Severe Weather Awareness Week: Flood Safety

Today is the last day of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa and today the Weather Service is highlighting Flood Safety .  The Maquoketa area has had some floods over the years and yet one stands out among the rest. Back 2010 after the Maquoketa River was starting to rise due to excessive rain, more heavy rainfall fell at lake Delhi and the flood waters became too much for the Lake Delhi Dam and the dam broke.  The river level crest  at the Delhi Dam was 24.22 feet which was 10 feet above flood stage. 

Downstream sits the city of Maquoketa who had heard this news. The city of Maquoketa was already preparing sand bags for the flood coming downstream. The city and some volunteers sand bagged the north end of the city protecting the light plant and its public works area. Eventually on July 26th, 2010 the river crested at 35.26 feet which is over 11 feet above flood stage. At 35 feet according to the weather service the water reaches the top of the levee which protects the industrial section at the north end of Maquoketa. The water reaches the bottom of the bridge deck at Main Street in Maquoketa.  

While something like this happens once in a lifetime it’s a reminder that we need to be prepared for floods. How to prepare for river floods or a flash flood? Know your risk. Check to see if you live in a floodplain. Know the fastest way to reach higher ground in the event of a flood. 

When preparing your home for a flood, if you have access to sand bags use them to protect your home. Make sure you’re insured. If you live by a river or an area prone to flooding, reach out to your insurance company to make sure that your insured when flooding happens. In the event your home floods have a plan in place to stay with someone until the flooding has receded. 

During a flood stay up to date with the river levels and the forecast. We at KMAQ monitor our area’s rivers and will provide updates in the event of a flood. Obey evacuation orders. If you’re told to evacuate due to a flood heed the orders and leave. Avoid flood waters. If you see a flooded road turn around, don’t drown. You will never know how deep the water is or if the roadway is even there, and find an alternative route. 

After the flood water has receded stay informed on what is happening in the area. Listen to KMAQ as we would provide you with updates on roads that may be closed and areas that may be blocked off. Avoid flood waters. You don’t know what could be in the flood waters,  as flood waters sweep away so much debris that there could be anything.  Wait for the all clear. After a flood don’t enter your home right away until it is deemed safe by local authorities. If you have flood damage just be careful as parts of  the structure could collapse. Contact your family. If you’re involved with a flood let your family and friends know that you are safe and if you’re okay.