Fairlawn and Bath on Flood Lookout -- UPDATE

The rain that was forecasted lagged a bit, but has been falling steadily on Summit County since early afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, more flooding is likely and we're on a temperature rollercoaster that will take us from a high in the 50s to sleet and snow by Sunday.

On the positive side, local governments have had more notice to prepare for the rain and have learned some lessons from flooding that affected Northeast Ohio on Monday.

Both Fairlawn and Bath have had crews on the ready since Thursday with pumping equipment. Both communities reported about a half-dozen flooding calls from heavy rain on Monday, but water in local basements didn't top a few inches, unlike storms in 2003, in which the Yellow Creek overflowed and about 80 homes nearby were flooded with several feet of water.

If this second round of storms leaves you treading water, here are a few tips from local experts.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency  Is working with local 

emergency management agencies to determine which hazardous waste can be burned, recycled or sent to landfills. A list of the types of waste and preferred disposal can be found here. The Summit County Emergency Management Agency

The Summit County Health District advises residents to avoid flooding or standing water, which could contain submerged objects, fecal bacteria from overtaxed sanitary sewers and other potentially disease-causing substances. Use hand sanitizer if fresh water is not available for washing. Wear goggles, boots and rubber gloves to clean flooded areas and wash clothes worn during the cleanup.  Do not allow children to play with toys that have come into contact with standing water until the items have been cleaned and disinfected.

Don Corbett, owner of Servicemaster in Fairlawn reminds do-it-yourself cleaners to stay out of standing water where there is a possibility of live electricity, and to wear rubber boots and rubber gloves when handling any potentially damp power cords. Wet furniture, mattresses and clothes should be removed. Furniture that cannot be moved should be elevated on blocks or pallets. Excess water can be drained with a wet/dry vacuum. Soggy carpets and padding should be removed. Air movement and light delays mold growth, so use a dehumidifier and fan to dry what cannot be removed until help can arrive.