October 27, 2009

The alerts concerning potential flooding in the Valley will initially come from the Army Corp of Engineers. They assure us that we will have approximately 48-96 hours early warning of potential flooding.

Then a 24-48 hour notice before they perform a release at the Dam, which may or may not cause actual flooding. With the 24-48 hour notice, this should be provide amble time for cancellation of school classes and relocation of residents from the Valley.

There should be no “mass exodus” at once as everyone will have considerable time to make the appropriate arrangements. Additionally, evacuation routes have already been determined and signage and monitoring have been arranged.

Remember, any flooding will be caused by a release from the Dam, hence the Army Corp of Engineers can monitor and predict with almost certainty when and if they will perform a release and thus provide us with sufficient notice.

From Robert Constant, Traffic Sergeant
Patrol Division, Kent Police Department