Current Emergency Information

• Winter Weather
  Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can put an entire region out of action. Northeastern Utah has a history of major snowstorms and extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.

  What you can do:
  
  Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard:

  1. Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
  2. Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
  3. Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, a local radio station, or television for more information.
  4. Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
  5. Blizzard Warning: Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are projected for a period of three hours or longer.
  6. Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.

  Include the following in your disaster supplies kit:

  1. Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
  2. Sand to improve traction
  3. Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
  4. A NOAA weather radio and batteries

  You can put things in place ahead of winter weather to ensure that you and your family will be comfortable and safe. Have sufficient heating fuel on hand and winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply. This can be accomplished by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic. Winterize your car and always dress appropriately. 

  Visit UTWinterWeather to learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your livelihood this winter.

  Spring Flooding

  Though governments at every level work to reduce the risk of floods, the first line of defense always rests with the individual. Each of us has a responsibility to protect our homes and families to the greatest extent possible.   Local government authorities try to keep residents informed of developments in areas most likely to be affected by flooding, and regular media advisories will recommend actions people should take to limit or prevent disaster. As the need arises, more detailed instructions by county and municipal authorities will be given.  Planning and taking sensible precautions is the key to saving property and ensuring your safety. 

  Reduce the Impact:

  1. Make sure downspouts carry water several feet from your house to a well-drained area. About 2,500 gallons of water will come from a 1,000 square foot roof with one foot of snow depth across the roof. This much water may cause problems if allowed to drain next to the house.
  2. Move snow on the ground away from the house. Water from the snow may cause a wet basement if allowed to run down along the basement wall. If the ground is sloped 1 inch per foot near the house, moving the snow just 3-5 feet from the house will reduce problems. Remove snow from around rural yards to minimize soft, wet soil conditions. Remember that a 20-foot diameter 10-foot high pile of snow contains about 2,600 gallons of water. Move the snow to well drained areas.
  3. Clear ditches, canals, and culverts of debris.  This will ensure free water flow through these waterways. Private property owners can build up ditch banks and berms to channel water.
  4. Keep important documents including insurance policies, birth certificates and passports in a waterproof box where they are easily accessible.
  5. Make sure you have flood insurance; most home owners' insurance will not reimburse you for flood damage. Know your flood risks and elevation above flood stage.
  6. Have a family plan. If the flood is bad enough that it forces an evacuation of your home, make sure your family knows where to go. Also establish an out-of-town contact in case your family is separated during an evacuation, and that each person has the contacts' phone numbers. Ensure that you have a battery-powered radio in working order, with spare batteries, to listen to instructions from your local radio station. Stay informed about current weather outlooks by listening to a NOAA Weather radio and local radio or TV sources.

   

  Another great line of defense is sandbagging problem areas. Sandbags are available to the public by request. Contact county Emergency Management to gain access to sandbags.