Preparing for a flood in Middle Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Flooding could be, and has been a problem for Middle Georgia. Such as the flood in 1994, which was a result of Tropical Storm Alberto.

The Macon-Bibb Emergency Management Agency is prepared for any type of disaster to occur at any minute. Since it is still hurricane season, EMA Director, Spencer Hawkins, says he wants you to be prepared as well.

“This can and does happen to us,” said Hawkins.”It can be a matter of life or death, because when those flood waters and depending on the situation, it will happen very quickly.”

Hawkins says what Hurricane Harvey did to coastal Texas, where it came on shore, parked for a number of days and brought all that rain, is what happened in 1994. Hawkins, says although it may not happen right now, it’s important to have a plan because it could.

“You want to make sure you have an emergency plan, have your emergency kit, and stay informed,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins says if you’re in a ‘low-lying area’ or if you feel like you shouldn’t be in the place that you are, be prepared to evacuate. Especially if you live near the Ocmulgee River or Lake Tobesofkee.

If there is a significant amount rain, Hawkins and his team are constantly monitoring the water levels.

“We have several systems that we monitor for flooding,” said Hawkins. “We have two gauges here in Macon. One is at the Ocmulgee River on Spring Street and one is at Lake Tobesofkee.”

This system notifies Hawkins how high the river is. It is currently sitting at about 5-feet which is low since the river usually runs about 7-9 feet.

“16-feet is when we start monitoring, start taking action is what they call it,” said Hawkins. “18-feet is when we start seeing some of our first flooding impact.”

EMA will start notifying people when it gets to the 16-foot mark. You can get alerts from the EMA’s MBC alerts, which send out texts, e-mails, or phone calls notifying you if you are in danger.

If there is a flood and are being warned not to drive, you should take the roads. What may appear to be a small puddle, could lead to being much deeper. Hawkins says it only takes two feet of water to wash a car away.

“All of the folks that either live work or play here in Macon-Bibb need to be safe,” said Hawkins. “The more that people heed those warnings, and understand that we are doing this for your safety, the better off everyone will be.”

Hawkins says if you live in a flood plain, it is very important to talk to your insurance company about getting flood insurance.