September 14, 1999
Mayor Calls on Residents and Businesses to Prepare for Possible Flooding
(Washington) Mayor Anthony A. Williams today urged D.C. residents and businesses to take precautions for the expected rain on Thursday, especially by removing debris from catch basins and storm drains. "The District won't bear the full brunt of Hurricane Floyd, but it still makes sense for all residents to be prepared for heavy rains or even flooding-and to be a good neighbor," said Mayor Williams. "We're especially urging those who live in our residential neighborhoods, in low-lying areas, to know your home's flood level capacity and take appropriate steps to secure your personal property from damage. Residents should remove leaves from storm drains and catch basins; keep lumber and sandbags handy; and remove or elevate property in flood-prone interior areas." D.C. Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) officials are taking steps to prepare the District for potential flooding from Hurricane Floyd which may track across the metro area late in the day Thursday. Tuesday evening a meeting was held to review the District's Flood Emergency Plan with key response agencies (Metropolitan Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the Water and Sewer Authority, the Department of Public Works, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region III, the National Guard, and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs). DCEMA is coordinating its efforts with the National Hurricane Center in Florida along with the National Weather Service. DCEMA will be conducting another briefing on Wednesday to review any additional measure that need to take place as well as update the tracking of Hurricane Floyd. While flooding along the Georgetown Waterfront from the Potomac River can take days to develop, creeks and small streams - such as Rock Creek Basin, Broad Branch, Melvin Hazen Branch, and Pinehurst Run - can flood before rain stops. Creeks and drainages can swell with water, potentially leading to dangerous flash flooding or property damage in buildings that are not flood-proofed.
Flooding y occur in the District following heavy rains, storm sewer back up, or high water levels in the Potomac River, Anacostia River, Rock Creek, and other small streams. The D.C. Emergency Operations Plan If trees are down, or other D.C. services are needed, residents should call 727-1000.
