Small Town News

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

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Flood Safety Week March 15-19

This year, with the amount of snow still on the ground and spring right around the corner, the worry and possibility of spring and summer flooding is ever present. According to the National Weather Service, there is a continued high risk of significant flooding in many areas across the state. The time period when flooding is most likely to occur extends from mid-March into mid-April.

Wayne Jepsen, Lyon County Emergency Management coordinator, believes it's important for residents to be prepared for seasonal flooding due to snow melt and flash flooding after extreme rainfalls.

"You and your family may not be together when an emergency happens, so knowing what to do, where you will go, and how to get in touch with family members is important," he said.

Create a family communication plan

Choose an out-of-town friend or relative to be a contact point for family members to call if you are separated during an emergency. Make sure everyone knows how and when to call 9-1-1. Post emergency contact phone numbers near telephones.

Post instructions on how to turn off your utilities -- electricity, gas and water.

Identify where you will go when you have to evacuate. Choose several places such as a friend's or family's home in another town, a motel or a shelter. On a map, mark at least two alternate ways to reach your destination and keep the map with your disaster supply kit.

Address special needs.

Make plans to ensure the needs of someone you know who is elderly or dependent on life-sustaining or health-related equipment such as a ventilator or respirator.

Plan how you will rescue your pets. Have pet carriers, extra food and water available to go at a moment's notice. If you are able to take your pet to a shelter, the pet must have a current vaccination record, a pet carrier and a supply of food.

Build an emergency tion

supply kit

In an emergency, there are items you and your family will need. Pack a bag with items listed below. After assembling your kit, store it in a place known to all household members. Review the contents of your kit periodically to make sure stored medicines are up to date.

Water and non-perishable food for each person for three to five days

First aid kit

Money

Battery-operated flashlight and radio, and extra batteries for each

Extra clothing and bedding (including shoes)

Personal hygiene items

Speciality items such as prescription medications, baby formula, diapers and pet supplies

Plates, cups, utensils and a can opener

Copies of important documents such as driver's licenses, birth certificates, insurance policies and financial informa Before a flood

Learn how to shut off all utilities.

Secure shelves and water heaters to nearby walls.

Raise electrical system components.

Consider installing check valves in your plumbing to prevent flood water backup.

Collect emergency building supplies, such as plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, hammer, nails, saw, pry bar, shovels and sandbags.

Be aware of weather conditions that could prompt flooding.

Be aware

Tune in to your local television and radio stations and news sources on the internet to find out about weather conditions and to receive instructions on any special actions you may be asked to take, such as evacuating. .

Another important tool is a NOAA Weather Radio. NOAA weather radios broadcast official weather warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These radios can be programmed to pick up warnings and watches for your area and alert you to current conditions. And they can be purchased at many retail outlets.

It's a good idea to have one in your home and at your place of business.

When a flood watch is issued, move valuables to a friend's or relative's house ahead of time or move them to the highest level of your house. Fill your vehicle's gas tank in case you have to evacuate.

When a flood warning or flash flood warning is issued, leave immediately if told to evacuate. Move to higher ground away from rivers. Do not drive around barricades.

During a flood

Never walk or drive through rushing flood waters. If your car stalls in rising waters, abandon it and climb to higher ground.

Avoid rising waters, storm drains and sewers. Move to higher ground.

Never enter buildings surrounded by flood waters.

Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.

Keep children and pets away from flood water.

Need a booster?

During times of flooding, people are often concerned about receiving a booster dose of tetanus-containing vaccine.

"There is generally no need for mass tetanus immunization programs during flooding, but flooding predictions may remind people that it's time for a tetanus booster shot," said Iowa Department of Public Health Medical director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. "It's estimated that about 50 percent of Iowans are behind on their tetanus vaccines, and only a few have received the new tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis booster (TdaP vaccine)."

It's recommended that everyone receive a routine tetanus booster dose every 10 years. However, when someone is cut or injured, especially if the wound may get dirt into it, the person may need to get an additional booster shot if it's been more than five years since their routine tetanus shot.

Since the proposed improvements involve infrastructure, State regulations allow West Lyon to pay off the $640,000 in bonds over the next several years with revenue received from the statewide 1-cent Local Option Sales & Service Tax (LOSST) and from the district's Capital Projects fund. Money for the project will not come from the General Fund, which State regulations require be used for teacher salaries, school activities, textbooks, etc. The General Fund is what is being affected by the 10 percent across-the-board cut.

Board members passed the following resolutions:

Directing sale of $640,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Service and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, 2010 to Security Savings Bank.

Approval of Tax Exemption Certificate which states West Lyon is a school district and has the authority to issue bonds.

Authorization that the district will pay off the debt and agrees to the terms.

Board members approved the Budget Guarantee for 2010-11, qualifying the district for the 101 percent budget adjustment funded through property tax.

Coaching contracts for Wade Vander Maaten, junior high track, and Steve Hawf, junior high Softball, were approved.

Superintendent Hargens spoke to the board on several issues as follows:

A request has been made by the Athletic Booster Club for a fund-raising project, namely an activity calendar with each month featuring a picture of various school teams and activities. Board members' only stipulation was that the calendar be reviewed and approved by Superintendent Hargens before being printed.

A request from coaches to schedule 21 basketball games next year was discussed. West Lyon presently schedules 20 games. Board members were accepting of the idea with the suggestion the game be at home.

Recognitions were given to the non-performing All-State Speech honorees, Becca Boer, Andrew Metzger, Tory Mogler and Drew Mogler. Also recognized were the March Students of the Month, Brady Van Beek, Kristin Klarenbeek, Ana Dubbelde, and Jeff Moser.

School board went into closed session to discuss teacher salary negotiations.

Due to the Easter Monday holiday, the school board will meet Thursday, April 8, in the West Lyon School board room.



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© 2010 West Lyon Herald Inwood, Iowa. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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