Flood Awareness Week
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- Created on Tuesday, 15 March 2016 14:17
- Written by Dylan Robichaud
NORTHEAST KINGDOM- After the recent flooding, now is the time to get yourself educated so you don’t get caught in a situation that could cost you your life. This week the National Weather Service in Burlington is holding their annual flood awareness week, which is a week meant to educate people on the threat of flooding here in the Northeast.
“We face a year round flood threat here in the northeast, so we’re trying to use this week to focus on that,” said Greg Hanson, a Hydrologist for the national weather service. “ We do it to make people realize the flood dangers we face here, and what they can do to overcome those threats and protect themselves,” he said.
Twice in the past month there has been severe flooding, along portions of the Passumspic river from Lyndonville, all the way through Monroe, NH where the library is still recovering from recent flooding.
“We’ve just come through a bit of an ice jam caused from melting snow and ice, and as we head into the Summer we have the risk of flooding from thunderstorms and heavy rain fall,” Hanson said. “This is a good time for people to review what they’re local flood threats are, if you or your business is located in a food plain, know your evacuation route, and know what your going to do when you see flooding.”
According to flood ready.gov, flooding is the number one cause of weather related death in the United states. just six inches of moving water is enough to knock you off your feet, and two feet of water is enough to sweep your vehicle away. The majority of deaths occur from people who drive through flooded roadways and underestimate the depth of the water. Most flooding takes place in low lying plains near rivers, and streams. The national weather service also wants you to know the warning signs. A flood watch means conditions are favorabale for flooding to occur in your area, even if it's not raining. If theres a heavy downpour nearby, you are still susceptible to flash flooding. A flood warning means that significant flooding is expected and to take action immediately. If you are returning to an area that has been flooded, then don't walk through standing water, as it may be electrically charged from downed powerlines. If it's safe to do so, take photographs of the damage for proof when making an insurance claim.
The National Weather Service also holds a lightning safety week, and a fire safety week in the Spring.
For more info on how to stay safe this season everyday you can listen to NOAA radio and get tips on how to keep yourself out of harms way.
