FLOOD PREVENTION TIPS
AWARENESS
Virtually any area in Richmond can flood. Has your property flooded before? Is there water in the street? How high are the local creeks or streams compared to their normal level? Does anything look or sound out of the ordinary? Do you know where the city sandbag staging area is and have a way to transport sand bags if needed? (They’re at the Black & White days pavilion located at 50 South State).
LOCATION
Where is the water around your house or property? Is there a stream or creek nearby? Is there a storm drain in the street? Does water run off the surrounding upslope property onto your property? Knowing where the water is, and where it may go, or historically has gone, will go a long way in helping keeping water out of your house.
WHERE WILL THE WATER GO?
Take a look at your property with respect to adjoining properties, streams and creeks. Are you downstream of potential water sources? Will water flow towards or away from your property? Are you in a flat or low-lying area where water can collect? Is there a good pathway for water to leave your property?
STORM DRAINS AND CATCH BASINS
Are there storm water catch basins or storm drains in the street or sidewalk around your house? Are they clear and free running? Keeping storm drains and catch basins clean will go a long way towards keeping water flowing where it is supposed to go.
CULVERTS
Are there streams that cross under streets close to you? A major historical source of flooding is plugged or blocked culverts. When a culvert is blocked, the overflow will rapidly back up and flood upstream areas and when they overflow the streets and downstream areas may be flooded. Since most streets in Richmond don’t have curbs, water will run directly into lawns and basements.
STREAMS AND CREEKS
Streams and creeks are a major source of floodwaters. Even if culverts are kept clear and well flowing, in times of very high flow they can overflow and flood adjacent areas. Know where the streams and creeks are located in your area, and check them periodically to see if they are flowing normally or if the water is rising.
RUNOFF FROM FIELDS
Runoff from local fields and pastures is another source of surface water than can cause flooding. When the fields are saturated with snow melt, the only place water can go is downhill. Keep an eye on adjacent fields for unusual runoff, and if it threatens your property, sandbags can be used to re-direct the water.
CLEANUP
Do you have a portable sump pump to pump out your basement or crawl space? Do you have a shop vac or wet vac that can remove water from floors and carpets? Do you have phone numbers for the local clean up and restoration services? Do you have a plan on where to go if your home needs major repairs or cleanup? Do you have plans to preserve important documents or important items in case of flooding?
RICHMOND CITY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PRESENTATION
The presentation by David Cavanaugh can be found at the bottom of this page.
OTHER INFORMATION
Statewide road condition information can be found at the following link: CLICK HERE
To find current Cache County current emergency alerts and events: CLICK HERE