Warren County Emergency Management Agency
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      101 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 101
      Warrenton, MO 63383
      Office: (636) 456-3786
      Fax: (636) 456-1686
      Cell: (636) 359-2274
      EOC: (636) 377-2370
      (Emergency Operation Center)
      Email:
jsharp@warrencountymo.org

   Promoting a safer & less vulnerable community

     through effective partnerships of local government, local business and industry,
     emergency services, human service agencies and the citizens of Warren County.
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Flood

Missouri Flood


“This is not a trade-off of lives on one side of the river versus farm land on the other side of the river. There are lives being impacted on both sides. It doesn’t matter which side of the river it is when it’s your home, your livelihood. There are families that have lost everything they’ve worked hard for the last 70 years to build; their homes, their businesses, their farm ground. We’re going to do everything we can to get them back on their feet.” - Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler - May 6, 2011

Missouri continues to face flooding across the state affecting the lives of thousands of farmers. Representatives from the Department continue to assist state emergency efforts and Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler is working closely with USDA officials to address the needs of Missouri farm families, now and into the future. Watch this page for updates on emergency efforts and recovery programs as those opportunities are announced. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://dnr.mo.gov/env/wrc/currentriverobservations.htm.

Additional information on flooding is available at the Missouri Department of Agriculture at www.mda.mo.gov, as well as the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at www.dnr.mo.gov

Flash Flooding/Floods


Flash Flooding is the one of the leading causes of death weather related killer in the United States. Over 200 flood-related fatalities are reported each year with over half being vehicle-related when people try to drive through floodwaters.

Flash flooding can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure. Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms repeatedly moving over the same area.

Flash flooding generally affects low lying areas near creeks, streams and rivers. When the ground is saturated or frozen it is unable to absorb the intense rainfall; thus it spreads out over the ground. It rises quickly, but also recedes quickly once the rain has let up or stops.

The rules for Flood safety are simple:

  1. Know your environment and if you are prone to flash flooding.
  2. When a flash flood Watch is issued, be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice, if you are in a flash flood prone area.
  3. When a flash flood Warning is issued for your area, or the moment you realize that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly to save yourself. You may only have seconds!
  4. Know your evacuation routes. Plan ahead where you could stay when flooding threatens your home.
  5. Head for higher ground and stay away from flood waters.
  6. Assemble a disaster supplies kit and include rubber boots, rubber gloves and other essential items.
  7. Listen to: NOAA Weather radio or local radio and television


Before a Flood

  • Be prepared for the possible disruption of services for extended periods of time,
    including electric, phone and local food and water sources.
  • Prepare an emergency kit:
  • Food, water and necessities for all members of the family to last 3 to 5 days
  • Any medications needed for family members
  • First aid kit, battery powered radio, flashlight with extra batteries
  • Sleeping bags or blankets, and extra clothing
  • Important family documents (e.g., insurance policies, emergency contact numbers)
  • Water-purifying supplies (e.g., chlorine tablets, or unscented, household chlorine bleach)

Family Communication Plan

  • Know how you will contact each other if you are in separate locations or establish a location to meet.
  • Have an out-of-state relative or friend serve as the family contact person.
  • Learn the evacuation routes and locations of emergency shelters in your area.

During a Flood

  • Gather your emergency supplies.
  • Stay informed.
  • Listen to the radio or television for situation developments, evacuation instructions and routes, and road closures.
  • Never ignore an evacuation order for the safety of you and your family.
  • If you have time,
  • Disconnect electrical appliances to prevent electrical shock when power is restored.
  • Turn off the gas, electricity and water as the main switches or valves.
  • Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Follow evacuation routes; expect heavy traffic.
  • Avoid floodwaters.
  • Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage, harmful bacteria or electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
  • Do not walk through moving water.
  • If water is above your ankles, turn around and go another way; as little as 6 inches of water can sweep you off your feet.
  • Do not drive in flooded areas.
  • Most flood-associated deaths are related to vehicle incidents.
  • As little as six inches of water will cause loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float most vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
  • If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground.


After a Flood

  • Only return home after officials have declared the area safe.
  • Cleanup safely.
  • Wear protective clothing, (rubber gloves, boots).
  • Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, or make ice.
  • Use caution with gas powered equipment – dangerous carbon monoxide can be generated.
  • Be aware of hazards that may cause injury to you or others cleaning up, (e.g., chain saws, pressure washers, electrical or chemical hazards, heat exposure).
  • Prevent and treat injuries.
    • Exposure to floodwaters in cold weather can lead to hypothermia.
    • Extreme heat can lead to heat stress or exhaustion.
    • Take precautions to minimize insect exposures.

Prevent an Illness

  • Wash hand frequently – especially after contacting flood water or contaminated items.
  • Use clean, boiled or disinfected water; if no water is available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used.
  • Food and water safety.
  • Throw away any food that may have come in contact with flood water.
  • Throw away perishable foods that have been unrefrigerated for 2 or more hours.
  • When in doubt, throw it out!
  • Use safe water (e.g., bottled, boiled or treated) for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene.
  • Wells may be contaminated following floods.
  • Boil or treat water for drinking and cooking until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe-

Low-Water Crossing Videos On-Line

To view the 30-Second Audio/Video Clip:
Click on a video format that your computer can play with its native viewer or pluggin :

Quicktime: 2.8M Watch
AVI: 2.1M Watch
MPEG: 2 833K Watch

 

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