Melting Snow, Rainfall Could Cause Flooding

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(Jay's note: I took this pic of the Youghiogheny River yesterday, and Oakland had already started placing 'High Water' signs at certain points that were starting to flood. I think it's important enough to read these flood warnings just in case)

Melting Snow, Rainfall Could Cause Flooding


Mar. 11, 2010

Because of the unusually high amount of snow that has fallen this winter, flooding is expected in the area in the days ahead.
"Residents should prepare now for possible future floods," said Director Brad Frantz, Garrett County Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management.

Garrett County government, Public Safety, and public roads officials, in conjunction with Allegany County and Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), have been taking appropriate steps to minimize the effects of flooding. That includes organizing damage assessment teams ready to be deployed to assess public infrastructure and individual residential and business damages; preparing shelters for evacuation areas, clearing drainage areas, pre-staging swift-water rescue teams; and declaring a local state of emergency in order to acquire outside resources.

Frantz offered the following steps that residents can take in advance to prepare for floods:

•Make sure your insurance policy covers flooding. Even renters are eligible for flood insurance. For more information, you can contact a local insurance agent.

•Move furniture and valuables to higher floors as floodwaters rise.

•Keep your car's gas tank filled in case you need to evacuate.

Follow the instructions given by emergency officials. If told to evacuate, do so.

Listen to radio or television for information, and have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio with a warning alarm tone and battery-back-up to receive warnings. You may also receive telephone messages from Garrett County's reverse 9-1-1 system, which will give you specific instructions.

A flash flood or flood watch means that flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watch area. Citizens are advised to be alert.

A flash flood or flood warning means that flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent and citizens are advised to take necessary precautions at once.

An urban and small stream advisory means that flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas such as railroad underpasses and urban storm drains is occurring.

If you receive a flash flood warning, you may have only seconds to take the following actions:

•Get out of the area subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, and washes.

•Avoid already flooded and high or rapidly flowing areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.

•If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. Turn around and go another way; never drive through flooded roadways.

•If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away. Remember, it is better to be wet than dead.

•Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

•Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening weather conditions.

•If you come to a flowing stream where water is above your ankles. Stop, turn around, and go another way.

•To report damage from flooding, you may call the Garrett County Public Safety 24-hr. hotline at 301-334-4444.

For more information about flooding, a joint publication of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross is available. For a free copy of "Repairing Your Flooded Home," you can write FEMA Publications, P.O. Box 70274, Washington, D.C., 20024, or call 1-800-480-2520.

Additional information can be found on MEMA's web site at mema.state.md.-us/MEMA/content_page.-jsp?TOPICID=floods or at www.floodsmart.gov.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350