Kent County Emergency Manager Lt. Lou Hunt today released a statement to inform the general public about a planned test of the country’s Emergency Alert System.
As part of the statement, Lt. Hunt states: “This is only a test and is not a real event. No action is needed by the public. It is also important to know this test does not include wireless emergency alerts, so alerts broadcast through wireless devices such as cellphones are not expected nor being tested. Rather, this test is aimed at traditional alerting methods such as radio and television.”
Following is the complete statement:
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission and radio and television Emergency Alert System (EAS) participants, will conduct a nationwide test of the EAS beginning at 2:20 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. A backup date is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2019, if needed. The test will assess the operational readiness of the nation’s alert and warning infrastructures for distribution of a national message that could be urgent and lifesaving and determine whether technological improvements are warranted.
The test of the EAS will broadcast a test message that is approximately one minute long. Broadcast radio and television, cable, wireline service providers, and direct broadcast satellite service providers will each broadcast the test message once within a few minutes of the test. The national EAS test message will look and sound similar to the regular Required Monthly Test messages broadcast by all EAS participants. The EAS test message is expected to have limited impact on the public with only a minor interruption to regular radio and television programs. The EAS test message will be:
“This is a test of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communication Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert, you heard at the start of this message. No action is required.”
With the dead of summer comes hot, humid days — and the need to get plenty of water in you. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Sheila deVera)
WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
In anticipation of several days of possible temperatures in the 90 degree plus range and high humidity, of Kent County on Tuesday released a statement from the county’s emergency manager including some advise.
Some predictions have daytime temperatures near and surpassing 90 degrees on Wednesday, July 17, with predicted highs of 95 degrees Thursday through Saturday.
“We collectively waited much of the year in anticipation of warm weather, but this week may be a little too warm for comfort,” Lt. Lou Hunt, Kent County Emergency Manager, said in supplied material. “It will also be very humid, which will increase the discomfort. It is important to be aware of the dangers heat can present to residents, and pets, so we can stay safe and remain as comfortable as possible.”
In the county’s statement, residents are encouraged to follow several simple tips:
Spend as much time as possible in a temperature-controlled cool environment.
Stay in the shade with a good breeze/air flow to decrease felt temperatures.
Remain well hydrated by drinking water (more than usual) which can help the body’s natural process for adapting to higher temperatures, as opposed to alcohol drinks that can be counter-productive and dehydrate the body.
Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion (which can include weakness, cold and clammy skin, darker than normal urine, significant sweating, cramps, dizziness, headache and nausea, among others) is a strong indicator it is time to get to a cooler environment, drink some cold water, and rest, according to county health officials.
Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency with signs such as confusion, disorientation, the absence of sweating, high body temperature, rapid pulse/heart rate, and others.
Cooling centers will be open throughout this event for residents to go and rest from the heat. Most cooling centers will be open during the day while the temperatures are hottest (nighttime temperatures this week will be much more tolerable, in the mid 70’s). For locations and hours of cooling centers, please call 211 and a United Way representative will assist you in locating the closest cooling center.
“Remember, this week is a good time to slow things down a little, stay out of the sun, and make sure the people around you (and yourself) are coping during this heat event,” Lt. Hunt said. “Also, please remember your family pets! Pets that live outside will require shade and lots of cool water, but residents are encouraged to bring their pets inside for cooler temperatures.”
The Middleville dam has failed, releasing additional water downstream. The river will continue to rise through tonight.
Early this morning the Kent County Sheriff’s Marine Division assisted Plainfield Township in rescuing a resident on Willow Drive NE. The resident was rescued safely. More than 100 residents in Kent County have evacuated their homes this week due to rising floodwaters. Don’t wait until it’s too late to leave a dangerous situation. The staff from Kent County Emergency Management is asking residents facing safety issues over floodwaters to determine if there is a safety issue in your home, and if so, to self-evacuate and call for help if you need it.
“Use good sense and be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice,” said Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Stewart. “If you feel you are in a dangerous situation, evacuate immediately. If you need assistance leaving, call 911. Do not try to ‘ride it out’ if there is a potential for injury.” Stewart adds that if you live in a flood-prone area, have an evacuation plan. Be sure you have a preparedness kit with a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies and cash. Put all medications and important documents where they are easily accessible if you need to leave immediately. Make sure you communicate your whereabouts with loved ones.
