide free Disaster Mental Health Services (DMHS) to anyone who needs it in the wake of flooding. Red Cross representatives said special effort has been made in areas that have now flooded twice.

Those in need of the service should call their local Red Cross chapter, located at 615 N. 18th St. in Lafayette, at (765) 742- 6975 for information.

"These residents are exhausted, frustrated and many want to give up," Barb Scott, Disaster Mental Health Manager said. "We want them to know that somebody cares, that they're not alone and that we're there to listen, even if they just want to vent."

The Red Cross provides mental health support to those affected by disasters, whether they have disaster-caused damage, reside in the disaster-affected area, are relatives of those affected or have disaster-related emotional difficulties created by mass media exposure.

Mental health support also extends to Red Cross workers assigned to a disaster relief operation and their families. Such assistance includes education about stressors, their effects and methods of coping, advocacy, crisis intervention and referral services to meet mental health-related problems.