Now that immediate flood-related emergencies have been taken care of in southern and central areas of the state, West Virginia University Extension Service personnel are helping residents cope with the after-effects.”Because of their knowledge of local agencies and organizations, county Extension faculty and staff can direct affected residents to good sources of assistance,”said Dr. Larry Cote, WVU associate provost for Extension and Public Service.

In addition, WVU Extension county offices can provide information to both victims and relief workers on many areas of flood cleanup. To help flood victims and relief workers access timely, factual information, WVU Extension is using the opening page of its Internet site (/www.ext.wvu.edu/) to link to flood relief resources throughout the nation, including the Extension Disaster Education Network.

After the initial flood cleanup, people need to know how to get their lives and homes back in order, Cote said. They face such practical issues as cleaning their bedding and clothing, removing mold from houses, deciding which food to discard, testing their wells, saving their gardens and coping with stress, he noted.

“County Extension offices can provide answers to many questions flood survivors have,”Cote said. People may call the offices between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.