Weathering the Storm

Weathering the Storm

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WEATHERING THE STORM 11 1.28.2018 Flooding is a temporary overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. There are many possible causes of floods including heavy rain or snowmelt, coastal storms and storm surge, waterway overflow from being blocked with debris or ice, or overflow of levees, dams, or waste water systems. Flooding can occur slowly over many days or happen very quickly with little or no warning — this is referred to as "flash floods." "The first thing you want to do in the event of flooding is assess your surroundings," stated Benton County's Deputy Director of Emergency Management Michael Waddle. "When it rains around you, do you start to see water rise around your house? It's important to be aware of your surroundings. If it rains hard enough around here (Northwest Arkansas), you'll know if you're in a low area or not." Flooding can happen in any U.S. state or territory. It is particularly important to be prepared for flooding if you live in a low-lying area near a body of water, such as near a river, stream, or culvert; along a coast; or downstream from a dam or levee. Flooding can occur during every season, but some areas of the country are at greater risk at certain times of the year. Coastal areas are at greater risk for flooding during hurricane season, while the Midwest is more at risk in the spring and during heavy summer rains. It is important to make a plan before flooding occurs. Knowing your flood risk is your first step. "We'll send out flood watches and flash flood advisories ahead of time when we see these big storm systems approaching," added Waddle. "If you know you're in a low-lying area and you are flood prone, make sure to have a plan to get to higher ground and get out of the area." Flooding is common throughout Northwest Arkansas, so you should familiarize yourself with the local emergency plans. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to get to higher ground, the highest level of a building, or to evacuate. Make a flood emergency plan for the relevant type of local flood risk with plans such as where and how you will evacuate, shelter, and locations for higher ground. Build an emergency preparedness kit, including a minimum of three days of food and water, flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies. "Northwest Arkansas has a lot of low-water crossing areas — low-water or shallow bridges — and if the water is over the bridge, don't try to go through it," warned Waddle. "When we had the April/ May floods of this past year, we responded with a lot of what we call 'swift water rescue' — where cars get washed off of roadways. Even if you have a raised up four-wheel drive truck, don't assume you can cross these flooded spots. It only takes 12 inches of moving water to wash your vehicle off the road." If floodwaters rise around your car, but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. However, do not leave the car and enter moving water. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you down. If a "flood watch" has been issued, it means to be aware — conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area. At this point, you should turn on your radio or TV to receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions. It is also a good idea to build or restock your emergency preparedness kit to include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies. Disconnect electrical appliances and to avoid electrocution, be sure to not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. In the event that a "flood warning" has been issued, this means it is time to take action because flooding is either happening or will happen shortly. Move immediately to higher ground and evacuate if directed to do so. Avoid walking through flood waters. When flooding occurs, it is best to remember the following phrase — "Turn around. Don't drown!" 4 7 9 - 9 9 6 - 6 8 9 9 m s g w a s t e @ g m a i l . c o m w A S T E R E M O V A L & R E C y C L I n G Waste & Refuse Monday-Friday: 7 A.M. - 5 P.M. Saturday: 7 A.M. - 2 P.M. Sunday: Closed NWA Democrat-Gazette/ JASON IVESTER A sign blocks entrance to Ball Street Tuesday, April 26, 2017, due to flooding in Johnson. "Northwest Arkansas has a lot of low-water crossing areas — low-water or shallow bridges — and if the water is over the bridge, don't try to go through it,"

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