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Low-lying areas of the Salcha community near the Salcha and Tanana Rivers, and especially the Piledriver Slough Area, routinely are subjected to flooding conditions. Flooding during break-up is typically caused by ice dams that form when huge chunks of melting river ice pile up and cause the river to overflow it's banks. Flooding has also been caused by heavy, prolonged summer rains. |
Always keep these supplies on hand
- A cellphone and it's charger
- A portable battery-operated radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Emergency food (3 day supply minimum, don't forget petfood)
- Bottled water (1 gallon for each family member and pet per day, 3 days worth)
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines (3 days worth) and spare supplies (eyeglasses, dentures, etc.)
- Cash and credit cards
- Waterproof boots, consider waders
- Spare clothing and personal hygiene items
- Bleach (for sanitizing)
If you live in a frequently flooded area
- Stockpile sandbags in a dry area, cover and protect from the sun and rain
- Have shovels, workgloves and a wheelbarrow to fill and move sandbags
- Know that Salcha's designated sandbagging area is the Fairgrounds
- Know where your homes electric, fuel/oil, propane, water shutoffs are; and how to turn them off
- Have check-valves installed in your homes sewer traps to prevent floodwaters from entering, have large corks or stoppers ready if that fails
- Buy the lumber, plastic sheet, nails you need to protect your house ahead of time; have common hand tools (hammer, saw, etc) available
Plan and practice a primary and alternate evacuation route
- Designate a safe place that everyone will meet such as a friend's house or your church
- Develop your communications plan in case your family gets separated. Pick a family member or friend that lives out of the state to serve as the "Family Contact." Make sure everyone, including your children know this person's name and phone number.
- Make sure your children know their address and how to dial 911 for help
- Post emergency numbers by the phone
- Review the location of utility, fuel, and water shutoffs
- Know that Salcha Elementary School is our designated public shelter
- Plan what you will do with your pets and/or farm animals. Public shelters and most hotels do not allow pets. Have a kennel or crate available to house your pet if your need to evacuate.
- Remember to plan for special needs family members; or a family member that is bedridden or needs a wheelchair
When flooding is imminent
- Gather important family papers (birth certificates, licenses, wills, people and pet medical records, etc) and prepare to take them with you
- Move valuables to a safe area, such as the second floor or attic
- Move your farm animals to a safe area
- Secure outdoor possessions such as lawn furniture, grills, trashcans
- Sanitize with bleach, rinse and fill bathtubs, sinks, bottles with clean water
Once the flood arrives
- If you intend to evacuate, tell a neighbor or friend; call them when you arrive to a safe place
- Avoid driving through flooded areas. If you do and your car stalls, abandon it and climb to higher ground. Call for help if necessary.
- Avoid walking through flooded areas; as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
- Stay well away from downed power lines and electrical wires
- Beware of wild animals who may also be trapped or evacuating the flooded area
- Consider floodwater as contaminated with at least sewage and fuel/oil. If you or your family come in contact with floodwater, get a shower as soon as possible and decontaminate your shoes, clothing, etc.
Emergency phone numbers
- EMERGENGY: 911
- FNSB Emergency Management: 459-1481
- Salcha Fire and Rescue: 488-5274 (non-emergency)
- Alaska State Troopers: 451-5100 (non-emergency)
- American Red Cross Fairbanks: 456-5937
- Family Contact:
After the flood
- Remember, flood dangers do not end when waters recede
- Check with flood emergency management or radio/TV to ensure it is safe to return
- Remember flooded areas are probably contaminated with sewage and fuel/oil
- If your house was flooded, you should have a professional inspect it to ensure it is safe to enter or to turn on utilities, propane, etc.
- Electrical appliances that were flooded should not be used unless inspected by a qualified service person
- DO NOT DRINK water from your well until it is tested for contamination