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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The Combat Center has delved into the first of four informational weeks for America’s Prepare-A-Thon 2015. The month-long presidential campaign is geared toward providing residents aboard the installation with the knowledge needed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from man-made incidents and natural disasters. This week’s focus is on flash flooding.
“As far as flash flooding is concerned, we want to make people aware of the dangers flash floods can present,” said J. Luis Aguirre, installation emergency management specialist, G-7 Mission Assurance. “The more you know, the safer you and your loved ones will be in the event of an incident.”
Flooding is the most common natural disaster and can occur anywhere. Unlike floods, which can develop over a period of days giving you enough time to prepare, flash floods can develop in a matter of minutes.
“Just like in any other scenario, it is necessary for the community to be prepared when it comes to flash floods,” Aguirre said. “The main objective is to have a community that is resilient. That will only occur through education and self-awareness."
Flash flood waters are caused by heavy rain. These floods are destructive and can carry debris, rocks and mud. Often times, rushing flood waters can be deeper and stronger than they look.
“The Marine Corps has implemented an informational website, which provides information on what to do in the event of a natural disaster occurring” Aguirre said. “We will have information booths set up at the main exchange, every Friday at 10 a.m., to ensure we’re reaching the local and base community.”
Although the installation is equipped with an advanced drainage system, it does not mean it isn’t susceptible to the effects of flash flooding. When preparing for a flash flood, or in the event of one occurring, it’s important to: monitor radio, television and emergency mass notification system alerts for information and instructions, move to higher ground immediately, if ordered to evacuate, only take items that are essential, disconnect appliances and turn off gas, electricity and water.
“I believe that taking the time to actually review all individual emergency plans is very important because it gives families an opportunity to plan ahead,” Aguirre said.
For additional information on how to identify the actions to be taken in the event of a flash flood, visit www.ready.marines.mil or contact the G-7 Mission Assurance branch at 830-1884.
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2015 17:26 |
| Story ID: | 175080 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 47 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Flash flooding: National preparedness month information, by Sgt Medina Ayala-Lo, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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