With heavy rains headed to Brookhaven, be prepared and be safe

Brookhaven, GA, Sept. 16, 2020 – As the Atlanta area prepares for the remnants of Hurricane Sally, with rainfall of 4-8 inches predicted, right now is the time to take last minute precautionary steps to literally weather the storm.

Flash flooding is the most hazardous weather disaster in the United States and flooding likely from the coming storm can cause power outages, damage infrastructure, or trigger landslides. Heavy rainfall in a short period of time causes water to rise rapidly, elevating the risk of flooding. Flash floods occur with little warning, but it’s good to remember that flooding can also develop slowly after rain ceases.

One of the biggest ways to protect yourself and your property is to prepare ahead of time. Most precautions amount to common sense, but here are a few reminders to help make sure you cover as many bases as possible:

• Be sure that all gutters and storm drains and downspouts are not clogged with debris.
• Sandbags can provide a temporary “levee” in an emergency.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
• Pay attention to weather forecasts. When heavy rain or storms are forecasted, listen to the radio or television for information on flooding risk.

When a flood is imminent:

• Have an emergency plan and practice survival skills, like first aid and how to disinfect water.
• Be prepared! Assemble an emergency kit in case you need to evacuate. Don't forget to include necessary prescription medications and a small first aid kit.
• Charge cell phone batteries and any reusable batteries for flashlights. Buy extra batteries in case power isn’t restored immediately.
• Heed evacuation warnings. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Follow appropriate evacuation signs.
• If possible, bring in outdoor furniture and move important items to an upper floor, above possible flood levels.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed. Disconnect electrical appliances.

Public Works crews are prepared to respond on a prioritized basis on reported problems within public rights-of-way. Top consideration will be made to those issues where threats to life and safety of residents, pedestrians and drivers occur due to the heavy rainfall. In addition, high priority will also be placed to help reduce water flow from public rights-of-way onto private property that resulted in flooding.

“The safety of our residents is always a top priority in any emergency situation,” said Hari Karikaran, Brookhaven Public Works Director. “If residents see a problem, the best way to help us respond is to report the problem using Brookhaven Connect (that can be download free to your cell phone) or go to https://www.brookhavenga.gov/community/page/brookhaven-connect-service-request.  For immediate reporting of downed trees across roads, traffic signals on flash or “dark,” or downed stop signs, residents should call the Public Works main number 404-637-0540 and press “1” to connect to the on-call staff.”

As always, emergencies should be reported by dialing 911 on your phone.