Flooding Causes Damage In Mercer And Across The State
Photo: Mercer County Fiscal Court Facebook page
The Burgin Fire Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and Mercer County Emergency Management helped citizens in need during the recent flooding.
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]
There have been 14 confirmed deaths across Kentucky and local residents had to be helped out of their homes during the first round of severe weather that hit the nation in the past week.
On Friday, Feb. 14, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency. Even as work continued to help the most storm-damaged areas in the state, officials were warning residents about snow and below-zero wind chills are expected this week.
“If you can’t turn your heat on by this afternoon, you need to call a family member or friend and go stay with them. If that option isn’t available, please go to an emergency shelter,’ said Gov. Beshear said at a press briefing Tuesday. “The temperatures are dropping dangerously low, and we need to do everything possible to keep our neighbors safe.”
At that briefing, Beshear announced that the death toll in Kentucky has reached 14, with a male and female in Jefferson County were lost due to the weather.
Mercer County Judge-Executive Sarah Steele declared a state of emergency in Mercer County on Saturday, Feb. 16. Through the Mercer County Fiscal Court Facebook page, Steele also announced that roads throughout Mercer County were flooded, including East Water Street, Bondville Road, Bruner’s Chapel, Old Dixville Road, Handy Pike, Dry Branch and Perryville Road/U.S. 68. On Monday, the Burgin School FRYSC Facebook account asked the public for a rental for a family of six who needed accommodations for a month or possibly longer depending on the damage to their home.
Across the commonwealth, Gov. Beshear said first responders from the Kentucky National Guard, the Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Emergency Management—alongside partners from the Indiana and Tennessee National Guards—had worked together on more than 800 response missions.
In Martin County, Beshear said the KSP sent out helicopters, and in a combined effort with the Kentucky and Indiana National Guards, successfully airlifted 296 Kentuckians who had been stranded due to the high water.
The second round of severe weather started Tuesday night, with the National Weather Service issuing a winter storm warning for Harrodsburg and other communities, with predicted accumulations of three to six inches of snow, followed by low temperatures Thursday through Friday.
The governor said all snowplow and salt truck crews are ready to keep state highways passable. The incoming extreme cold will make it difficult for crews to clear roads as salt and other anti-icing materials become less effective. Flooded roads will also impact snowplow routes.
Gov. Beshear launched the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. If you would like to mail in a donation, make your check to Kentucky State Treasurer. In the memo line please note the donation is for the “Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund.” Send check to Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero Street, 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601.
As of Tuesday morning, the fund had raised over $50,000, which will help pay for each victim’s funeral.
Donations can also be made online.
Safety Tips
• Watch your step. Floodwaters often hide sharp and dangerous debris, like broken glass and metal. Floodwater can also be contaminated with oil, gasoline or sewage.
• Wear the appropriate protective clothing and gear such as boots, gloves and safety glasses when moving debris.
• Stay away from electrical utility equipment after a storm, or if it is wet, to prevent being electrocuted. Report any utility issues to your local utility company.
• Flooded homes are hazards. Get a professional to check for loose wires, mold and hidden damage before re-entering.
• Use generators or other gas-powered machinery only outdoors and away from windows.
• Never drive into a road covered with flowing water. One foot of flowing water can sweep a car off the road; two feet will carry away an SUV or pickup. Even six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Never walk or drive through swift water. Turn around, don’t drown.
• Respect barricades and posted signage. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around. You’re not only putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of first responders.
• If you encounter a dark traffic signal, treat it as a four-way stop.
Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.
For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.