This morning Barry County informed Kent County officials that the spillway of the Middleville dam on the Thornapple River has failed and released additional water downstream. Caledonia Fire Department will be monitoring the Thornapple and reporting changes to staff at Emergency Management. Residents throughout Kent County can obtain updates about flooding along with information and fact sheets atwww.accesskent.com/News/flood.
Grand Rapids Fire Chief John Lehman is reminding the community to stay away from the water’s edge.
“The river is moving at a dangerous clip,” Chief Lehman said. “We are asking the community to keep a safe distance from the river to ensure everyone’s safety.” For updates on river conditions and the City’s response, visit www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Home/Emergency-Announcements/Important-Weather-Update. Grand Rapids residents with concerns about the water levels and questions may call the City’s 311 Customer Service at 311 or 616-456-3000.
Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) reminds residents and motorists experiencing an emergency situation on roadways to call 911. KCRC will respond as directed by law enforcement. KCRC will update road closures twice a day: after 9:00 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m. on their website at www.kentcountyroads.net/news/entry/flooding-information, as well as the KCRC Facebook and Twitter pages. Please slow down and heed road warnings and closures.
KCRC Roads Closed Due to Water over Road (February 23, 2018 at 9:15 a.m., subject to change)
Ashley (5 Mile Rd to 6 Mile Rd)
Summit (12 Mile Rd to 13 Mile Rd)
Friske (12 Mile Rd to Rector)
Whipple (Shaner to Myers Lake)
Ashley Ave (7 Mile Rd to M-44)
Reeds Lake Blvd (East Beltline Ave to Manhattan)
Division Ave (7 Mile Rd to 8 Mile Rd)
Konkle (east of Jupiter)
Indian (off West River)
River Point (off Indian)
Abrigador Trail (off West River)
Abrigador Trail (off West River Center)
Willow (off 4 Mile Rd)
Willow (off Canright)
Willow (off Bailey Park)
Walnut Park (off Northland Dr)
Shady Dr (off Knapp St)
Forest Ridge (off Coit Ave)
Michigan St (Twin Lakes Ave to Crahen)
60th St (Bancroft to M-50)
60th St (Pratt Lake Ave to Montcalm Ave)
64th St (East of Pratt Lake Ave)
Wingeier Ave (64th St to 68th St)
Pratt Lake Ave (64th St to 68th St)
Montcalm Ave (Flat River Dr to Covered Bridge Rd)
68th St (Wingeier to Pratt)
Jackson St (M-21 to Oberley Dr)
Grand River Dr (Jackson St to Montcalm Ave)
Riverbend between Butterworth and Veterans Dr (City of Walker)
White Street west of Franklin Avenue and Division Avenue (City of Grandville)
National Weather Service River Warnings
(February 23, 2018 at 8 a.m.; subject to change)
Thornapple River Near Caledonia: through Monday morning. Thursday the stage was 10.8 feet. Flood stage is 10.0 feet. The river will continue rising to near 12.0 feet by after midnight tonight. The river will fall below flood stage Tuesday.
Grand River in Ada: through Tuesday night. Thursday the stage was 20.2 feet. Flood stage is 20.0 feet. Moderate flooding expected, with levels to rise above flood stage by this evening and continue to rise to near 22.5 feet Saturday. The river will fall below flood stage Tuesday afternoon.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: through Wednesday afternoon. Thursday the stage was 16.7 feet (flood stage is 18.0 feet). The forecast calls for the river to rise above flood stage after midnight tonight and continue to rise to near 21.5 feet Sunday morning. The river will fall below flood stage by Wednesday morning.
Grand River at Comstock Park: until further notice. Thursday the stage was 14.6 feet (flood stage is 12.0 feet). The river is expected to rise to 17.8 feet by early Saturday afternoon with additional rising possible thereafter. Approximately 100 homes in Comstock Park and Plainfield Township are impacted at this time.
Grand River at Lowell: through Wednesday afternoon. Thursday the stage was 15.9 feet; flood stage is 15.0 feet. Moderate flooding is expected as the river will continue rising to near 18.4 feet by tonight. The river will fall below flood stage Tuesday.
With the amount of rain that has happened over the last couple of days, flooding has become a concern in most of Kent County.
Kent County Emergency Management, along with numerous agencies, continues to monitor and respond to flooding emergencies being seen throughout the area. Floodwaters are having a dramatic impact on transit and housing. The waters will likely continue to rise through Saturday, causing many additional concerns for businesses and residents.
