Hundreds attend informational meeting on flooding in Fernley

FERNLEY " Several hundred Fernley residents packed the city council chambers Monday night to learn what measures were being done to repair their homes that were flooded when an earthen irrigation canal ruptured Saturday morning.

Fernley Mayor Todd Cutler told the standing-room-only crowd that there would be no complaining at the meeting, which was to be informational on "what we know."

Cutler said it is easy to criticize, but added the response from all of the agencies has been incredible.

"People are working together to make things happen." he said. "There is a time to be critical, but that is not tonight."

There were 595 homes in the flooded area, though not all were damaged.

Phil Galeoto, director of the Nevada Department of Public Safety and head of the Division of Emergency Management, said it was vital to get the Federal Emergency Management Administration in to assess the area so President George Bush can issue a declaration of emergency.

He said a letter has been sent to the head of FEMA in Washington, D.C., recommending this, and the letter will be delivered to the president.

"We will ask the president to handle this on the federal level," he said to applause. He added there is a lot of optimism the declaration could occur very quickly.

"Now it's kind of a waiting game," Galeoto said.

Lyon County Emergency Manager Jeff Page stressed to residents to talk to their insurance companies and make a list of damaged or lost items.

He said FEMA was an incredible help and will continue to be in the upcoming weeks and months.

"My experience is the FEMA of old is gone," he said.

Lyon County Undersheriff Joe Sanford said his department will serve affected residents in any way possible.

He said many of his deputies suffered damages from the flood, but they are still working to help others.

"The response from the state is the best I have seen in my 33 years of law enforcement," he said. "The way the state and nation came together was amazing."

The undersheriff said the department is watching for anyone who may see the disaster as a way to profit by looting damaged homes.

Sally Kline from the Nevada Division of Insurance echoed Page's comments about filing claims with insurance companies.

She recommended that inventory and pictures be taken before going to insurance carriers or to the state or federal government for aid.

If a resident thinks he or she is being stonewalled by an insurance company, she said, her office can be contacted to make a call or send a letter.

Peter Macias, director of communications, marketing and government relations for the Western service area of the American Red Cross, said the agency is delivering meals and providing cleanup kits to residents.

"We will work with you to make sure your needs are met," Macias said.

Terry Gilbert of the city of Fernley Community Development Department said residents needing places to discard items during the cleanup process can go to Green Valley Park or Out of Town park, where there will be nine trash bins.

Public Works Director Lowell Patton said the city is busy inspecting homes and making decisions on whether residents can return.

A yellow inspection sheet means there is some damage but the home is not inhabitable, and a red sheet means the home must not be entered.

Patton also said homes with gas meters that were under water cannot have power restored until they are serviced. The city has identified 38 such instances.

Patton said the city is continuing to pump out water in the most affected areas, and mentioned Shadow Mountain Road as one location open only to high-clearance vehicles.

A portion of Farm District Road is now closed, he said

City Manager Gary Bacock said the city will soon be towing cars still on the streets that were damaged by the floodwaters so debris can be removed from the roads. Residents will not incur any fees for the towings, he said.

Page said residents with children who take the bus to school need to check with the school district to find out if the bus stop has moved. School resumes today in Fernley.

Resident Scott Brown wanted to know what documents residents need to receive aid, and was told a copy of his insurance policy, proof of citizenship and a Social Security Card are needed.