FRANKFORT, Ky: (February 23, 2018) – Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) activated its State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in support of heavy rainfall and flooding conditions throughout Kentucky forecasted over the next several days. The SEOC has activated at a Level 4, which consists of KYEM personnel monitoring the weather system and damage reports from affected counties.
Heavy rainfall has impacted the Commonwealth over the last 10 days, causing oversaturation of grounds and minor to major flooding throughout Kentucky. Flood prone areas include low-lying bodies of water, rivers, streams, culverts or downstream from a dam or levee.
“We urge citizens across the Commonwealth to stay tuned to their local media and heed weather warnings over the next several days. This is a notice event that provides advance warning time to make needed preparations to move to higher ground”, said Michael Dossett, director of KYEM. “Practice your plan and don’t be caught off guard. Be aware of your surroundings. If officials tell you to evacuate, do not wait, leave immediately.”
Here are some basic safety tips for flooding:
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters – TURN AROUND – DON’T DROWN!
• Do not drive over bridges that are over fast-moving floodwaters. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridge unstable.
• Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.
• If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
• Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
Educate yourself on the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning.
Flood Watch = “Be Aware.” Conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area.
• Turn on your TV/radio. You will receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
• Know where to go. You may need to reach higher ground quickly and on foot.
• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
• Prepare your home.
• Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.
• Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
• If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.
Flood Warning = “Take Action!” Flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.
• Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground.
• Evacuate if directed.
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
After a Flood
• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded and watch out for debris. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways.
• Do not attempt to drive through areas that are still flooded.
• Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Photograph damage to your property for insurance purposes.