23rd CES emergency management flight advises on flood safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The spring and summer seasons hit southern Georgia with severe weather that include strong thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Moody members are advised to follow several steps in order to be better prepared for possible flooding throughout the local area.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared," said Ken Spears, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron director of emergency management. "Everyone needs to know and understand how to react when such emergencies arise. Only through knowledge and preparation can we hope to avoid loss of life or serious injury."

The first step is to create an emergency family plan and an emergency kit.

"The family plan allows for every member of the household to know what to do in case of any emergency," said Mr. Spears. "There should also be checklists for pets and special needs family members."

The emergency kit should contain, at a minimum, the following items: a gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, medications, a battery-powered or a hand crank radio, a flashlight, extra batteries and a first-aid kit.

In addition, individuals can visit the following Web sites to obtain online family emergency planning tools: www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov. The 23rd CES Emergency Management Flight is also available to provide more information at 257-4022.

Another important step to flood emergency preparedness is to do research.

"Be aware of your local surroundings and know where the flood plains are," said Mr. Spears. "The major bodies of water that flood often are the Withlacochee River and the Alaphaha River. There's a likely chance that roads and houses will be affected by these rivers."

The best way to prepare is pre-planning, but flooding does happen unexpectedly. Individuals must be ready to evacuate and move to higher ground if flash flooding does occur.

"We are urging people not to wait until the last minute when deciding to evacuate or not," said Mr. Spears. "They must leave before the water cuts off their means of escape and creates a hazardous situation.

"It is advised not to drive into flooded areas," he added. "Six inches of water will cause most cars to lose control and possibly stalling. Also, two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including trucks."

On-base shelters will be opened in case of severe flooding at the Youth Center, the Freedom I Fitness Center gymnasium and the fuels barn. Mathis Auditorium located in downtown Valdosta, Ga., will also be available as a shelter.

Individuals are only authorized to return to their homes during a flood situation when authorities indicate that it is safe.

Contact the nearest hospital when exposed to floodwater because it may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.

"Emergency planning is the key to success," said Mr. Spears. "The most important thing is to remain calm and be well-informed by listening for the most up-to-date emergency management news."