With the impending change in weather comes a different set of weather concerns. Spring and summer weather brings with it potential severe storms, flooding and tornados. The June 2008 flooding was due to significant rain throughout the watershed area during the Spring of 2008. The effect, if any, of this year’s snowfall on the river level is unknown; however, it is always a good idea to start preparing and have all contingency plans in place.
Now is the time to review family emergency preparedness plans, including a list of items needed in the event that evacuation becomes necessary. A brochure that provides guidance on flood levels and evacuation notices is available at www.cedarfalls.com/flood.
Citizens are encouraged to sign up for CodeRED, which is a system that allows the City to telephone all or targeted areas of the City in case of an emergency situation that requires immediate action.
The system is capable of dialing 60,000 phone numbers per hour. It then delivers a specific recorded message to a live person or an answering machine, making three attempts to connect to any number.
During the City Council meeting of March 8, 2010, City staff will provide an update regarding the city’s preparedness for any emergencies. The City has made plans to protect what is possible and to safely and expeditiously evacuate affected areas as necessary.
Citizens may sign up for CodeRED by clicking on the link every page on the City web site.