Springing into Flood Season
- Details
- Created on Friday, 20 March 2015 14:39
- Written by Tom Weineck
SAINT JOHNSBURY - With warmer weather around the corner, the threat of flooding could become a serious issue. The problem could be solved through various methods, including your town’s emergency management plan.
A town’s emergency management plan consists of officials who would likely be called in case of a disaster, such as the fire department, law enforcement, and also local shelters.
“The reason for including the shelters is to see how many spots they have available in case of an emergency,” said Bruce Melendy, the Emergency Management Coordinator from Northeastern Vermont Development Association.
The emergency management plan should not be the only thing residents do to prevent their houses from being flooded though. Homeowners who live on, or near, flood plains should take action before flood season goes into full swing.
Saint Johnsbury firefighter Mark Harpin said, “Maybe you may need to put in a drain to prevent your house from getting water in it.”
Putting in a drain will only prevent some problems, as flooding this year could be really severe, Melendy explained.
“We are probably going to have some issues with flooding,” he said.
This year, the issue with flooding is caused by the amount of snow that has accumulated over the course of this winter, and the warmer weather which will cause it to melt.
“As much as everyone wants the warm weather to come, us, in Emergency Management, want the snow to leave slowly so we don’t have to deal with too much flooding,” furthered Melendy.
When it comes to responding to the floods, Melendy thinks there should be no hesitation.
“People should not wait, there will be first responders, but they may not be able to get to you,” warns Melendy, “Bridges can be replaced... but what we try to do is keep in mind the safety of the people involved.”
Which is why Melendy tries to get the message out to most people, that they should be aware of what areas can flood.
Melendy encourages people to stay alert and monitor media, such as Vermont Emergency Management websites. That way people can stay up to date on how to stay safe during flood season, and if a natural disaster were to occur. The Vermont Emergency Management website can be found on http://vem.vermont.gov/
