Rupp: Severe Weather and Flooding Strike Missouri

Last week on Good Friday, a devastating storm that spawned a series of tornadoes made its way through Missouri and into St. Charles County and St. Louis County. Missouri towns receiving significant damage include New Melle, Bridgeton, Ferguson, and Maryland Heights. More than 200 homes were completely destroyed, and Ameren Missouri reported that more than 47,000 power outages occurred. While the storm has caused overwhelming destruction, I am thankful that no one was seriously injured or killed. That is an absolute miracle, and I am glad that Missourians took all the weather precautions necessary to keep themselves and their families safe.

I am also thankful for the good Samaritans who have gone out of their way to assist storm victims. Hundreds of people have come out to the damaged towns to help victims with everything from recovering belongings from their homes, to handing out meals and clothing. Their kindness is a true example of how Missourians pull together to help each other.

Aside from the tornados that hit Missouri, citizens throughout the state have been dealing with massive flooding as a result of this month’s intense storms. It was predicted earlier this week that the Mississippi River could rise 6 to 10 feet above flood level. This is a very serious situation, and it is important to have a plan in case you and your family are caught in a flood. To protect yourself and your loved ones from flood dangers, please abide by the following tips, provided by FEMA:

During a Flood

• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• 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.
• 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.
• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
• 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.

After a Flood

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Thank you for taking the time to read this legislative column, and please continue to keep the storm and flood victims in your thoughts and prayers. To find out more about what you can do to help, please visit the St. Louis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross website at www.redcrossstl.org, or call the St. Charles County service center at (636) 397-1074.

As always, if you have any inquiries regarding this issue or any other matter within state government, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp. Here, you can also subscribe to my RSS feed on the main page of my website; it will keep you up to date on all my columns, press releases, and multimedia postings. Always feel free to e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.