Burleson urges residents to be aware of flooding dangers and get educated about floodplains

by PegNews wire

BURLESON — Heavy thunderstorms can produce dangerous flash floods in Burleson in the spring. More deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard. Texas regularly leads the nation in flood fatalities.

In 2007 there were a record 42 flood-related deaths in Texas. Thirty-two involved vehicles. The majority of deaths occur in vehicles when they are swept downstream. Tragedies are preventable. Heed the slogan Turn Around, Don't Drown®. Don’t drive around barriers. Watch for warning signs.

There are eight major creeks . . . Hurst Creek, North Creek, Quil Miller Creek, Shannon Creek, South Shannon Creek, Town Creek, Willow Creek, and Village Creek . . . that can cause flooding in Burleson. Most flooding occurs along Town Creek and Village Creek. The creeks rise rapidly, then return to normal levels within a few hours. During heavy rain, the Town Creek culverts on South Dobson, Southeast Newton, and Johnson may be overtopped. The low water crossing at Town Creek along Southeast Tarrant is impassable during heavy rains. Irene Street, Suzanne Terrace, Jill Ann Drive, and the intersection of Summercrest and Southwest Thomas Street are prone to flooding due to local runoff from large storms.

If your property is located in one of the floodplains of these creeks, it’s possible that your property could be damaged during a flood event. Flood maps and flood protection references are available at the Burleson Public Library. Visit the Department of Planning and Engineering Services at city hall to see if you are in a mapped floodplain. City staff can tell you the expected depth of flooding around your home and detail past flooding problems in the area. They can also answer questions relating to the National Flood Insurance Program and provide city requirements to develop property within special flood hazard areas.

How can you make a difference? Don’t dump anything into ditches or streams. Grass clippings and branches can plug channels. A plugged channel can’t carry water so the water stacks up and causes flooding.

Always check with planning and engineering before you build on, alter, re-grade, or fill on property that is in the floodplain. A floodplain development permit may be needed to ensure that your project does not cause problems on other properties.

It is better to be inconvenienced for a couple of hours than to take a risk of an injury or worse yet, losing your life.

• Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Six inches of flowing water is strong enough to knock you off your feet.
• Do not drive through a flooded area. Just 12 inches of flowing water can sweep your car off the road. Do not drive around road barricades. They are there to protect you. The road or culvert may be washed out. Always remember when you come into contact with a flooded street, Turn Around, Don't Drown®.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two cause of death in a flood, following drowning, is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the power company.
• Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

For more information about how to avoid flooding tragedies, log on to the City of Burleson web site at www.burlesontx.com.

Source: City of Burleson