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Departments : Emergency Management : Flood
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.
However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.
Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard. (Source: FEMA)
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Spring Rainfall, Snow Melt Can Cause Flooding
Mitigation experts have several recommendations to help people protect their family and property:
- Make sure downspouts carry water several feet from your house to a well-drained area. About 2,500 gallons of water will come from a 1,000 square foot roof with one foot of snow depth across the roof. This much water may cause problems if allowed to drain next to the house.
- Move snow on the ground away from the house. Water from the snow may cause a wet basement if allowed to run down along the basement wall. If the ground is sloped 1 inch per foot near the house, moving the snow just 3-5 feet from the house will reduce problems.
- Examine and clean your sump pump, if you have one. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. Make sure the discharge hose carries the water several feet away from the house to a well-drained area. Also make sure that the pipe is on sloped ground so it drains to prevent it from freezing.
- Remove snow from around rural yards to minimize soft, wet soil conditions. Remember that a 20-foot diameter 10-foot high pile of snow contains about 2,600 gallons of water. Move the snow to well-drained areas.
- Anchor any fuel tanks. An unanchored tank in your basement can be torn free by floodwaters and the broken supply line can contaminate your basement. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream, where it can damage other houses.
- Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12" above your home's projected flood elevation.
- Place the furnace and water heater on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12" above the projected flood elevation.
- If your washer and dryer are in the basement, elevate them on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12" above the projected flood elevation.
- Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.
- Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the "family contact" in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.
(Source: FEMA)
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National Flood Insurance Program
Since standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding, it's important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S.
In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.
Find out more about the NFIP and how it can help you protect yourself by going to their website: NFIP
You can also determine your risk by going to floodsmart.gov
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Pictures and Video
Pictures from ND Wing Civil Air Patrol: Missouri River imagery taken by the Bismarck Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol based at the Bismarck Airport. Website is updated with every mission.
Civil Air Patrol Reconnaissance Flight from the Evening of April 13th:
(Missouri River from the Expressway Bridge in Bismarck to where it becomes ice covered, at Fort Yates at 2,500-3,000 feet above ground, and Apple Creek from the Missouri River confluence to where it crosses I-94 at 3,500 feet above the ground.)
- Menoken roads are under water north and south of the Interstate as well as east and west
- The Missouri River from Expressway Bridge to Fort Yates shows no obstructions.
- The River is iced over at Fort Yates.
- Nothing significant to report at the mouth of Apple Creek.
- Main choking points along Apple Creek are the underpasses at this time.
Other Apple Creek Pictures
Burleigh County Sheriff's Department Dive/Rescue Team Supports Missouri River Demolition
Video
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Sandbagging
The US Army Corps of Engineers has developed a Flood-Fight Handbook, Preparing for a Flood (2009) that includes steps to reduce flood and water damage, sandbagging for flood protection, and flood fight problems.
They also have Sandbagging Techniques pamphlet which includes procedures and safety tips on efficient bagging operations.
Sandbag Referral Information
- Commercial
Northern Improvement
223-6695
Plant Site: 3820 Morrison Avenue (south of Farmers Livestock)
Call the office before going out to the site. This time of year, they don't staff all the time.
Sandbags are approximately $3/filled
Knife River
223-5480
2370 Vermont Av
$5 per pail (customer supplies pail)
Sand in a bunker in Bismarck and Mandan ($1 per bag plus tax to fill)
$16 per ton plus delivery charge
Brock White
222-3010
2009 Morrison Av
$.58 each 14x26 Sandbags (empty)
- Retail Home Improvement
Lowe's
934-9000
1401 W Century Av
$2.99 each 3-foot long sand tubes 60 lb.
Also carry "play sand" in 50 lb bags which can be used to fill sandbags
Menard's
222-2700
3300 State St
$2.39 each 3-foot long tube at 70 lb
Also carry "play sand" in 50 lb bags which can be used to fill sandbags
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After the Flood
Structural or utility questions? Contact Bismarck Inspections: 355-1465
Environmental questions such as mold, septic systems, etc? Contact Environmental Health: 355-1418
Bismarck Public Works Asks for Citizens Help During Cleanup
Citizens can help by sorting flood-related debris before being disposed at the City landfill. Please separate garbage prior to bringing it to the city landfill as follows:
- Inert waste - most likely materials from flood clean-up and includes items such as carpet, sheetrock, books, paper, cardboard, wood, insulation, and furniture.
- Food waste - Place in a separate container. It is considered household waste suitable for the municipal landfill.
Metal and appliances - Keep separated so they can be recycled.
The following items will be disposed at the Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Center at the landfill.
- Hazardous Materials - solvents, cleaners, acids, chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, weed killers, gasoline, oil, chemicals, antifreeze, and batteries. Please keep materials in original containers with lids closed. Transport containers upright in a plastic-lined box.
- Electronics - TV's, computers, etc. Place in a separate container.
Stop at Scale House for disposal procedures. Make sure to bring your ID. It is required to dispose of materials.
The City of Bismarck Landfill is located at 2111 N 52nd Street and is open for commercial garbage haulers and citizens that want to bring flood clean-up debris. (The City of Bismarck reserves the right to reject any waste)
Tetanus
If you are not current with a tetanus immunization (within the last ten years) and experiencing any cuts and wounds, see your local physician or local Public Health Unit. Bismarck/Burleigh Public Health: 355-1540
American Red Cross Cleanup Kits available by contacting 223-6700
Clean-up kit contains:
Mop
Broom
Bucket
Sponge
Garbage bags
Latex gloves
Scrub brush
Bleach
Hard surface cleaner/degreaser
After the Flood Links:
ND Department of Emergency Services: After the Flood
ND Department of Health: Flood Cleanup
NDSU Extension Service: After the Flood
FEMA: After a flood
Environmental Protection Agency: Flooding
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention: Floods
American Red Cross: Floods
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