[Press Release] : Flood dangers highlighted this week; Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 15 -19

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Zim Schwartze, OEM Director, or Scott Smith, Public
Information Officer - (573) 874-7400
 
Flood dangers highlighted this week; Flood Safety Awareness Week, March
15 -19
 
COLUMBIA, MO (March 15, 2010) - As part of a month-long severe weather
awareness campaign, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the
Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) shift their
focus this week on the dangers posed by flash flooding. The week of
March 15-19, 2010, has been designated as National Flood Safety Week. 
 
“More people are learning just how dangerous a small amount of flood
water can be, but there are still many who do not realize or simply
ignore the dangers,” says OEM Director Zim Schwartze. “Even small amount
of water can sweep a vehicle off a low-water crossing, send it
downstream and trap its occupants. There are drivers who would take a
chance and navigate a low-water crossing rather than spend a little
extra time and take a longer route. Doing that can produce deadly
results.”
 
According to figures from the National Weather Service, 18 people have
died in flood events in Missouri in the past five years. Most deaths
attributed to flooding occur in vehicles when a driver attempts to cross
a water-covered roadway. 
 
“While we stress the importance of drivers taking the proper
precautions in flooded areas, we also want to remember those who live or
spend time in flood-prone areas,” adds Schwartze. “Those living near
flood-prone areas need to be alert for rapidly rising water and be
prepared to evacuate. Campers along riverbanks and dry creek beds should
also be ready to move should flash flooding occur. We encourage everyone
to monitor local media and have an NOAA weather radio available to keep
updated on rapidly-changing weather conditions.” 
 
The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management has a number
of publications available which address flooding preparation. Copies of
such materials are available by contacting OEM at (573) 874-7400, or by
logging on the OEM page of the city's Web site at
www.GoColumbiaMo.com/EM.
 
FLOOD SAFETY FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE 
 
When a flood watch is issued:
• Be alert to signs of flooding and be prepared to take action if a
warning is issued. 
When a flood warning is issued:
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. 
• Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water. 
• Continue monitoring NOAA Weather Radio, television, or emergency
broadcast station for information. 
Safety tips:
• Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots,
etc. 
• Avoid already flooded 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 your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
Rising water may engulf your vehicle and its occupants. 
• Be especially cautious at night when it's harder to recognize
flooding dangers. 
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams during threatening
conditions. 
• Children should NEVER play around high water or storm drains. 
 
- 30 -
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