INDIANA – With the recent rainfall and anticipation of more to come, Indiana Conservation Officers are reminding the public of the dangers of flood water and to avoid driving through these waters.
Conservation Officers have responded to more than 40 water-related calls for service since Friday afternoon, involving motorists who attempted to drive through flood waters.
According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the counties under a travel advisory, as of April 5 at noon, are:
- Marshall County
- Delaware County
- Madison County
- Randolph County
- Henry County
- Hancock County
- Rush County
- Decatur County
- Shelby County
- Johnson County
- Brown County
- Putnam County
- Clay County
- Sullivan County
- Knox County
- Daviess County
- Martin County
- Clark County
- Switzerland County
The East Fork White River’s current crest prediction is 19.5 feet on Sunday morning. That is the 5th worst flood in Seymour’s history and still 6 inches below 2008.
According to the flood map, parts of the town of Medora will be inundated with floodwater, and extensive flooding will occur in the northern parts of Seymour, including the Seymour Water Plant.
Any low-lying area will be flooded.
Jackson County Emergency Management Agency and Seymour Department of Public Works (DPW) have procured 12 skids of sandbags, which are available at Seymour DPW.
DPW Director Chad Dixon, JCEMA Director Toby Ortman, and DPW workers will pick up and deliver more sandbags tomorrow morning. Those with equipment that could assist in providing and staging sandbags and stacking will probably be called up.
Conservation Officers, like all authorities, emphasize that it is never safe to drive into floodwaters, and the following safety precautions should be followed:
- Do not drive around barricades at water crossings.
- Do not cross or enter flowing water.
- Driving through standing water may affect your brakes. Test your brakes at low speeds as soon as you exit the water.
- If you choose to abandon your vehicle, respect the force of the water flow; you may be swept off your feet. After you exit the car, seek higher ground.
- Be aware that road erosion may occur where there is running or standing water.
- Remember that six inches of water will reach the bottom of most car doors. One foot of water will float many vehicles; two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles.
- If you find yourself stranded in floodwaters, remain calm and call 911. If you can do so safely, move to higher ground.
For more flood safety tips, visit https://www.in.gov/dhs/get-prepared/nature-safety/flood-safety/.
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