A series of storms bringing snow, sleet, and rain are expected to affecting Lincoln County this weekend into early next week.
The Lincoln County Office of Emergency Management has issued an advisory designed to assist citizens preparing for potential power outages and the planning, protecting, and preventing flood related issues in their communities and homes.
1. Prepare the home.
• Make sure the the sump pump is working.
• Clear snow from gutters and down spouts.
• Anchor any fuel tanks.
• Remove and create channels for the water to flow, and remove and hindrances to water from flowing away any residence.
• Ensure the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer are on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
• Ensure that furniture, valuables, and important documents are in a safe place.
2. Prepare family and neighbors.
• Create a 72-hour kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight for everyone in the family.
• Know safe routes from home, work, and school that offer shelter.
• Have all medications for all family members readily available for potential evacuation.
• Have a plan to protect pets.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be an emergency family contact.
During a power outages also consider:
• Ensuring that generators are installed outside and to manufacturers’ specifications to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never use outside cooking equipment indoors for preparation, always use the equipment to manufacturers specifications.
• Stay tuned to a radio for information on the outage, updates on the restoration process, and shelters that have been established in the immediate area.
• No power line is ever safe to touch, report all outages to the CMP outage line immediately.
• Lastly, but most importantly, be aware of the neighbors; report any issues immediately to Lincoln County authorities.
3. Driving during a flood: important things to consider, should travel on water covered roads be necessary:
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV’s and pick-ups.
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown: obey barricades and markers that Lincoln County First Responders post as warnings and do not cross.
