Flood risk awareness essential in Utah spring runoff this year Published June 16, 2011 By Ryan Larsen Hilltop Times correspondent HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Most of the state is at or above two hundred percent above of its normal snowpack capacity. As the weather warms, there is likely to be flooding. But don't head for higher ground just yet, simple preparation can avoid costly damages. One of the smartest things people can do to help prepare for a flood is to aware of warnings. In some counties, such as Tooele, warning sirens are used to alert residents of potential threats like flooding and other natural disasters. Not all counties are equipped with such a warning system which leaves only a few methods for warnings to be issued and heeded. The radio is the most common and useful way of getting information to people when they need it. Unfortunately with current technological distractions, the radio is not listened to as often as it once was. With the high flood risk it may be wise to occasionally turn off iPods and MP3 players and turn on the radio once in awhile. If there is any flood danger there will be an emergency broadcast, but if the radio is not on then vital information could be missed. As well as radio, television is also a great resource for being warned and ready. Severe weather alerts will often scroll across the bottom of the screen. If there is a potential for an emergency the Emergency Alert System will be activated through radio and television giving residents information needed to prepare or evacuate in case of coming threats. Tune your radio to your favorite news station for up-to-date information as needed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Weather Radio All Hazards is one of the best sources to receive warnings from the National Weather Service, but it requires a special radio that can tune into the proper frequency of 162.400 through 162.550MHz. Weather radios can be purchased at most retailers. With cell phone usage being very prominent among most of the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission recently announced a new warning system called the Personalized Localized Alerting Network (PLAN). The system would allow emergency officials to send warnings of potential natural disasters and other emergencies via text to cell phones. Phones would have to have a special chip in order to receive alerts, currently newer smart phones have the chip software and updates will be available soon. The free service will be activated in Washington, D.C., and New York City by the end of the year and other cities are expected to follow. According to Emergencyprepardness.org the depth of flood water is not always an indicator of the level of danger. In depths of as little as six inches, water can be moving much faster than it appears and could easily sweep away small children or pets. Playing in standing or flowing flood water is also not recommended, flood water can carry harmful bacteria from overflowing sewage lines. Unseen hazards in flood water could be present such as sink holes and risk of electrical shock with downed power lines in the area. According to Hill Water Quality Program Manager Mike Peterson, rain and runoff will have minimal effect on the base itself. Mudslides and erosion on the north side of the base should only be a minor concern for Hill or the surrounding areas. But many Hill personnel do not live on or near base and therefore could have cause for concern. Currently the case for most parts of Utah is not if but when and where the next major flood or mudslide will occur and being warned is the first step to avoiding or surviving an emergency.