St. Louis, Monday, March 15, 2010 – Flooding is a coast to coast threat, but the St. Louis area is particularly prone to seasonal flooding. So during National Flood Safety Week (March 15 – 19), the St. Louis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross urges residents to take steps now to stay safe.
 
“The extra snow and icepack that impacted our neighbors to the north during the winter is a real threat for our area this spring,” said Nicole Holtgrefe, director of preparedness and client services for the St. Louis Area Chapter. “Combined with excessive rainfall, it could be a one-two punch for our community. The time for you and your family create a flood preparedness plan is now.” 

According to the National Weather Service Spring Flood Outlook, there is a greater chance of significant flooding along the Mississippi River than at this time in 2008, when major flooding developed in the summer along the river. The Missouri Basin River Forecast Center estimates the Missouri River is also more likely to flood this spring than during the spring of 2008, when minor flooding was prevalent.

As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for floods by:

• Creating and practicing a Emergency Plan: Talk to everyone in your household about what to do if a flood occurs. Decide where you would meet and who you would contact in case of flooding. Assemble and maintain an emergency preparedness kit. Be prepared to evacuate your family and pets at a moment’s notice. Listen to area radio and television stations for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress.

• Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Kits should contain a first aid kit and essential medications, foods that don’t require cooking or refrigeration and manual can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, copies of important documents and other emergency items for the whole family.

• Heeding Flood Warnings: Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated flood information.  A flood WATCH means flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. A food WARNING means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there. 

• Relocating During Flood Warnings: Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankle, stop, turn around and go another way. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.