PSA: Flood-Watch and Preparedness

Meskwaki Settlement under a Flood Watch today (03/13/19) and tomorrow (03/14/19) until 7:00 PM.

Public Service Announcement from Meskwaki Tribal Response/Emergency Management, (641) 484-3511.

Time to be prepared for spring flooding.

  • Do you have an emergency go-kit?
  • Do you have a family communications plan? Emergencies can happen at any time. Do you know how to get in touch with your family if you are not together?
  • Here’s an idea pick the same person for each family member to contact. It might be easier to reach someone who is out of town, maybe a cousin, an aunt or family friend. They will be the relay person for all messages, be sure to let that person know you have identified them as your family main contact.
  • Do you know where you will go if you need to evacuate your home?

If flooding is a risk in your location, be aware of potential signs, such as heavy rain and rapid snowmelt.

Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.

Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember your household pets, where will you take them for shelter, bring food and other pet items.

Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.

Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Make sure house gutters are cleaned out to allow water to run away from the home and foundation.

If told to evacuate do so immediately. Never drive around barricades, local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water, sometimes bridges are washed away!