Flood Victims Can Still Get Assistance

Help is still available for flood victims.

Those wishing to apply for food stamps must do so before Wednesday. They can apply at Idaho Department of Health and Welfare offices from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Tuesday.

In Kootenai and Shoshone counties, firewood, bottled water and cleanup kits are available at the Pinehurst fire station. The Rose Lake General Store has bottled water for people with wells contaminated by floodwaters.

For people wishing to donate items for flood victims, the St. Vincent de Paul Society is accepting clothing, bedding, toiletries, paper goods and food. Flood victims also may go to the nearest St. Vincent de Paul store for needed supplies. For more information, call 664-3095.

Many people and businesses have called Kootenai County Disaster Services, offering time, services or equipment to flood victims. The department is distributing a list to local fire departments. To offer help, call Disaster Services at 769-4477. To get help, see your local fire department.

Officials also are warning of the danger of spontaneous combustion wherever hay has become wet. Wet hay should be removed from storage structures before a fire can start. It also should not be fed to horses.

Flood debris on lakes and rivers poses a danger to boaters. Partially submerged logs and other debris can cause serious damage to boats.

People also should be cautious walking along the edges of rivers and streams. Floodwaters have eroded the banks, which may collapse easily.

, DataTimes