Flood Watch Through January 22, 2010

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Southern Nevada through Friday afternoon, January 22, 2010. Rainfall could exceed what Boulder City experienced on Tuesday, January 19.

There are some things residents can do to protect themselves and help the City as a whole.

Storm water flows in the concrete curb adjacent to the asphalt street. The water flows until it reaches a drop inlet, which takes the water off the street and conveys it underground through storm drain pipes. If the drop inlets become plugged, the storm water has no place to go and flooding results.

The Public Works Department routinely cleans drop inlets and cleans the inlets after each storm event. The department also monitors the inlets during storm events, but because of a limited amount of staff, is unable to be everywhere at the same time during a storm.

To aid in this effort, residents are asked to help the City keep storm drains clean. When placing your garbage out for pickup, do not place it in the concrete curb where storm water flows. If you see trash or other debris in the curb, please remove the debris or call 293-9266 to report the problem to Public Works.

Local and federal building codes do not allow new construction below street level. However, in the older section of Boulder City, some homes are a foot or more below street level. These homes are particularly susceptible to flooding. Residents in these homes need to take extra precautions to protect themselves. For example, make sure the concrete curb in front of your house is not obstructed. Often, vehicles will be parked adjacent to the curb. When storm water flows along the edge of the street, it hits the tires of the parked cars causing water to jump out of the curb and over the sidewalk. Move these vehicles to allow storm water to flow uninterrupted.

Consideration should also be given for the storm water coming off the roof of your house, concrete driveway and other areas on your property. Does this water have a place to drain? This time of year, many storm drains on private property are clogged from leaves. Check these areas to make sure storm water has a safe exit route. If not, it is going to pond on your property and threaten to damage your home.

Here are some tips from the Regional Flood Control District:

• Never drive through a flooded roadway or around barricades. Roads underneath may be damaged and impassable.

• If your car stalls, it may be safer to stay with the vehicle. Swift moving water only inches deep can sweep you off your feet and result in drowning. Only you can make the decision about which option is safer.

• The majority of flood-related deaths are caused by people attempting to drive through moving water. Swift moving floodwater can sweep away cars. Larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, may be more likely to float because large air-filled tires increase the buoyancy of the vehicle.

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flash floods, such as the depth and speed of the water.

• Do not let children or pets play in or near floodwater. Flood water can move up to 30 mph and is filled with hazardous materials such as chemicals, oil and pet waste. Stay out of flood channels and detention basins, which can rise as quickly as one foot a minute.

In Boulder City, an intense rainstorm cases street flooding at Adams Boulevard near Avenue G, Adams Boulevard between Avenue B and Cottonwood, and Nevada Way near Elm Street, just to name a few. Remember, intense rainstorms typically last 30 minutes or less. If you can postpone your commute until the heavy rains are over, that is always the best alternative.