Don’t get caught without a plan this year

With Fall comes rain, and with rain comes
the potential of flooding; again. BY CHUCK TUCK | JOURNAL REPORTER Who can forget one year ago next month? Snohomish County was hit with one of its worse flooding disasters in years.

Lt. Chris Burt of the Granite Falls Fire Department says that it is of the utmost importance that people are prepared and ready for anything this year.“We want people to be ready before it happens,” Burt said.
Being prepared and having a plan are important to keeping everyone safe.

“With a lot of new people in the area, this is the perfect time to let everyone know to prepare themselves.”

Burt reminds us all that having an emergency kit ready to go will speed up the process of being rescued if need be.

“We don’t want people to be packing and gathering all their belongings after we come to their door. If we’re there, the potential for danger is real,” he said.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says you should never ignore an evacuation order; authorities will direct you to leave if you live in a low-lying area, or within the greatest potential path of rising waters.

The GFFD have already taken some measures of preparedness by having four of its firefighters, Rick Ainley, Brian Egan, Ted Bergstrom, and Scott Macomber, trained in advanced swiftwater technical rescue and advanced technical rope rescue back in May of this year.

Scott Macomber, Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician said the class was an intensive three day session which was followed by a grueling two-and-a-half days of skills based training on the Skykomish River to develop and practice water rescue techniques.

“The objectives emphasized developing self-rescue skills, utilizing existing water dynamics and handling hazards and obstacles,” he said.

The training which took place in Index at the Wave Trek Rescue center is considered to be the Northwest’s leading training facility for swiftwater and rope rescue which adheres to the National Fire Protection (NFPA) standards and practices.

The CDC suggests that the following should be stocked in your home at a minimum as part of a preparedness kit, and ready to go at all times.

·Several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person).

·A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener.
·A first aid kit and manual and prescription medicines and special medical needs.

·A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
·Sleeping bags or extra blankets.

·Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.

·Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies.
·Disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available.

·Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.

·An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.

·Rubber boots, sturdy shoes, and waterproof gloves.

Burt also adds to the list of items, pet food and other necessities for animals since many of the local residents are pet owners.

Another important reminder is for everyone who is being evacuated to shut-off and disconnect any gas or propane tanks as well as making sure items are secured or tied down in the event of a flood.
This will ensure the object does not float down-river injuring or damaging people and property.

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