Take Care of Yourself First - Protect yourself and your family from stress, fatigue, and health hazards that follow a flood. Give Your Home First Aid - Once it is safe to go back in, protect your home and contents from further damage. Get Organized - Some things are not worth repairing and some things may be too complicated or expensive for you to do by yourself. A recovery plan can take these things into account and help you make most of your time and money. Dry Out Your Home - Floodwaters damage materials, leave mud, silt and unknown contaminants, and promote growth of mildew. You need to dry your home to reduce these hazards and damage they cause. Restore Utilities - The rest of your work will be much easier if you have heat, electricity, clean water, and sewage disposal. Clean Up - The walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and any other flooded parts of your home should be thoroughly washed and disinfected. Check on Financial Assistance - Voluntary agencies, businesses, insurance, and government disaster programs can help you through recovery. Rebuild and Flood-proof - Take your time to rebuild correctly and make improvements that will protect your building from damage by next flood. Prepare for Next Flood - Protect yourself from next flood with flood insurance, a flood response plan, and community flood protection programs. This step also includes sources to go to for additional assistance. For more information on repairing your home after a flood, please visit www.redcross.org.

Many people highly prize waterfront living, and find it a deeply fulfilling experience. Knowing what to look for when choosing waterfront property will make your life on water easier and more rewarding. Choose and plan wisely - it's about knowing!

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What are turn-offs for you?

* " Doesn't take care of herself- sloppy, disorganized, etc." * " Negativity is a big turn-off- behavior, relationships, conversation" * " High-maintenance- nothing is ever enough" * " Game-player/won't express needs and feelings directly" * " Expects too much in general and doesn't give back equally" * " Is always victim- everyone unfair and unkind to them" * "needy, insecure, clingy" * " selfish- stingy with money, time, friends"

What are qualities that make a woman a "keeper"?

* " Nurturing" * "supportive" * " intelligent" * " very into me" * " appreciates what I contribute and is respectful of my feelings" * " self-reliant" * "family-oriented, likes kids" * " career or no career ok as long as she contributes to family (great mom)

How would you define "date"?

* " Make plans in advance" * " There is something there besides sex" * " This is something you want to pursue- have an interest in person" * "Friends with benefits can lead to dating or be considered a date" * "Hooking-up is not dating"

How does a woman know if a guy is really interested?

* " He will pursue her" * " No matter what, he will keep in contact" * " He communicates regularly and pursues a dating relationship"

How does a guy let a woman know he is not/no longer interested?

* " He will vanish" * " Email or call but not bring up getting together" * "Say I had a great time, etc.- but then not call" * "Won't return calls or call when he said he would" * "Talk with her about how he is feeling/not feeling, but this is hard for many men to do" * "Has to do with his age and level of maturity- these will determine which way he will handle it"

Why/when do guys marry?

* " It's about maturity and readiness" * " Age and what friends are doing plays a large role" * " Has to do with readiness for making a commitment and having kids, etc." * " Heeds to feel financially, emotionally ready" * " Needs to really click with a woman- on all levels" * "timing is a lot of it"

The content of feedback from these guys was very consistent. The overall consensus? High-maintenance, negative women are biggest turn-offs. Confident, together women, who take care of themselves, can communicate honestly and directly and are easy to be with- got highest marks. Timing in relationships plays a huge role. Mostly, men emphasized that when a guy is truly interested in a woman, he will pursue her and let her know. If he offers excuses and doesn't follow through, he's just not interested- either in her or in a relationship at this time.

My advice to women out there. "Listen" closely to what he communicates non-verbally. If he says one thing, but does another, he is not telling you whole truth. If you have just begun dating someone or have seen him for a while and his behavior towards you changes suddenly- address this with him immediately. Most of all, if something just doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Trust your instincts and let them be your guide.