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High water prompts safety advisories
Kansas Highway 31 is impassable in low-lying areas west of Fulton as a result of heavy rainfall during the weekend, and the Marmaton River is close to flood stage as of Tuesday morning.
According to Bourbon County Emergency Manager Laura Hyer, readings in the Marmaton River Tuesday morning indicated a depth of 38.45 feet, not yet flooding the Belltown area, but close to cresting.
BCEM and the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office are cautioning area residents to avoid low lying areas that could potentially be dangerous due to flooding. bourbon County is under a flash flood warning that will remain in effect throughout the rest of this week.
The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed Kansas Highway 31 west of Fulton, and Bourbon County Public Works will also place barricades at low water crossings.
Hyer said there is continuing potential for flash floods, so stay away from low-lying areas, and never cross roadways that are covered with water.
Residents are encouraged to monitor media and NOAA severe weather statements. NOAA is predicting the potential for severe thunderstorm warnings throughout the rest of this week, with an additional five inches of rainfall by Friday.
Marmaton depth readings late Monday morning indicated that the Marmaton was rising at a foot and a half per hour with levels at that time reading 27 feet. The Marmaton crests at 38 feet, which causes flooding in the Belltown area.
Emergency Management officials will continue to monitor river levels to ensure the safety of county residents.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is advising residents affected by recent tornados and flooding to take certain precautions in order to protect their health.
KDHE recently released a statement containing the following precautions:
* Storm and flood survivors should return home only when authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
* Avoid Floodwater if possible. Floodwater may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, raw sewage or other underwater debris that could be very dangerous. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
* Anyone who has been affected by flooding, especially first responders, should make sure their tetanus vaccinations are up to date. Anyone who can't remember when they last received a tetanus shot should get vaccinated to be safe. Tetanus shots are available at local health departments.
* Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink. If there is any chance that drinking water in unsafe, boil it for at least a minute then allow it to cool before drinking.
* Avoid moving water to reduce risk of drowning.
* Be aware of areas where Floodwater have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
* Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by Floodwater, due to risk of collapse.
* Use extreme caution when entering buildings -- there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
* Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
* Clean and disinfect anything that is wet from the flood or storm. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
For more information, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the Internet at http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm.
Other KDHE tips
Food safety:
Before considering a food product safe, carefully inspect it. Many products can become contaminated even if they are in a container. When in doubt, throw it out. Don't eat or save foods that have come in contact with Floodwater. Unopened cans or jars that do not have bulging seams, are not dented, cracked or rusty should be safe, but remember to disinfect the top of the can or jar before opening it.
Cleaning up the home:
Basements hit by Floodwater require disinfecting and cleaning. Do not remove water from the basement too quickly or the pressure from the saturated soil surrounding the basement may cause the walls to collapse. To help air out the basement, open windows and doors. Window exhaust fans can be helpful, but take care in selecting a place to put the fan to avoid risk of electrical shock. Before starting a flood clean-up, obtain a tetanus booster shot if necessary. Tetanus shots are available at local health departments and many physician offices.
Wastewater systems:
The storms and heavy rains over the last week have impacted municipal water supplies and wastewater control systems for municipalities and livestock operations. Areas affected in Kansas are generally from Pottawatomie County southwest to Kiowa County. Wastewater control systems for livestock facilities have reported being inundated by the heavy rains. Discharges from holding lagoons have been reported from feeding operations within the storm-impacted areas. Problems with water and wastewater systems will likely continue until this period of heavy rain and storms subsides.
For more information, or to report any problems, contact KDHE at (785) 296-5500.