[Press Release] : Potential exists for flooding; residents reminded of road closure website

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
Contact: Zim Schwartze, OEM Director, or Scott Smith, Public
Information Officer - (573) 874-7400 
 
Potential exists for flooding; residents reminded of road closure
website
 
COLUMBIA, MO (April 29, 2010) - The combination of last weekend’s heavy
rain and the potential for severe weather that could bring more rain
this weekend has raised the concern of the Columbia/Boone County Office
of Emergency Management (OEM). 
 
“After last weekend’s rain caused flooding in a number of areas, it’s
not out of the realm of possibility that more rain this weekend could
bring additional flooding problems,” says OEM Director Zim Schwartze.
“Boone County has a number of low-water crossings that were closed
last weekend because of flooding, and it’s possible we could see that
again in the days ahead. We want to remind residents to check the
condition of streets and roads in the area before traveling in the area.”

 
The Office of Emergency Management maintains an updated list of road
closures at the website www.showmeboone.com/OEM/closures. In addition,
the condition of state highways can be checked at the State Department
of Transportation’s website, www.modot.org. 
 
9-1-1 communications operators with Public Safety Joint Communications
were inundated with calls from residents last weekend checking on road
conditions, and to report water over the road. Residents are reminded to
call the Operation Center’s non-emergency line for non-life threatening
situations at (573) 442-6131. Residents should not hesitate to call
9-1-1 for emergencies such as water rescues and other potential water
related incidents where they need assistance immediately.
 
Schwartze also cautions those driving in the rain to be aware of the
danger of hydroplaning. Motorists are advised to slow down during
instances of heavy rain and do not cross those areas where water covers
the road. If you can’t see the roadway due to water covering it, take
the safe choice and “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
 
- 30 -
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