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<p>There are 79,500 dams in the United States,
according to the 2005 update to the National Inventory of Dams. Approximately
one third of these pose a "high" or "significant"
hazard to life and property if failure occurs.</p><p>Dam failure can occur with little warning.
Intense storms may produce a flood in a few hours or even minutes for
upstream locations. Flash floods occur within six hours of the beginning
of heavy rainfall, and dam failure may occur within hours of the first
signs of breaching. Other failures and breeches can take much longer
to occur, from days to weeks, as a result of debris jams or the accumulation
of melting snow.</p><h1><strong>What to Do Before a Dam Failure</strong></h1><p>Knowing your risk is the most important
step you can take to staying safe from a dam failure. </p><ul><li>Know your risk. Do you live
downstream from a dam? Is the dam a high-hazard or significant-hazard
potential dam?</li><li>There are two dams that would
have an affect on residents of Limestone County.  They are Guntersville
Dam and Tims Ford Dam. Both of these dams are owned by the Tennessee
Valley Authority and they are the regulating agency. </li><li>A current Emergency Action
Plan is in place for both of the dams. An EAP is a formal document that
identifies potential emergency conditions at a dam and specifies preplanned
actions to be followed to reduce property damage and loss of life. An
EAP specifies actions the dam owner should take to take care of problems
at the dam. It also includes steps to assist the dam owner in issuing
early warning and notification messages to responsible downstream emergency
management authorities of the emergency.</li><li>If there is a dam failure
or an imminent dam failure and you need to evacuate, know your evacuation
route and get out of harm's way. In general, evacuation planning and
implementation are the responsibility of the state and local officials
responsible for your safety. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Ways to Plan Ahead</em></strong></h2><p>To prepare for a flood, you should:</p><ul><li>Avoid building in a floodplain
unless you elevate and reinforce your home. </li><li>Elevate the furnace, water
heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding. </li><li>Install "check valves"
in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains
of your home. </li><li>Construct barriers (levees,
beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building. </li><li>Seal walls in basements with
waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage. </li></ul><h1><strong>During
A Dam Failure</strong></h1><p>If a flood is likely in your area, you
should:</p><ul><li>Listen to the radio or television
for information. </li><li>Be aware that flash flooding
can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately
to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. </li><li>Be aware of streams, drainage
channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods
can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain
clouds or heavy rain. </li></ul><p>If you must prepare to evacuate, you
should do the following:</p><ul><li>Secure your home. If you have
time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor. </li><li>Turn off utilities at the
main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical
appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing
in water. </li></ul><p>If you have to leave your home, remember
these evacuation tips:</p><ul><li>Do not walk through moving
water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to
walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check
the firmness of the ground in front of you. </li><li>Do not drive into flooded
areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move
to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be
quickly swept away. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Driving Flood Facts</em></strong></h2><p>The following are important points to
remember when driving in flood conditions:</p><ul><li>Six inches of water will reach
the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible
stalling. </li><li>A foot of water will float
many vehicles. </li><li>Two feet of rushing water
can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s)
and pick-ups. </li></ul><p><strong>After a
Dam Failure</strong></p><p>The following are guidelines for the
period following a flood:</p><ul><li>Listen for news reports to
learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.</li><li>Avoid floodwaters; water may
be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically
charged from underground or downed power lines.</li><li>Avoid moving water.</li><li>Be aware of areas where floodwaters
have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight
of a car.</li><li>Stay away from downed power
lines, and report them to the power company.</li><li>Return home only when authorities
indicate it is safe.</li><li>Stay out of any building if
it is surrounded by floodwaters.</li><li>Use extreme caution when entering
buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.</li><li>Service damaged septic tanks,
cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage
systems are serious health hazards.</li><li>Clean and disinfect everything
that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals. </li></ul><h1><strong><em>Returning Home</em></strong><a name="0.2_01000001"></a></h1><p>Returning home can be both physically
and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution.</p><p>Check for injuries. Do not attempt to
move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of
death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first
stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.</p><ul><li>Keep a battery-powered radio
with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports.</li><li>Use a battery-powered flash
light to inspect a damaged home. <br />
Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the
battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.</li><li>Watch out for animals, especially
poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.</li><li>Use the phone only to report
life-threatening emergencies.</li><li>Stay off the streets. If you
must go out, watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and
weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks. </li></ul><h2><a name="0.2_01000002"></a><strong><em>Before You Enter
Your Home</em></strong></h2><p>Walk carefully around the outside and
check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you
have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified
building inspector or structural engineer before entering. </p><p><strong>Do not enter if:</strong></p><ul><li>You smell gas. </li><li>Floodwaters remain around
the building. </li><li>Your home was damaged by fire
and the authorities have not declared it safe. </li></ul><h2><a name="0.2_01000003"></a><strong><em>Going Inside Your
Home</em></strong></h2><p>When you go inside your home, there are
certain things you should and should not do. Enter the home carefully
and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors.
