St. Louis District Corps of Engineers weather closures

Snow and frigid temperatures at the Wappapello Lake
spillway, Dec. 11, 2013.

The St. Louis District area is under a Winter Weather Advisory with an expected accumulation of 6-9 inches of snow across the area. 

For the safety of our employees and the public the following projects will be closed until conditions improve: Lake Shelbyville, Mark Twain Lake and Wappapello Lake. 

For more information and updates on closings be sure to follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/teamsaintlouis. 

To view the current National Weather Service Advisory visit: http://1.usa.gov/e0Ijvn and for Winter Driving Tips visit: http://bit.ly/ub6KTf.

Please be safe out there!

Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard urges boaters to stay off flooded rivers

(U.S. Coast Guard photo)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard are urging people to stay off of flooded rivers.

Due to large amounts of debris, fast currents, unmarked submerged objects and other dangerous conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard are requiring recreational boaters to refrain from boating on flooded areas of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois River.

Rivers are unpredictable and dangerous in a flood. Even if someone has lived along a river his whole life, he shouldn’t assume it will behave the same way during a flood. It’s not a good time to be recreating on or near the rivers.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers join in urging all citizens to keep safety uppermost in their minds, especially during this high water event:

• Watch the situation around you especially if you live or work in flood-prone areas.
• Stay in touch through the media for latest updates and warnings.
• Have a “what if” plan if you live or work in a flood prone area.
• Do not wade or swim or take recreation boats into river waters.  They are especially treacherous now.
• Turn around ... don't drown!" Never drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads.

 For more information, visit http://bit.ly/floodfight2013

Wearing a Life Jacket Can Save Your Life

Wearing a Life Jacket Can Save Your Life... By providing time to be rescued, it will help ensure you survive an unexpected fall into the water. An adult can drown in 60 seconds. It takes a strong swimmer 10 minutes to put on a life jacket after entering the water. If you will not wear it for yourself then wear it for those who love you.

Turn Around Don't Drown: Flood Safety Driving Tips

When you approach a flooded road, TURN AROUND
DON'T DROWN! (Source: National Weather Service)

Flooding is the leading cause of severe weather-related deaths in the U.S. claiming on average nearly 100 lives a year. Most of these deaths occur in motor vehicles when people attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Many other lives are lost when people walk into or near flood waters. This happens because people underestimate the force and power of water, especially when it’s moving. The good news is it is preventable with the right knowledge and tools.

A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. And it only takes 12 to 18 inches of flowing water to carry away most vehicles including large SUVs. If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will likely not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when your vision is more limited. Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, follow this simple advice: Turn Around Don't Drown.

1. Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, or when a dam or levee fails and even a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam. Be cautious during storm seasons, or any time that flooding is common in your area.
2. You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.
3. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
4. Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out road ahead, turn around. Find another route to your destination.
5. If there is no other route, get to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
6. Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don't try it. Water hides dips in the road. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.
7. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
8. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
9. One foot of water will float almost many vehicles.
10. Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles — including SUVs and pick-ups.

Be sure to follow Team Saint Louis for additional flood safety tips and information at: Facebook.com/teamsaintlouis, Twitter.com/teamsaintlouis, Teamsaintlouis.blogspot.com, and YouTube.com/teamsaintlouis 

Additional flood awareness information can also be found at:
http://www.Fema.gov, www.ready.gov and Turn Around Don't Drown . Visit www.weather.gov for the latest weather forecast information.

Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov, Weather.gov

Make a Plan

Photo courtesy of Ready.gov

Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.

Ready.gov has made it simple for you to make a family emergency plan. Download the Family Emergency Plan and fill out the sections before printing it or emailing it to your family and friends.

Be sure to follow Team Saint Louis for additional flood safety tips and information at: Facebook.com/teamsaintlouis, Twitter.com/teamsaintlouis, Teamsaintlouis.blogspot.com, and YouTube.com/teamsaintlouis 

Additional flood awareness information can also be found at:
http://www.Fema.gov and www.ready.gov.