[Press Release] : Boone County Flood Update (release issued May 8)

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Columbia/Boone County Emergency Operations Center, Day:
573-817-5091
Evening: 573-230-1678

Boone County flood update: danger is not past but preventive steps
going well
COLUMBIA, MO (May 8, 2007) - Although the threat of flooding is not
past, sandbagging to prevent flooding is going well. Emergency response
personnel, front line government staff, not-for-profit organizations and
volunteers are working primarily in Rocheport and Hartsburg. The day’s
events and tomorrow’s plans are summarized here.

Rocheport
The Boone County Fire District is building a 2,400-foot sandbag barrier
along the Katy Trail, with 450 feet protected as of 4 p.m. Work will
continue until 9 p.m., at the latest, and resume tomorrow at 8 a.m.
Volunteers who can work in Rocheport this evening and tomorrow should
report to Fire Station No. 2, 104 Central Street to get work
assignments. A public health nurse will be available on-site.

Hartsburg
There was no “bagging” in Hartsburg today, but the Southern Boone
County Fire District will start sandbagging tomorrow at 8 a.m. and work
during daylight hours. Volunteers who can work in Hartsburg should
report to the American Legion Hall there to get work assignments. A
public health nurse will be available on-site.

Next 24 hours
Unless significant threats develop, the Emergency Operations Center
will stand down during this evening. Police, fire and “911” services
will continue to be available. Additional updates from the Joint
Information Center will be issued tomorrow, some time after 10 a.m.

Volunteer Work during floods
● Health Advisory: Flood waters can pose a risk of infection.
Volunteers should have a current tetanus shot (injected within the last
10 years). Injections will be available from the Columbia/Boone County
Health Department at the Rocheport and Hartsburg sites. At least a dozen
volunteers received injections today.
● To assure protection of the public and assure efficient bagging
operations, please report only if you wish to work at these sites.
● Volunteers should be physically fit, capable of performing
strenuous work and able to lift 50 pounds.
● Bagging will be performed outdoors in potentially extreme weather
conditions. Appropriate clothing includes work jeans, cotton shirt,
jacket, work boots, leather gloves and hat.
● Volunteers are encouraged to bring sunscreen and shovels. Although
water and food will be available at the sites, it would be a good idea
to bring drinking water and a snack.

Sandbags for Personal Use
The following locations have sandbags for sale to the public. 

● Lowes Home Center 201 Conley Road 573-499-6767
● Home Depot Clark Lane & Highway 63 573-814-1900
● Westlakes Ace hardware Business 70 at Old Highway 63 573-449-7277

Public Facilities and Services
The city’s water treatment plant and wetlands sewer treatment
operation, both located in McBaine, continue to operate. City staff have
moved equipment and contractors out of the area and taken other
precautions to prepare for flooding. Health Department officials are
prepared to consult on contamination issues, personal health, insect
problems and animal control. 

Contact information
Because many public agencies are dealing with and preparing for
expected flooding, the following contacts should be used by local media
to obtain information specific to the area involved. 

For questions concerning sand-bagging operations in the Hartsburg and
Wilton area, contact the Southern Boone County Fire Protection District
(SBCFPD) Command Post at 573-657-9768.

For questions concerning sand-bagging operations in the Rocheport and
McBaine areas, contact Boone County Fire Protection District Division
Chief Gail Blomenkamp at 573-219-0677. 

For questions regarding the City of Columbia Wetlands, call Columbia
Public Works Department Public Information Officer Jill Stedem at
573-874-7250.

For questions regarding the City of Columbia Water Treatment Plant,
call Water and Light Department Public Information Officer Connie
Kacprowicz at 573-874-7325.

For questions regarding public health risks from contaminated flood
waters, call Bret Loudermilk, Columbia/Boone County Health Department,
at 573-874-6396.

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