The following items are other things to check inside your home:</p><ul><li><strong>Natural gas.</strong> If you
smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave
immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can.
Call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence. If you shut off
the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn
it back on. Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles, or torches
for lighting inside a damaged home until you are sure there is no leaking
gas or other flammable materials present.</li><li><strong>Sparks, broken or frayed
wires.</strong> Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing
in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity
at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe,
leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until
you are sure they’re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician
inspect your wiring.</li><li><strong>Roof, foundation, and chimney
cracks.</strong> If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.</li><li><strong>Appliances.</strong> If appliances
are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked
by a professional before using them again. Also, have the electrical
system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.</li><li><strong>Water and sewage systems.</strong>
If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with local
authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated.
Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking.
Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.</li><li><strong>Food and other supplies.</strong>
Throw out all food and other supplies that you suspect may have become
contaminated or come in to contact with floodwater. Your basement. If
your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of
the water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse and the floor
may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground
is still waterlogged.</li><li><strong>Clean up household chemical
spills.</strong> Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage,
bacteria, or chemicals. Also clean salvageable items.</li><li><strong>Call your insurance agent.</strong>
Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Staying Healthy</em></strong></h2><p>A flood can cause emotional and physical
stress. You need to look after yourself and your family as you focus
on cleanup and repair.</p><ul><li>Rest often and eat well.</li><li>Keep a manageable schedule.
Make a list and do jobs one at a time.</li><li>Discuss your concerns with
others and seek help. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Cleaning Up and Repairing Your
Home</em></strong></h2><p>Turn off the electricity at the main
breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your community. That
way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn it back on. </p><p><strong>Removing Mold from Your Home</strong></p><p>After a flood, excess moisture and standing
water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings.
Be aware that mold may be present and may be a health risk for your
family, if your home has water damage due to:</p><ul><li>The <a href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a> website contains information on mold cleanup
and remediation in homes, schools and other large commercial buildings.</li><li>The <a href="http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> website includes general background information
about mold health hazards and mold safety recommendations.</li></ul><h1><strong>Seeking Disaster Assistance</strong></h1><h1>Call your local Emergency Management
Agency. In Limestone County, that phone number is (256) 232-2631.
You will need to report your damage to the EMA. They can also
assist you in taking care of your immediate needs, such as shelter,
food, and clothing.</h1><p>Throughout the recovery period, it is
important to monitor local radio or television reports and other media
sources for information. </p><ul><li>The American Red Cross can
help you by providing you with a voucher to purchase new clothing, groceries,
essential medications, bedding, essential furnishings, and other items
to meet emergency needs. Listen to the radio to find out where to go
for assistance, or look up American Red Cross in the phone book and
call.</li><li>Listen to your radio for information
on assistance that may be provided by the state or federal government
or other organizations.</li><li>If you hire cleanup or repair
contractors, be sure they are qualified to do the job. Be wary of people
who drive through neighborhoods offering help in cleaning up or repairing
your home. Check references. </li></ul></div></div>
2008-03-05T14:20:09-06:00
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Dam Failure
2008-03-05T14:20:38-06:00