Dawn Francis, Town Manager
Flood Safety
Typically by July flood season is over. This year, with heavy and steady summer rain, water is high and we have experienced five drownings since the end of April. Here are some flood safety tips from the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security:
Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
If you see standing water covering sidewalks or roads, don’t try to walk or drive through it. It takes only 6 inches of water to knock down a standing person. A vehicle can be swept away by only a few feet of water.
Make a Flood Plan
Creating an emergency plan is a best practice for any natural disaster. Be sure to have a plan in place to keep you and your family safe. Take it a step further and practice! Run through different emergency and natural disaster scenarios with your family so all know what to do in an emergency. Don’t forget to include your pets in your plans, too!
Flood Watch = Be Aware; Flood Warning = Take Action
A flood watch means conditions are favorable for a flood to occur. Be aware and make sure you can reach higher ground if necessary. A flood warning means that flooding is either in progress or will begin shortly. If you are not on higher ground already, take action and get there ASAP. Remember not to go through standing water: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
The Town of Colchester recently became a CRS (Community Rating System) community. This voluntary program is sponsored by FEMA. It recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards. Our participation in the CRS gives Colchester residents a discount on flood insurance through the NFIP. Remember that most home insurance does not cover flood damage. If you would like more information call the Planning and Zoning office at 264-5600.
For more information about the Town Manager’s Office, please visit http://colchestervt.gov/manager or call (802) 264-5509.