As Missourians deal with continued flooding throughout the state due to recent heavy rains, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) today reminded residents living near the Missouri River and Mississippi Rivers, their tributaries and smaller creeks, of the following important steps as they prepare for potential flooding:

• Copy and store in a waterproof bag or container important documents such as medical records, contracts, deeds, leases, banking records, insurance records, social security cards, and birth certificates.
• After a flood remember to wear protective shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirts and gloves to protect from sharp edges and other hazards.
• Before entering a flooded structure, check the outside of the structure for damage such as cracks in the foundation or broken utilities that could make it too dangerous to enter.
• Enter a flooded structure with caution. Look for sagging in the ceiling that may indicate trapped water. Check for loose flooring.
• Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood water and mud, including canned goods, capped bottles and sealed containers.
• Take pictures of the damage to the house and its contents for insurance claims.
• Make sure to check use www.ready.gov/floods for updates regarding flooding and other information critical in dealing with flooding.

“It is critical that our river communities be informed as much as possible about rising water levels due to the persistent and heavy rains that have taken their toll on Missouri over the last few weeks,” Luetkemeyer said. “It is my hope that this information will help folks prepare accordingly.”
Luetkemeyer’s congressional district comprises 13 counties and the Mississippi River runs along the east side of the district for roughly 75 miles, while a major tributary to the Mississippi – the Missouri River, runs through the center of the new district for roughly 140 miles.

Earlier this year, Luetkemeyer formed the Mississippi River Valley and Tributaries Caucus to serve the interests of constituents and stakeholders who live and work throughout the Mississippi River Valley and along its tributaries. Luetkemeyer also serves as first vice president for the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association to provide a voice to Missouri river communities on issues including flood control, bank stabilization, navigation and major drainage.