Press Release
Department of Safety
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
For Immediate Release: Monday, March 29, 2010
Contact: Jim Van Dongen, 603-223-3641
CONCORD, N.H. – N.H. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Christopher M. Pope urges New Hampshire residents to take appropriate precautions against flooding.
A weather system is bringing potentially heavy rain up the Atlantic coast that could result in flooding, particularly in those areas near rivers and streams that have flooded in recent storms. All rivers, streams and lakes in the state remain at high levels from previous heavy rain. Urban street flooding is also likely. The potential for flooding exists in all 10 counties before the precipitation ends midweek, but the greatest risk is in the southern half of the state.
In addition, the saturated ground has increased the chance of land or rockslides in unstable areas.
Pope said New Hampshire residents should monitor weather watches and warnings, as well as local conditions.
He also made the following recommendations:
- Monitor local conditions, particularly in areas that have flooded before.
- Heed evacuation requests from local public safety officials.
- Do not drive through flood waters on roadways.
- Report power outages to your electric utility.
- Stay clear of downed power lines and assume they are live.
- Do not use outdoor cooking appliances indoors because of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never operate a generator indoors or inside of any enclosure.
- Check on the welfare of elderly or handicapped relatives or neighbors.
HSEM, other state agencies and local public safety personnel will continue to monitor weather and potential flooding.
