DEMA WARNS OF POTENTIAL HEAVY RAINS

FROM THUNDERSTORMS AND KATRINA

Residents in Flood Prone Areas Advised to Be Alert to Weather Conditions

TheDelaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) reminds residents and businesses to consider safety and preparedness measures in case of heavy rains and possible flooding, and to be prepared to act when watches or warnings are issued for severe thunderstorms with the potential to cause flash flooding.

The National Weather Service is forecasting rain and possible thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening and possibly additional storms Wednesday. These rains could be heavy at times and could result in flooding in some areas. Moisture from Tropical Depression Katrina could move closer to the Delmarva and result in increased coverage and intensity of showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday.

Those who live and work in flood prone areas are encouraged to think about flood safety and to take steps to protect families, homes and businesses. Rains from Katrina are currently on a track to move slightly west and north of the Delmarva, however, shifts could bring them closer, resulting in heavy rain, strong winds and the potential for isolated tornadoes.

Emergency management officials remind the public that powerful storms can trigger large amounts of rainfall in very short periods of time, which can lead to flash flooding. Flash floods can strike with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes.

If conditions indicate the potential for flash floods, the National Weather Service will issue watches or warnings. A flash flood watch means that flooding may occur. Residents should keep alert and watch rivers and streams. If they rise - don't wait; move to high ground quickly.

A flash flood warning means that there is actual flooding. Residents should act at once and move to high ground.

“Those living in flood-prone areas should listen carefully to all severe weather warnings and act immediately if protective measures are advised,” DEMA Deputy Director Glenn Gillespie said. “Everyone should develop a family plan that identifies evacuation routes and a place to meet in case your family gets separated. And, don’t drive into low-lying areas or over roads and bridges that are already under water. It’s just plain common sense.”

The following are flood preparedness tips:

Find out from your local emergency management office whether you live in a flood-prone area. Ask whether your property is above or below the flood stage water level and learn about the history of flooding for your region.
Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.
Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

Flashlights and extra batteries.
Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
First aid kit and manual.
Emergency food and water.
Non-electric can opener.
Essential medicines/prescriptions.
Cash, credit cards and important legal documents (including your flood insurance policy).
Sturdy shoes.

Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during floods or flash floods -- a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school -- have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a flood or flash flood and
teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1. Listen to your local Emergency Alert System station for emergency information.

Renters and property owners who are not already insured are encouraged to purchase flood insurance policies now to provide financial protection from future storms. Standard homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage. It takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to be effective.

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