is not a trade-off of lives on one side of the river versus farm land
on the other side of the river. There are lives being impacted on
both sides. It doesn’t matter which side of the river it is
when it’s your home, your livelihood. There are families that
have lost everything they’ve worked hard for the last 70 years
to build; their homes, their businesses, their farm ground. We’re
going to do everything we can to get them back on their feet.”
- Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler - May 6, 2011
continues to face flooding across the state affecting the lives
of thousands of farmers. Representatives from the Department continue
to assist state emergency efforts and Director of Agriculture Dr.
Jon Hagler is working closely with USDA officials to address the
needs of Missouri farm families, now and into the future. Watch
this page for updates on emergency efforts and recovery programs
as those opportunities are announced. Current river levels and forecasts
can be found at http://dnr.mo.gov/env/wrc/currentriverobservations.htm.
Additional information on flooding is available at the Missouri
Department of Agriculture at www.mda.mo.gov,
as well as the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at www.dnr.mo.gov
Flash Flooding is the one of the leading causes of death weather
related killer in the United States. Over 200 flood-related fatalities
are reported each year with over half being vehicle-related when
people try to drive through floodwaters.
Flash flooding can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive
rainfall, a dam or levee failure. Most flash flooding is caused
by slow-moving thunderstorms repeatedly moving over the same area.
Flash flooding generally affects low lying areas near creeks, streams
and rivers. When the ground is saturated or frozen it is unable
to absorb the intense rainfall; thus it spreads out over the ground.
It rises quickly, but also recedes quickly once the rain has let
up or stops.
The rules for Flood safety are simple:
- Know your environment and if you are prone to flash flooding.
- When a flash flood Watch is issued, be alert to signs of flash
flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice, if you
are in a flash flood prone area.
- When a flash flood Warning is issued for your area, or the
moment you realize that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly
to save yourself. You may only have seconds!
- Know your evacuation routes. Plan ahead where you could stay
when flooding threatens your home.
- Head for higher ground and stay away from flood waters.
- Assemble a disaster supplies kit and include rubber boots,
rubber gloves and other essential items.
- Listen to: NOAA Weather radio or local radio and television
Before a Flood
- Be prepared for the possible disruption of services for extended
periods of time,
including electric, phone and local food and water sources.
- Prepare an emergency kit:
- Food, water and necessities for all members of the family to
last 3 to 5 days
- Any medications needed for family members
- First aid kit, battery powered radio, flashlight with extra
- Sleeping bags or blankets, and extra clothing
- Important family documents (e.g., insurance policies, emergency
- Water-purifying supplies (e.g., chlorine tablets, or unscented,
household chlorine bleach)
Family Communication Plan
- Know how you will contact each other if you are in separate
locations or establish a location to meet.
- Have an out-of-state relative or friend serve as the family
- Learn the evacuation routes and locations of emergency shelters
in your area.
During a Flood
- Gather your emergency supplies.
- Stay informed.
- Listen to the radio or television for situation developments,
evacuation instructions and routes, and road closures.
- Never ignore an evacuation order for the safety of you and
- If you have time,
- Disconnect electrical appliances to prevent electrical shock
when power is restored.
- Turn off the gas, electricity and water as the main switches
- Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing
- Follow evacuation routes; expect heavy traffic.
- Avoid floodwaters.
- Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage, harmful
bacteria or electrically charged from underground or downed power
- Do not walk through moving water.
- If water is above your ankles, turn around and go another way;
as little as 6 inches of water can sweep you off your feet.
- Do not drive in flooded areas.
- Most flood-associated deaths are related to vehicle incidents.
- As little as six inches of water will cause loss of control
and possible stalling. A foot of water will float most vehicles.
Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
- If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move
to higher ground.
After a Flood
- Only return home after officials have declared the area safe.
- Cleanup safely.
- Wear protective clothing, (rubber gloves, boots).
- Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes,
brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, or make ice.
- Use caution with gas powered equipment – dangerous carbon
monoxide can be generated.
- Be aware of hazards that may cause injury to you or others
cleaning up, (e.g., chain saws, pressure washers, electrical or
chemical hazards, heat exposure).
- Prevent and treat injuries.
- Exposure to floodwaters in cold weather can lead to hypothermia.
- Extreme heat can lead to heat stress or exhaustion.
- Take precautions to minimize insect exposures.
Prevent an Illness
- Wash hand frequently – especially after contacting flood
water or contaminated items.
- Use clean, boiled or disinfected water; if no water is available,
alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used.
- Food and water safety.
- Throw away any food that may have come in contact with flood
- Throw away perishable foods that have been unrefrigerated for
2 or more hours.
- When in doubt, throw it out!
- Use safe water (e.g., bottled, boiled or treated) for drinking,
cooking and personal hygiene.
- Wells may be contaminated following floods.
- Boil or treat water for drinking and cooking until authorities
tell you that your water supply is safe-
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