Spring is in the air, and breakup is just around the corner. Spring flood planning and work can begin now to save you time and worry later. Tanana Chiefs Conference Office of Environmental Health (OEH) offers the following tips to help you get ready for possible flooding:
A Month Before Breakup:
- Find the high points around your property and other parts of the village where you can move items above flood level if needed.
- Make a list of any equipment (generators, snow machines, and chainsaws) that will need to be moved to higher ground during a flood.
- Locate any fuel storage that will need to be secured during a flood.
- Start putting together an emergency kit of items needed if you must leave your home.
- Ask your Tribal or City Administrator about the community flood preparations. This may include a local area to evacuate to, designated people to observe the river level and alert the community.
Two Weeks Before Breakup:
- Finish putting together your emergency kit. Remember food, water and medications!
- Remind others to plan for potential flooding and help if needed.
- Track down available emergency response equipment in the village (boats, flotation devices, and maintenance and rescue tools).
- Get essential facilities (clinic, water treatment plant, electric utility, records storage with the City and/or Tribe, etc.) ready for possible flooding.
- Help identify “at risk” residents of the community. These are the people who need to be evacuated before flooding for medical reasons.
- Identify Elders or other people that may need assistance during a flood and help to make sure they are prepared. Remember their medications.
When a Flood Warning Has Been Issued:
- Flood proof the essential facilities and other public buildings.
- Secure fuel tanks, small fuel containers and barrels to keep them from floating away.
- Move all vehicles and equipment to higher ground.
- Move all dry goods and canned food items above the high water level in your home.
- Mattresses and other items that could be damaged by water should be moved above the high water level in your home.
- If a shelter has been identified, move your necessary items to this location.
This groundwork can go a long way in avoiding damage and decreasing stress during breakup flooding. OEH is ready to support TCC villages with their environmental health concerns before and after flooding. For more information on flood preparation and planning, contact TCC’s Office of Environmental Health at 1-800-478-6822 ext. 4909 or visit
www.tananachiefs.org/flood-preparedness.