Floods are the most common disaster in the United States, according to an emergency management site. In New England, we don’t expect to see many of the natural disasters that the rest of our nation is subjected to.
We haven’t seen many tornadoes or hurricanes, although the few that have occurred have made us pay closer attention. Wild fires are a concern, but not at the degree of out west. Mostly we see winter weather emergencies in our area. We have had flooding, but not serious enough in this generation that we prepare well for it except for those that live in flood-prone areas.
No matter the disaster, lives will be lost if there is inadequate planning, communication and foresight.
The recent flooding in central Texas and the tragic loss of life has brought the risks of flooding to the forefront of many of our thoughts. Just like we never imagined sending our children to school would put them at risk for mass shootings, one does not send their child off to summer camp with the worry that they will die in a flood. And if it hasn’t occurred locally, we tend to naively think it’s not going to happen here.
Some great information is available on Westfield’s Emergency Management website about floods in Westfield. Given our history, the changes in our environment and weather, the tragedies not only in Texas, but recently in West Virginia and other parts of the country, we should pay a little more attention to the flood warnings popping up on our phones, radios and televisions.
The Emergency Management website spells out the history of flooding in our city as well as other valuable information. There were major floods in 1826, 1854, 1878 and 1896. In 1927, a flood caused six deaths and $1 million worth of damage — equivalent to $18.5 million today.
In more recent history, Westfield’s largest ever flood occurred in August of 1955. Hurricane Connie caused rivers and streams to rise. A second hurricane, Diane, hit adding 20 more inches of water destroying bridges, cutting off sections of the city and collapsing part of the Crane Pond dam. Boats were used for transportation on Broad Street. Over 600 properties were condemned or damaged, nine bridges washed away and 600 automobiles damaged. The cost was estimated at $5-8 million — equivalent to $60 to $96 million today. In 2007, there was extensive flooding of the Westgate Plaza and East Silver Street areas. In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused some flooding.
Wherever it rains, floods can happen. Flooding can occur slowly or rapidly. Either way, they cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage homes, vehicles, buildings and create land slides. Failing to evacuate when advised can lead to injury and death.
Becoming informed and preparing when the sun is shining and the land is dry will help decrease risk factors. Purchase flood insurance. Most homeowners’ insurance plans do not cover flood insurance. Apply to the National Flood Insurance Program.
The Emergency Management website recommends FEMA’s sites www.ready.gov and www.ready.gov/kids and www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema. Westfield has a local emergency planning committee made up of businesses, municipal departments and other organizations. If you are interested in learning more or joining, call the Westfield Emergency Management Agency at 413-568-1222.
If under a flood warning, find safe shelter and do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Six inches of moving water can knock any adult down. One foot of moving water can carry vehicles away. That’s only the water. The debris swept away by the water is extremely dangerous, as is the mud carried along with it.
Stay off bridges, evacuate when told to, move to higher ground or a higher floor. Never drive around barricades. If your car is swept away in rapidly moving water, stay in your vehicle. If your car is filling with water, try to get on the roof.
I did not find in flood preparations sites to have life jackets available. It seems practical and good advice to me to put on a life jacket if you have one
To stay informed if the weather forecast is suggesting possible flooding, utilize FEMA Flood
Map Service Center, Emergency Alert System National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Risk Index. Listen to your local alerts system for updates.
Make a household plan for humans and pets. Plan evacuation routes and shelter plans.
Gather supplies such as nonperishable foods, cleaning supplies, water and your medications. Keep important documents in a waterproof container and have digital copies. Move valuables to a higher level. Clear drains and gutters and consider a battery-operated sump pump.
Deaths due to natural disasters are inevitable, but senseless deaths can be prevented with awareness, preparation and planning. Keep those grieving in your thoughts and may those who died rest in peace.
Take care of yourself and someone else.
Juanita Carnes is a nurse practitioner with 39 years of experience in a hospital emergency department and urgent care facilities. She served 30 years on the Board of Health in Westfield, Massachusetts.
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