“The Sheriff’s Office and I are working closely with the National Weather Service, State and County agencies, the City of Grand Rapids, other impacted communities, as well as American Red Cross and Salvation Army,” said Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Stewart. “Our primary goal is the safety and well-being of our residents and first responders. While the levels are not expected to be as high as they were in 2013, we still need to be as diligent in our response.”
In the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, flooding has been reported on Patterson Avenue (28th Street to Burton Avenue) along eat right lane in both directions; the northbound US-131 off ramp to 54th Street and the northbound US-131 off ramp to 28th Street. For a current list of flooded roads, check the bottom of this story or visit the Kent Count Road Commission’s Facebook page.
The City of Grand Rapids is working closely with Kent County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service on monitoring water levels and is prepared to activate its flood plan, Fire Chief John Lehman said.
“We are working to communicate to all parties directly impacted if flooding occurs and who have flood protection measures in place,” Lehman said. “We are well-prepared to respond if flooding occurs.” The City’s upgraded flood wall system provides protection up to 25 feet of river crest. Grand Rapids residents with concerns about the water levels and questions may call the City’s 311 Customer Service at 311 or 616-456-3000.
The Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) is updating information on road closures regularly on its website as well as social media accounts. “KCRC crews continue to investigate standing water and flooded areas and are placing barricades and flashers where necessary. We are assessing roads and are closing/opening them as conditions warrant. Motorists are asked to slow down and heed warnings and closures,” said Kent County Road Commission Managing Director Steve Warren. “Today, our crews will continue clearing catch basins, cleaning spillways, repairing washouts and patching potholes. In these conditions, heavy grading equipment would worsen conditions on gravel roads. Therefore, crews will grade gravel roads when dryer conditions allow.”
Again, reminders regarding flooding:
Turn Around, Don’t Drown. This National Weather Service motto reminds us of the danger of floodwaters. Just two feet of floodwaters can sweep away a car. If you see flood water in the road, or barricades/signs posted on roads, for your safety and that of first responders, please turn around and take a different route.
Do not try to walk or swim through flood waters. River and creek waters can move fast and carry debris that can be dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock people off their feet.
If you have water in your home/basement, it could be contaminated with pollutants. Handle items that come in contact with flood waters with care, either by disposing of wet items or when possible, cleaning wet items with a disinfectant.
Keep pets away from flood waters.
If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure personal identification items (i.e. passports and birth certificates) are protected. Back up computer files and keep them in a safe place or store them in a cloud-based service.
Stay tuned to alerts via TV, radio or weather apps for your phone.
If you are in need of shelter, contact American Red Cross at 616.456.8661.
KCRC Roads Closed Due to Water over Road (February 21, 2018 at 8 a.m., subject to change)
Due to the rain and snow, area rivers such as the Grand River, are expected to rise and cause flooding in some areas. This is along the walkway of the Grand River.
Kent County Emergency Management is working closely with the Grand Rapids Office of the National Weather Service to monitor potential flooding over the coming days. Watches and warnings are in effect throughout Kent County for the Grand River, Rogue River and Thornapple River. Comstock Park, Rockford and Lowell could experience flooding issues, especially in low-lying areas near the rivers.
Kent County Emergency Management says the recent snow melt, coupled with the forecast of 1-3” of rain, are points of concern. “Our Emergency Operations staff will continue monitor the situation throughout the week,” said Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Stewart. “Right now, it appears the biggest risk will likely be in basements or in homes closest to the rivers.” If you have water in your home/basement, it could be contaminated with E coli. Handle items that come in contact with flood waters with care, either by disposing of wet items or when possible, cleaning wet items with a disinfectant.
Stewart says there are a few items to keep in mind regarding flooding:
Road closures are possible in some areas. Just two feet of floodwaters can sweep away a car. If you see flood water in the road, or barricades/signs posted on roads, for your safety and that of first responders, please turn around and take a different route.
Do not try to walk or swim through flood waters. River and creek waters can move fast and carry debris that can be dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock people off their feet.
Keep pets away from flood waters.
Prepare in advance. If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure personal identification items (i.e. passports and birth certificates) are protected. Back up computer files and keep them in a safe place or store them in a cloud-based service.
Stay tuned to alerts via TV, radio or weather apps for your phone.
