Flood Awareness Week in Smith County to educate residents

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) – The Smith County Commissioners Court declared the third week of May to be Flood Awareness Week to focus on educating residents on flooding preparedness.

Flood Awareness Week began on Monday and will go through Friday in the county. Experts said people need to aware and mindful of the flooding.

“If you see water on the road do not drive into it, it may look like it is only six inches, but it could be a couple of feet and things could go south pretty quick,” Andrea Broughton, a project engineer with the Smith County Road and Bridge Department, said.

The road and bridge department said that education is key when preparing for an emergency.

The recent flooding in Polk and Trinity Counties illustrates the need to have a first aid and essential kit ready to go.

“‘What do I need in my own home,’ and just be aware that there could be preparedness from a flooding in your home or the road in front of you, or just to make sure that your family gets home before flooding does occur,” Broughton said.

Broughton said families can also be prepared by being aware of the roads around where they live that typically flood and said their department follows procedures when it comes to potential high water.

“We prepare our guys to have enough equipment, barricades, and kind of stage different trucks around the county if we need to,” Broughton said.

Reminding drivers to never trust the depth of water while driving through flooded areas.

“Just turn around there’s always another option. If you are blocked and you can’t get to your house or you can’t get out, definitely give us a call and we can address that,” Broughton said.

Raising awareness, so residents can keep their families safe through any weather.

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