Flood season approaches

MARION – Believe it or not, winter will end soon.

Forecasts project temperatures could break 50 degrees next week, and any snow still standing is likely to melt away in a few days.

But that melted snow does not just disappear. It will eventually find its way into nearby rivers, where residents on the western side of the county are asked to prepare for flood season this spring.

“We’re concerned that the snow is going to melt pretty rapidly,” said Marion County EMA Director Sara McNamee. “Most of the people who live where there’s flooding is pretty much prepared for that.”

McNamee suggests residents with a history of flood damage have a plan for if high water reaches their homes. Her agency and the local American Red Cross chapter have simple clean-up kits stationed in LaRue, Green Camp and Prospect ready for release in case of an emergency.

“We have the ability to get wooden pallets to pull up furniture or your furnace or washers and dryers... things that will cost a lot to replace,” she said.

The Red Cross also has been a factor in assistance in flood relief for western Marion County communities, especially during severe flooding that occurred last season.

Floods began in December 2013 for residents in LaRue, Green Camp and Prospect. The Scioto River was high for several weeks before reaching a peak near 13 feet — four feet above its flood stage — in February. At its worst, more than 20 roads were affected by high water in the county.

The hardest hit residence was the Kiwanis Village Retirement Center, which sits near the banks of the problematic river. Fifteen apartments were evacuated after more than a foot of water filled the living space. The residents were able to move back home about three months later after the floods subsided, leaving a half-million dollars in damage to clean before they could be reopened.

Floods in 2011 also caused damage to homes in the area.

Community members have worked to install an early warning system in the Scioto River, but it will not be operational until this summer.

nbechtel@marionstar.com

740-375-5155

Twitter: @NickMStar

Preparation Tips

The Centers for Disease Control And Prevention suggests stocking homes in flood areas with supplies that may be needed during an emergency. They recommend, at a minimum:

Several clean containers for water — about five gallons per person — for a 5-day supply of water

•Non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener

•A first aid kit, prescription medicines and supplies for special medical needs

•A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries

•Sleeping bags or extra blankets

•Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach

•Baby supplies

•Disposable cleaning cloths, such as baby wipes for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available

•Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.

•An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.

•Rubber boots, sturdy shoes and waterproof gloves

•Insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin, screens, or long-sleeved and long-legged clothing for protection from mosquitoes, which may gather in pooled water remaining after the flood