, ,..,- u ,.._... I.,..^,.,.,.~~,....„. SECTION Floods For the purposes of this brochure, di: Technological Disasters, and 3) Civil i community will most likely encounter the low elevation of the community in r not be underestimated because 1-15 a hazardous materials incidents. Also, c military installations, major public infra: or bomb threats. Emergency preparedness for any disa following is a general checklist to help Planning Considerate □ Identify potential disasters (such c Discuss with your family what to ( Know how, where and when to tui □ Obtain first-aid training. Create a Family Emergency Plan c Preparation: □ Store water and food supply. □ Organize first-aid supplies □ Create and store a 72-hour portat □ Secure appliances, such as water □ Update your emergency supplies r Response during and 1. STAY CALM. 2. Recognize the type of disaster or 3. Take safety precautions in respor 4. Check for injuries (provide any fii 5. Check for safety (gas, electric, w electric lines; turn off interrupted i safety problems such as cracks matches or open flames in the he off or on because a spark may 6. Wear laced or sturdy-type sh 7. Tune radio to an emergency stati to find a shelter or evacuate if ins 8. Use the telephone only for emerg 9. Follow your family plan by goir information. 10. In public buildings, follow evacuc declared safe by the appropriate 11. Report damages or needs to the Marriott-Slaterville is the low-lying community in the county, making it highly susceptible to flooding. Flooding can be as local as a neighborhood street, or as catastrophic as an entire region such as the Midwest Flood of 1993. Floods can be caused by melting snow, prolonged rainfall or a very heavy, but short-lived rainstorm. According to Weber County's disaster plan, the Weber River, Four Mile Creek, Mill Creek, and Six Mile Creek all present potential flood risks. Floods generally cannot be predicted, and are often instantaneous and deadly. However, you can prepare for a flood now. First, understand the weather terminology used to describe flooding situations and know by what means you can receive flood information (local television or radio or National Weather Service weather radio). Learn the local warning signals used by the community or county Emergency Management officials and how you should respond when a signal is broadcast. Second, get to know the area around where you live and work. Pay attention to potential flooding hazards such as low lying areas, upstream dams and even small creeks, gullies and possible culverts. Third, never build anything you do not want flooded in a flood plain. The areas along the river and other streams in the community have flood potential. H 14 Flood Terminology Flood: water overflowing the natural or artificial confines of a stream or other body of water, or accumulating by drainage over low-lying areas. Flood Forecast: rainfall is heavy enough to cause waterways to overflow their banks. Flash Flood: a flood that rises and falls with little or no advance warning, usually as a result of intense rainfall over a relatively small area. Other causes include ice jams or dam failure. Flood Warning: a forecast of where, when and how severe an impending flood may be. Flood Stage: the stage at which overflow of the natural banks of a stream or other body of water begins to cause damage. Flash Flood Watch: heavy rains are either occurring or will be occurring such that flash flooding may occur. Flood Plain: an area prone to flooding. Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is occurring or is imminent along designated areas. Take immediate precautions. 16 In the event of a flood, listen to local radio or television for weather and flood information and instructions. If you have time you may consider moving furniture and essential items to higher elevation. Realize that you most likely will not have time to do this. Avoid driving over a flooded road, as it might be washed out. While driving on the road, watch for possible flooding at bridges and low areas. Be alert for land slides and fallen wires. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Do not attempt to cross a stream on foot where water is above your knees. Register at your designated Evacuation Center and remain at the Evacuation Center until informed that you may leave. After a flood, do not go into any area that has been flooded without being authorized by proper authorities. Often there are downed electrical lines and infrastructure damage must be assessed before you should return home. If your home has suffered any damage contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If flood waters have entered your home, realize that it may not be safe to enter. Use only battery powered light sources to prevent possible electrocution. If doors must be forced open due to swelling or warping, try entering a window instead. Do not drink tap or well water until you know that the water has not been contaminated. Immediately dispose of any food that has been in contact with flood waters. Have electrical equipment and wiring checked by a licensed electrician before restoring power. If you have gas connections into the home, ensure the utility company checks for leaks before restoring any service. Use extra caution when pumping water out of a basements or below ground rooms. Realize that the ground surrounding the structure may still be wet or have sunken. Pumping water out of such areas too quickly may cause the walls to collapse and/or ceilings and upper floors to buckle. Also be cautious of any animal hazards around flooded areas. Snakes, rodents or other small animals, are known to enter buildings looking for shelter from the water. High Winds And Tornados Along the Wasatch Front high winds are fairly common, while tornados are uncommon. On average, Utah experiences about two tornadoes each year. Tornados are measured on the F-scale that ranges from FO with expected light damage to an F5 with incredible damage potential. Since 1950, Weber County has experienced six tornados. The largest of these six tornados occurred in West Weber, adjacent to Marriott-Slaterville, in August of 1968. This tornado was rated an F2. It leveled a new home, injured at least one person, and destroyed several farm buildings. Fortunately, such tornados have been rare in the past. 17