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Show A Potential Flood Hazard In Spring? Higher than normal levels of precipitation this winter could present a flooding hazard this spring to areas of Utah, according to a statement made by Donald R. Spradling, executive director of the Utah Office of Emergency Emer-gency Services. PARTICULARLY if the snows melt at a rapid rate, a number of communities in the state could experience some flooding danger. Mr. Spradling outlines some safety rules for the general public, particularly those who live in flood-prone areas: L BEFORE a flood: Know the elevation of your property in relation to nearby streams and other waterways. Investigate Inves-tigate the flood history of your area and how man-made changes may effect future flooding. Make advance plans of what you will do and where you will go in a flood emergency. emer-gency. 2. When a flood watch is issued: is-sued: Listen to area radio and television stations for possible possi-ble flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress from the National Weather Service-and public safety agencies. Be prepared to move out of danger at a moment's notice. If you are on the road, watch for flooding flood-ing at highway dips, bridges and low areas. 1 WHEN A flood warning is issued: For your area act quickly to save yourself. You may have only seconds. Get out of areas subject to flooding. flood-ing. Avoid already flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot where water is above your knees. If driving, know the 5 depth of water in a dip before crossing. The road may not be intact under the water. If the vehicle stalls, abandon aban-don it immediately and seek higher ground rapidly rising ris-ing water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. When you are out of immediate danger, tune in area radio or television stations for additional addi-tional information as conditions condi-tions change and new reports are received. 4. AFTER the flood watch or warning is cancelled: Stay tuned to radio or television for follow-up information. Rapid flooding may have ended, but general flooding may come later in headwater streams and major rivers. |