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County officials getting prepared

Photo submitted by the Reno Volunteer Fire Department Reno Assistant Fire Chief Randy Lisk begins setting up cots in the Marietta Township Recreation Center Friday for potential flood displacement this weekend.

Throughout Washington County officials and residents prepared for the worst Friday.

“See what happens when Pike Street floods, we become separate communities,” said Fire Chief Dan Ritchey, head of the Reno Volunteer Fire Department. “But we want peoples’ minds to be at ease, we’re prepared to house people.”

Elsewhere in the county residents like Grandview Township Trustee David Beaver are also preparing to be marooned if waters get too high for safe travel on roads.

“It isn’t going to be good this weekend,” said Beaver. “I’m clearing out for the flood here right now.”

And Julie King, who lives in Newport across from the laundromat near the Ohio River, said after last weekend’s flooding she saw more movement in the community Friday in preparation for the next flood event.

“Last weekend it got over the road by The Jug, and back at the bait shop,” said King. “So far we don’t have any issues at home but they were moving things out of The Jug today. We’ll just wait and see what happens.”

Ritchey didn’t want to wait and see though.

“We have skids of bread and lunch meats and water waiting,” he said. “And cots down now (at the Marietta Township Recreation Center) because we plan on taking care of our community. I’ve been fielding calls from so many people worried about what they’re going to do. But we have extra oxygen on hand and have already refueled the trucks and taken extra generators out to people on oxygen.”

Upstream on the Muskingum River, there was less scramble Friday.

“I’m proud of what Dan is doing,” said Josh Harris, fire chief of the Lowell-Adams Volunteer Fire Department. “Dan’s a good leader and they’ve got the resources and aren’t waiting until the last minute to take action.”

Harris said so far the outlook for Lowell and Beverly didn’t have him worried going into the weekend.

“Where we may run into trouble is if (Ohio) 60 floods and we have to go around to get to the hospital on runs,” he said. “And Bear Creek is the first place to flood in Lowell itself, but it takes a lot of water to flood Beverly and Lowell.”

Fire Chief Phil Lowe, of Beverly, echoed his downriver counterpart.

“I was just down to check the river this afternoon and it wasn’t even out of the banks, and Wolf Creek had gone back in its banks too from being high Thursday night,” said Lowe. “The street near the boat ramp is one of the first to flood and then close to Lakeside Motel and Lovers Lane is the first place water will cross (Ohio) 60.”

Updated county road closures

¯ Continue checking mariettatimes.com throughout the weekend for road closures as they are received from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio Department of Transportation.

Basic Safety Tips for flooding

Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

Do not drive over bridges that are over fast-moving floodwaters. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridge unstable.

Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.

If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.

Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

Terms to know:

Flood watch – Conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area.

Steps to Take

Turn on your TV/radio. You will receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

Know where to go. You may need to reach higher ground quickly and on foot.

Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

Prepare Your Home

Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.

Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.

If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.

Flood warning

Flood Warning – Flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.

Steps to Take

Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground.

Evacuate if directed.

Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

After a flood

Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded and watch out for debris. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways.

Do not attempt to drive through areas that are still flooded.

Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

Photograph damage to your property for insurance purposes.

Source: ready.gov

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