Story Published:
Aug 18, 2010 at 10:16 PM CST
Story Updated:
Aug 19, 2010 at 1:12 AM CST
Urgent Message from Brandon Smith--Putnam County EMS spokesperson.
Putnam County, including the cities of Cookeville and Baxter, has sustained areas of heavy flash flooding throughout Wednesday August 18th. As many as 16 resquests for water rescue services have been answered by emergency officials in Putnam County. Water measurements reached 8.5” before Noon this morning.
As the nighttime hours progress, Putnam County and surrounding areas remains under a Flash Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service. It is expected that this area could see as much as 4-7 more inches of rainfall in a short amount of time, mostly expected before midnight as the remnants of Tropical Depression (TD-5) moves through the area.
With the significant amounts of rainfall moving through after dark this evening, as significant threat to life exists. Citizens are encouraged to prepare to stay clear of areas known to flash flood, and if at all possible stay in their homes. If homes are known to flood, then a plan should be in place to stay at areas of higher ground until this system moves through.
Many times in flash flooding, rescues can be prevented by not driving across standing water. Motorists are warned to “turn around, don’t drown.” Children are discouraged from playing in flood waters due to the potential for fast moving currents that easily overpower human strength, especially that of children.
With any significant weather event, the potential exists for utility services to be disrupted. Water sources should be checked for clarity. If water is discolored or has an odor, do not consume it. In the event electrical power is disrupted, turn off all electrical appliances which could be a fire or electrical shock hazard once power is restored. In some instances, occupants will be cooking when the power is lost and forget to turn cooking equipment off prior to power being restored.
If you have an emergency please notify the 911 center immediately. If your call is not an immediate threat to life, please use non-emergency phone numbers for the department you wish to contact. Calls for power outages and utility disruption does not justify the use of the 911 system.
As this event progresses, you will be notified by public safety address systems such as radio and cable television of any action to take. Please stay tuned to local media outlets and continue to closely monitor elderly persons or those who are handicap.
Putnam County Emergency Services
Phone: (931) 528-7575
Mobile: (931) 644-3942
(please understand if your call is not answered immediately that we will work to return it as soon as is reasonably possible through the course of the evening.)
Note: Putnam County Rescue of woman in vehicle may be on Good Morning America Thursday AM.
