CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) said the Cullman area could see as much as 5 inches of rain through this Saturday. Director Tim Sartin said with the strengthening of Hurricane Helene, the area could see more rain than has been predicted.
“We are also going to have some straight-line winds as well,” Sartin said. “We could have winds upwards of 30-40 mph. It is a good policy to remember that every storm is different. They may have some of the same features, but they are still different. Don’t underestimate the danger if you’ve avoided impacts from previous storms. Don’t wait; prepare today for the hazards expected later this week.”
Sartin offered the following tips to residents:
- Bring in or secure any loose items like furniture, decorations or tools that could become projectiles
- Trim any tree limbs that might damage the house ahead of time
- Avoid going outside and being struck by flying debris
- Make sure your phone is charged in case you lose power
- Unplug electronics and appliances to prevent damage from power surges if the power goes out
To prepare for flooding, he said residents should:
- Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding
- Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans and flash flood response
- Gather enough supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies and water, for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container and create password-protected digital copies
- Protect your property and move valuables to higher levels
- Declutter drains and gutters, install check valves and consider a sump pump with a battery
To stay safe during flooding, residents should:
- Evacuate immediately if told to evacuate
- Never drive around barricades; local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas
- Contact your health care provider if you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
- Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn around; don’t drown!
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
- Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
- Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
- Learn your evacuation routes today in case you’re directed to leave by local authorities due to a flood
According to Sartin, the key to storm safety is, “Don’t wait. Communicate.”
“Make your emergency plan today,” he said. “Have a plan and practice it when it is not flooding so when it does flood you know what to do. Also, be mindful that it could take up to 30 days after you sign up for flood insurance to take effect. Downloaded the Everbridge (app) to stay informed with updates from Cullman County EMA. Also, you can follow us on Facebook for updates.”
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