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For Immediate Release: February 26, 2018
State Officials Urge Ohioans to Practice Flood Safety
State EOC Continues Flood Response and Recovery Efforts
COLUMBUS, OH – State
officials urge residents to practice safety as local emergency management
officials continue response and recovery efforts due to flooding in central and
southern Ohio.
The State Emergency Operations Center remains at partial
activation and is communicating damage assessment guidance as cleanup efforts
and debris removal progress as floodwaters continue to recede. Recovery efforts
concluded today for a 6-year-old boy who was swept away in a Shelby County
creek Sunday evening.
Basic Flood Safety Tips
- Never
allow children to play near or swim in swollen creeks, culverts or floodwaters.
During winter months, water temperatures can be excessively cold. Even brief
exposure can be dangerous.
- Never
allow children to drink or put toys in floodwaters. If your child shows any
signs or symptoms of illness after being in floodwater, such as nausea,
vomiting or diarrhea, contact your physician as soon as possible. If you cannot
make it to your physician, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- If a
person receives a cut, burn or puncture wound, ensure it does not come in
contact with floodwater. Flood water may contain various bacteria, viruses and
other infectious organisms that may cause disease. Floodwater may also contain
fecal material from overflowing sewage systems. If you are concerned about an
injury, check with your physician to see if a tetanus booster is necessary.
- Turn
Around, Don’t Drown!® - If you are driving and have come to a flooded area,
turn around and go the other way. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to
drive (or walk) through flooded roadways.
- Just 6
inches of moving water can knock over an adult. Two feet of rushing water can
carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks.
- If there
is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods
are the #1 cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
- If
floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car
and move to higher ground. If the water is moving, do not leave your car.
- Avoid
camping or parking along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall.
These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
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.
- Before
entering a flood-damaged building, check the foundation for cracks and inspect
porch roofs and overhangs to ensure they are adequately supported.
- Be alert
for gas leaks. Do not strike a match or use open flame when entering a
building, unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area ventilated.
- For
clean-up - Clean hard surfaces with a solution of bleach and water. Make sure
to ventilate the area when using chlorine bleach. Wear a filter mask and gloves
to avoid contact with mold.
- Photograph
damage to your property for insurance purposes.
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State of Ohio Chronology of
February 2018 Flooding
Monday, February 26
- ODOT geologists are on the scene in Lawrence County regarding
clearance of a large rock slide on State Route 7. ODOT is working to procure
contracts to remove the boulders.
Sunday,
February 25
- Ohio EMA
provides damage assistance guidance to county EMA.
- ODOT
provides visual message boards and traffic control; OSHP assisting ODOT with
traffic control.
- Ohio EMA
transitions from assessment and monitoring to partial activation.
- State of
Ohio Joint Information Center opens.
- ODNR
sends liaisons to Scioto County Emergency Operations Center.
- Ohio EMA
sends staff to five county EOCs as liaison officers.
Saturday, February 24
- Governor
Kasich issues proclamation declaring state of emergency in 17 counties.
- ODNR
delivers water pump to Proctorville in Lawrence County.
- ODNR
pre-positions swift water rescue team.
- Department
of Aging and four area aging agencies to provide meals to elderly.
Friday,
February 23
- Ohio EMA
provides sandbags to Lawrence County.
- State
agencies prepare all equipment to ensure they are ready when needed.
Thursday,
February 22
- Flood
defense water pumps provided to New Boston in Scioto County after their flood
defense pumps failed.
- Ohio
National Guard provides assistance to Scioto County with flood wall
installation.
- Ohio EMA
provides flood safety messaging to county EMA directors for dissemination.
Wednesday,
February 21
- Ohio
Department of Natural Resource section reaches out to affected counties.
- Several
county Emergency Operations Centers open.
Tuesday,
February 20
- Ohio EMA
regional staff meet with county EMA directors regarding preparations for
potential flooding
Monday,
February 19
- Ohio
National Guard successfully deploys City of Portsmouth install flood gates.
Sunday,
February 18
- Ohio EMA
Watch Office transitions from daily operations to assessment and monitoring of
minor flooding in Ohio and starts providing regular situation awareness reports
several times a day to federal, state and local partners and holding
coordination calls with National Weather Service.
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