UPDATE #5 – 3:45 p.m. North Attleborough Announces American Red Cross Clean-Up Kits and Sand Bag Distribution for Residents

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH — Town Manager Michael Borg and Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Christopher Coleman announce that the American Red Cross will be distributing Clean-Up Kits following significant rainfall and flooding Monday night.

North Attleboro officials and the American Red Cross will be distributing clean-up kits tonight from 5-7 p.m. at the Department of Public Works garage, 240 Smith St., while supplies last.

Residents can also fill their own sandbags at the DPW garage. Bags and sand will be provided by the Town, but residents will need to fill their bags with sand. Residents are welcome to take as many sandbags as they think they will need and may take sand whenever.

Red Cross clean-up kits include bleach, a bucket, scrubbers and sponges, mops, brooms, long-handle squeegees, garbage bags, and gloves.

Those whose homes have experienced significant flooding and are worried about potential safety hazards including gas and electrical issues are asked to call 911.

Those cleaning up damage from Monday night are encouraged to adhere to the following safety tips courtesy of the American Red Cross:

• Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots, and be cautious when cleaning up.
• Learn more about how to clean up after a flood, including the supplies you’ll need, how to sanitize food contact surfaces, and how to repair water damage.
• Be careful when moving furnishings or debris, because they may be waterlogged and heavier.
• Throw out items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected. This includes mattresses, carpeting, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys.
• Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood waters and mud. When in doubt, throw it out. This includes canned goods, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and containers with food or liquid that has been sealed shut.
• Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped out completely in a short period of time, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.

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