From the desk of the County Manager,

Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States.

Last year’s events after Hurricane Helene in the Western NC mountains showed us that floods from tropical storm systems are no longer a rarity for those living inland. Now, less than a year later, we have seen extreme rain and flooding events in Texas and right here in our Triad communities from two different tropical systems in a couple of days.

It should serve as a wakeup call to all of us that vigilance in being prepared is vital. These types of weather-related events are now part of our regular lives as our climate continues to warm. That is why the more we do in advance to be ready for when one strikes close to home, the better outcomes will be.

Before a flooding event happens, whether months out or hours out, our best friend is information! One of the best ways to stay informed is making sure that you are signed up to receive alerts, warnings, and public safety information before, during, and after emergencies.

Our Durham County Office of Emergency Services recommends that everyone sign up for Alert Durham – our City-County Emergency Notification System that sends messages to you when emergency situations arise. You can get texts, phone calls, or emails from Alert Durham by visiting AlertDurham.com.

The County’s Public Information Office and the City’s Communications Department also advise residents to follow our social media accounts and to check for updates on the severe weather resources updates page here. You can also find ways to help community members in need at the Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center’s website.

We also have the amazing national Emergency Alert System (EAS), which uses radio, television, and satellite channels to broadcast important public safety information. When an EAS is issued, you will hear a tone, followed by an audio message. FEMA also offers its own application. As do most of our local television stations. Find the one that suits you best, download it, and begin using them today!

A second way to be informed is to find out your flood risk. Is your home located in a flood zone? Are you near creeks, rivers, or other waterways? Use FEMA flood maps to find out. Watch this video to learn more about Risk MAP.

In this week’s storms, areas near the Eno River in Durham County flooded more than when Hurrican Fran came through the county in 1996.  Areas around the Haw River in Chatham and Alamance counties set new records as well.  Flooding was reported in multiple areas within Durham County. In all, there were 80 people who needed to be rescued by boat and dozens more evacuated by foot during the aftermath of Chantal, with neighborhoods and communities near the Eno River seeing the most impacts as the river hit record flood levels. The flooding brought the need for more rescues on Wednesday night during heavy thunderstorms.

For that, I am thankful to all of our first responders who are there to answer the call to help our residents in need. And also, I thank all of the residents, businesses, churches, and local organizations, who sprang into action to help, whether during the worst parts of the storms or afterward by checking in on neighbors, helping clean up, donating items, and so much more!

But also know that if storms deliver so-called “100-year floods”, areas that aren’t prone to flood can become a disaster area.

In fact, over 1 in 4 insurance claims from flooding are from areas NOT in flood-prone areas outside of high-risk areas. Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at floodsmart.gov.

Be sure to create and review your family emergency plan. And don’t forget to practice it! It always helps to run through the steps when it is calm, so you remember when it isn’t.

Storms that are slow movers are creating faster floods. Have a plan to go to higher ground – quickly. The waters from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Barry in Texas and Tropical Storm Chantal here in North Carolina showed this as both saw waters rise extremely fast from localized heavy rains.

After you have an evacuation plan, assemble an emergency kit, document your personal property by taking pictures and having them in a safe place, have medications together, and a copy of your emergency contact list.

What about during a flood? Many storms offer little warning, come late at night, or have exceeded forecasts. The preparations you make now can help lessen some of those variables.

Listen to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Weather Radio, your local news, and monitor social media from trusted local officials. And be sure to listen to what local public safety officials tell you. Always remember “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” Never go around road barriers. It may look safe, but they are there for a reason! It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

After a storm stops, if you see downed power lines, trees that have fallen on roads, or flooded streets – report them to the proper authorities. If it presents immediate danger – call 9-1-1. Was your house or apartment flooded? Be aware of contamination of flood water inside and outside, and that mold can spread fast.

Does this all sound a little daunting? It might, but if you are ready when disaster comes, all of the preparations pay off when you must act! It’s why we practice in our office for emergencies, and it’s why I practice at home with family.

Be safe this summer, Durham, as this tropical weather season is far from over.

Until next time,

Claudia Hager | County Manager