Flooding a Year Round Hazard

April showers bring May flowers is the wisdom we are told but as we transition into spring and summer, shedding winter gear for outdoor activities and longer days, hazards also change.  No longer will our concerns be icy roads and snow accumulation, but rather our focus shifts to flooding.  Flooding can occur year round, but in the spring the risk is higher.  This is not only due to April showers, but flooding also occurs as a result of ice and snow melting at higher elevations or mountainous areas of the river.  Did you know that the James River is 348 miles long and forms in the Appalachian Mountains?  River flooding that occurs in Richmond may not be a direct result of an impact to the area, and could originate from other areas of Virginia.  This type of river flooding is referred to as overland flooding.  

Overland flooding on Riverside Drive January 2010

In addition to overland flooding, flash flooding can occur as a result of intense rainfall that occurs over a short period of time in a low lying area.  In addition to river flooding, localized flooding can occur in smaller areas as a result of storm drain blockage and development.  New development often contributes to flash flooding as new construction changes the natural drainage in an area. 

Hurricanes and tropical storms can leave an area devastated by floods.  Hurricane season for Virginia begins on June 1^st and continues to November 1^st of every year. 

It is important during any type of flood event to never drive through flooded roadways.  The depth of the water and the condition of the road underneath may not be noticeable.  Only six inches of water can cause most passenger cars to lose control or stall and a foot of water can float most vehicles.  Trucks and sport utility vehicles are not exceptions to this as two feet of water can carry them away.  After the storm has passed you may be tempted to walk through flood waters, but this is often dangerous as these waters can become contaminated with gasoline or raw sewage and be host to harmful debris.  

Join Richmond's Community Emergency Response Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a nationally recognized volunteer program that is implemented through local emergency management offices.  Following a major disaster, first responders may not be able to meet the demand for services due to a variety of factors, so local CERT teams seek to fill that gap within the community.  The program trains CERT members in basic disaster response and allows them to recognize hazards and issues that may arise following an emergency or disaster in their community.   Having a community that is trained to support basic needs to fill the gaps in government response is critical. 

The City of Richmond Office of Emergency Management maintains a robust CERT program which has many active members that assist during non-emergency events.  By having a better prepared community the City becomes more resilient and able to recover and sustain more efficiently during an emergency situation that impacts a large amount of people.  In the aftermath of a disaster when people feel compelled to help their community and neighbors, the skills that the CERT program teaches become invaluable.  During non-emergency times, CERT members become advocates for emergency preparedness in the community by promoting the program and engaging individuals in the importance of being prepared at home and work.

  

CERT training is being offered twice in 2014, in April and August.  The program consists of 20.5 hours of training broken down into three Saturdays.  Dates are schedules for April 12^th, 19^th, and 26^th and August 16^th, 23^rd, and 30^th for more information on CERT visit www.richmondgov.com/fire/EM_Cert.aspx.   Use this form to register for the upcoming CERT program:  www.richmondgov.com/fire/documents/CERTRegistrationForm.pdf

The City of Richmond CERT participates in CPR training.  This additional training is offered to CERT members that have completed the 20.5 hour program.  

Nor'easters

A Nor’easter is a powerful winter storm that impacts the eastern mid Atlantic area.  The name nor’easter comes from the northeasterly winds that accompany these typically massive storms.  Formation occurs within 100 miles of the East Coast then they travel into the Mid-Atlantic/New England area all the way into Canada.  Formation of a nor’easter is similar to a tropical storm but they survive and grow in cold weather conditions, rather than summer.   Nor’easters are able to cause just as much if not more damage than their warm weather counterpart, Hurricanes.  These winter storms typically result in large amounts of snow accumulation for the areas impacted, and like tropical storms produce strong winds and coastal flooding.  The combination of accumulation from rain, snow, and ice coupled with strong winds makes nor’easters dangerous storms for those in its path. 

Many notable historic winter storms are the result of Nor’easters.  The winter of 2009-2010, Richmond experienced 4 separate winter storms between December and February.  All these storms combined resulted in a total snow accumulation of 28 inches.  Two of the four storms from that winter were the result of a Nor’easter.  While these Nor’easters had little impact compared to other great Nor’easters such as The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 and the March 1993 Superstorm should still serve as a reminder to be aware and prepare when one is forecasted.

Thinking About Family During the Holidays

The holiday season for many is filled with family time.  Consider taking a moment to discuss personal and family preparedness, encourage family members to create a plan, and share tips on being prepared for an emergency.  Use the time you have together to designate an out of town contact for all family members to report.  Also discuss preparing an emergency kit with food, water, and supplies that will last for at least 72 hours.  For a full list of supplies visit http://www.ready.gov/buil.d-a-kit

Safe and Well

The devastation in the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan should serve as a reminder of the damage and destruction that natural disasters can cause.  News reports detail the struggles of many to locate loved ones and with evacuations and the death toll rising the situation seems dire.  The American Red Cross has an online registration program that allows individuals that have access to a computer and the internet to register and leave a detailed message.  Friends and family can then search the Safe and Well website with the person’s contact information.   Visit https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms for more information. 

How Can You Help After a Disaster or Emergency?

During the aftermath of an emergency or disaster many individuals feel compelled to help.  Recovery from a disaster is difficult without the help of volunteers and donations to fill the gaps that often still exist after insurance reimbursement and government sponsored disaster assistance.  While volunteerism and donations come from the best of intentions, they are not always given in a way that is best suited to help the affected community.  If you or anyone you know is considering volunteering after a disaster, keep in mind that the best volunteers are affiliated with an organization.  Becoming part of a recognized organization prior to an incident allows the responding entity to better incorporate volunteers into the response and recovery effort.  Many people’s lives do not allow for them to volunteer their time so they contribute in the form of donations.  Monetary donations are always the best way to give, unless otherwise specified by an affected community.   When goods are donated to an affected community, it becomes their responsibility to manage those items and determine the most appropriate way to distribute, which requires the use of already limited resources. 

Virginia is supported by partnership of non-governmental agencies, called the Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).  Visit the VA VOAD website to learn more about the organizations in the partnership.  https://vavoad.communityos.org/cms/membership

Also make sure you give wisely.  A few organizations exist to keep track of charitable organizations.  The Better Business Bureau has a Wise Giving Alliance and tips on making smart contributions.  Other resources such as Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and GuideStar are also available to assist in determining the best way to donate. 

Welcome to the City of Richmond's Emergency Management Blog.  Recently, the Office of Emergency Management began publishing monthly newsletters to better inform residents and employees on being better prepared for a disaster.  In an effort to make the communication from the Office more dynamic the decision was made to transition the newsletter to a blog.  To see a copy of the previous newsletters visit the Office of Emergency Management webpage.