Manage The Muck

Black ooze, dead trees, charred earth...
Educate yourself on clean-up techniques

• A community hotline – 385-8700 – would be activated in the event of a serious flooding emergency. This hotline helps divert calls away from 911 to prevent blocking the line.
  
• For emergency floodassistance in La Plata County, call 911 or the local chapter of the American Red Cross at 259-5383, 24 hours a day. The Red Cross is also offering free access to shovels, hoses and other ash- and mud-flow clean-up equipment. Call the Red Cross line if you would like to be added to a volunteer list to help with flood clean-up.

What can be done to avoid or reduce the hazard of debris flow?
To be safe, assume that all drainages in steep, hilly areas are capable of carrying debris flows and are especially vulnerable after a wildfire.

• Avoid building sites at the bottoms and mouths of steep ravines and drainage courses.
  These areas are most likely to be inundated. The outer banks of bends along such ravines should also be avoided, because swiftly flowing debris avalanches can “ride up” out of the bottom of the stream channel where it bends.
• Avoid building on or below steep slopes.
  In general, the steeper the slope, the greater the risk. If these areas must be used, consult with a soils engineer and engineering geologist. They will be able to evaluate the potential for problems and give advice on the best way to minimize the risk to life and property.
• Limit the height and slope of cuts and fills in human-modified slope cuts.
  Properly compact fills and key them into bedrock to properly control the flow of water onto slopes.
  – NRCS

1. Stabilize soils and steep slopes: Runoff may increase after fire due to water-repellency in soils and lack of vegetation to absorb and use rainfall. Possible treatments are:

• Plant grass seed
• Mulch
• Use cross-slope log erosion barriers

2. Maintain stream channel conductivity: Channels become plugged from debris torrents following rains on burned areas. Runoff then flows overland or cuts new channels, causing more erosion. Possible treatments are:

• Frequently check and clean out culverts
• Remove excessive amounts of debris from channel areas, leaving some for in-stream stability
• Install temporary check structures in ephemeral drainages

3. Revegetate/reforest burned areas: Loss of vegetation leaves land vulnerable to increased runoff, erosion and sedimentation; encourages weeds; degrades habitat; and impairs forest regeneration. Possible treatments are

• Plant grass seed
• Plant forest trees
• Use buffer plants along stream corridors

– National Resources Conservation Service

• Know what to expect
• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
• Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information. Reduce risk of damage
• Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
• Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken. Watch vs. Warning n Flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop.
• A flash flood watch means flash flooding is possible in your area. n A flash flood warning means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon. Prepare a disaster plan
• Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. Assemble a disaster supplies kit n First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener. n At least three gallons of water per person n Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags. n Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
• Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. When a Flood WATCH Is Issued
• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
• Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued. When a Flood WARNING Is Issued n Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
• Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
• If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. Turn around and go another way. NEVER drive through flooded roadways.
• If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf your vehicle and and sweep you away.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
  
  – American Red Cross

James Attwood, a resident of CR 250, walks his property while a sprinkler he set up gives water to scorched trees. Attwood's home is surrounded on all sides by burned trees.