[emo-news] Flood Preparedness Information

[Emergency Management News - Norwich, NY]

  NEWSfromSEMO                               
 NEW YORK STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
OFFICE       
1220 Washington Avenue, Building 22, Suite
101, Albany, NY 12226-2251
 
David
A. Paterson,
Governor                                                                                                                          
John
R. Gibb, Director
  
                        
 
NEW YORKERS ADVISED TO BE
PREPARED FOR SEASONAL FLOODING
Flood
Awareness Week Observed in State March 15-21
 
This week’s late
winter rains, warming temperatures and shifting icepacks serve as a reminder to
New Yorkers to review their emergency plans to be prepared for flooding.
 
“Coastal and inland
flooding is the number one natural threat in the State,” said John R.
Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO).
 “At this time of year, snowmelt coupled with ice thaws and
much-welcomed warmed temperatures can cause flooding, sometimes with little or
no warning, and affect the safety of our residents, their homes and property,
and their communities.
 
“People should find
out how much of a threat flooding is to their location. Once they know how many
feet they are above or below flood levels, they need to pay attention to their
local radio and television broadcasts for information from local officials
regarding possible flood threats,” Gibb said. “One of the best ways
to stay informed is to subscribe to NY-ALERT, the State’s alert and
notification system, at www.nyalert.gov.”
 
Gibb offered this advice
as SEMO joined with the five National Weather Service offices in New York State
that are observing Flood Awareness Week, which begins Sunday and runs through
March 21.
 
The SEMO Director also
offered these following safety tips:
 
·           Learn the safest route from your
home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
·           Develop an emergency plan and
identify a meeting place if family members become separated. Have emergency
supplies on hand.
·           Plan what to do with your pets.
·           Keep your automobile fueled. 
If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel
for several days.  Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your
car.
 
BEFORE
THE FLOOD
 
·            Stay informed!  Monitor the
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather Radio
or your local radio and TV station broadcasts for information.
·            If local officials advise
evacuation, do so promptly.
·            If directed to a specific
location, go there.
·            If there is time, move essential
items and furniture to the upper floors of the house.  Disconnect
electrical appliances that cannot be moved.  Do not touch them if you are
wet or standing in water.
·            If you are told to shut off water,
gases, or electrical services before leaving your home, then do so.
·            Secure your home: lock all doors
and windows.
 
TRAVEL WITH CARE
 
·            Leave early to avoid being
marooned on flooded roads.  Follow recommended routes.  Do not
sightsee.
·            As you travel, monitor local radio
broadcasts for the latest information.
·            Watch for washed-out roads,
earthslides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and
falling or fallen objects.
·            Watch for areas where rivers or
streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low
areas.
·            Do not attempt to drive over a
flooded road.  Turn around and go another way.  Water moving at two
miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
·            If you are in your car and water
begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.
 
AFTER
THE FLOOD
 
·            Stay informed!  Listen to the
radio or TV for instructions from local officials.
·            Wait until an area has been
declared safe before entering it.  Be careful driving, since roads may be
damaged and power lines may be down.
·            Before entering a building, check
for structural damage.  Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or
tank.  Let the building air out to remove foul odors or escaping
gas.  Upon entering the building, use a battery-powered flashlight. 
Do not use an open flame as a source of light.  Gas may be trapped inside.
·            When inspecting the building, wear
rubber boots and gloves.  Watch for electrical shorts and live wires
before making certain the main power switch is off.
·            Do not turn on electrical
appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.
·            Throw out any medicine or food
that has had contact with floodwaters.  Test drinking water for
potability.  Wells should be pumped out and water tested for drinking.
·            If the public water system is
declared “unsafe” by health officials, water for drinking and
cooking should be boiled vigorously for 10 minutes.
 
For more safety information on floods and other hazards, visit
SEMO’s website at www.semo.state.ny.us
 
#####
 
A. Wesley Jones, Director
Norwich Emergency Management
One City Plaza, Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 334-1299
(607) 336-2080 (fax)
http://www.norwichnewyork.net/emergency 
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