ST. GEORGE — Washington County Emergency Services and emergency personnel are keeping a close eye on local bodies of water as high water levels have increased the potential for flooding.
Jason Bradley, emergency operation manager for the Washington County Emergency Services, told St. George News that they are closely watching stream and river flows alongside weather conditions throughout the county.
“Streams and rivers are running very high,” he said, “but so far problems have been minimal.”
Bradley said earlier Saturday that the Washington County Roads Department had to shut down General Steam Road, a back country road near Veyo due to flooding.
Hunter Wolfe, the communications director for Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue, said they have been watching all the stream corridor flows by state Route 18, as they have been high. As of Saturday, they have not overflowed.
SR-18, which runs from St. George past Veyo, has had problems with flooding in the past when wet weather hits the area.
Wolfe suggested people take proactive measures against flooding by inspecting and ensuring their gutters, drains, ditches and waterways are clear of any blockage such as shrubs and foliage.
“If anyone experiences flooding, call 911,” Wolfe said. “We will do what we can to help.”
In addition, Bradley suggested assessing the threat of flooding to your property. This will help to determine what your plan should be if flooding affects your area. It also will help residents decide if flood insurance is needed.
After the threat assessment, Bradley said to create an emergency evacuation plan.
Part of the emergency evacuation plan, he said, should include 72-hour kits, medication and first aid supplies and emergency contacts, including an “out of area” contact. An “out of area” contact refers to someone far enough away not to be impacted by the same emergency as you, he said.
Part of being prepared for flooding is having proper supplies that can help protect your property, such as sandbags.
“If you feel unsafe or told so by emergency responders, evacuate your property,” Bradley said. “And try to move to higher ground.”
Bradley added that you should never drive through flooding waters, nor walk or swim in them. And he said to stay off bridges over floodwaters.
“It goes without saying, but if water is running over the road don’t drive through it,” Wolfe said.
If for some reason you get stuck inside your vehicle in floodwaters, Wolfe said to remain inside your vehicle unless water starts filling up inside the vehicle. If that happens, get on top of your vehicle’s roof.
“That’s the problem, too, is when people do that (drive into floodwaters) they’re putting other people at risk,” Wolfe said. “If they get stuck somebody has to go help them.”
Bradley reported multiple “weather-related accidents” Saturday on the roads within Washington county, especially along Interstate 15. Some of the problems have been people who have gone around road closure signs, which are closed for a reason, he said.
When wet weather hits, people need to slow down and focus solely on driving, he added.
“Floodwaters are just unpredictable,” Wolfe said. “So be safe out there.”
For more information, Bradley said to tune into NOAA Weather Radio, sign up for alerts at 911register.com, or text WCFLOOD to 888777 for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
If you are experiencing an emergency or active flooding and need assistance call 911.
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