Bullhead FIRE DEPARTMENTS PREPARE FOR RAIN STORMS

The National Weather Service is predicting a large amount of rainfall for the Colorado River Valley this week. The area fire departments and a few local business owners are preparing for the worst. The Bullhead City Fire Department, Fort Mojave Mesa Fire Department, and the Mohave Valley Fire Department are getting a stock of sand bags Tuesday mid-day from the Mohave County Emergency Services Division. “I’ll be picking up 600 bags Tuesday morning. 200 bags for each department should be available shortly after lunch”, said Larry Tunforss, Public Information Officer with the Bullhead City Fire Department. “All three departments are going to do whatever it takes to assist our citizens during time of emergencies. We will all plan for the worst and hope for the best.”

Sand is currently available at Bullhead Fire Station Two located on Highway 95. Bob Swartzman, owner of S and S Concrete, is donating an additional load of sand that will be delivered by Paul Annella of Code 3 Hauling. Both are donating their products and time.

Fort Mojave Mesa residents can also get sand at Fort Mojave Mesa Station 91 located on Camp Mohave Road. “We have sand available now and more on the way”, said Battalion Chief Jody Hall.

The free 200 bags for each community will not last long. Residents that need sand bags are asked to only take what they need and will use. If you get back to your home and don’t use all the sand and bags; please return them to the fire departments for others to use.

Mike Paul, owner of Tri State Building Materials, is making an emergency order of sand bags that will be available by Wednesday at the stores in Fort Mojave located on Highway 95 and on Hancock Road in Bullhead City.

Fast moving storms can drop a lot of water in a short period of time. There several things residents should think about and plan for:
FLOOD PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS TIPS:

* Ensure that all drains, gutters and downspouts are functioning properly. This is especially important for flat-roofed buildings!! (yes, one tennis ball can ruin a home or business!)
* Keep ground-level drains and drainage areas (ditches, swales, small channels) free of debris.
* Move valuable or easily damaged items away from low-lying areas that may be prone to flooding.
* Identify and collect important documents that you may require in case of evacuation.
* Contact your insurance agent to assure that your flood and storm coverage is adequate and in effect.
* Review your Family Emergency Plan and prepare an Emergency Supply Kit (http://www.ready.gov) that includes food, water, medications, flashlight, battery-powered radio, rain gear and first aid supplies
* Plan for the needs of pets at home and if you are evacuated.
* Keep your vehicle fueled in case power is cutoff to local fueling stations.
* Identify the safe routes from your home or workplace to high ground.
* Establish out-of-state family contacts so that friends and relatives can determine your location and status.
* If necessary, consult an engineer or licensed contractor to design or build permanent water and debris control systems for your property.
* Landscape slope areas with plants that are fire retardant and suitable for erosion control.

TIPS FOR PERSONAL SAFETY DURING A FLOOD:

* Avoid the urge to sightsee. Remind all household members not to play or linger near flood control channels, washes and storm drains.
* Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number-one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
* Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their car than anywhere else. Do not drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
* Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number-two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical currents can travel through water.
* Report downed power lines by calling 911.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FALL IN MOVING WATER?

* Avoid getting into this dangerous situation.
* Remain calm. Don't waste energy yelling for help after someone has spotted you.
* Get ready to be rescued.
* Try to float on your back with your legs straight and your feet pointed downstream.
* Use your legs to shove yourself away from obstructions.
* Keep your head up so that you can see where you are going.
* Watch for obstacles and debris! If a tree or other stationary object is blocking the channel, forcing water over it, try to flip over on your stomach and approach the obstacle head-on, crawling over the top of it.
* Most victims in swift water die when they get pinned against obstacles, or get trapped in submerged debris and vegetation.

WHAT IF YOU SEE SOMEONE FALL INTO MOVING WATER?

* Do not go into the water after the victim.
* Do not try to pull the victim out with your hands, rope, or similar device. Do not attach anything to yourself and toss it to a victim in the water. The force of the current will pull you in.
* If possible, throw a floatation device to the victim, such as a boogie board, Styrofoam ice chest, basketball, or other unattached object.
* Immediately call 9-1-1.
* Tell the 9-1-1 operator that someone fell into the channel and is being swept downstream. Say that swift water rescue teams need to respond.
* Give accurate information about where and when you saw the victim and what the victim was wearing.
* Though members of your our local Fire Department are specially trained and equipped to respond to water rescues, not every victim survives. We therefore remind you that when it comes to swift moving water: 'Stay Away and Stay Alive!'