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Auburn Levee Patrols Now Underway on Green River, King County Issues Flood Alert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2010

AUBURN, Wash. – December 13, 2010 – The City of Auburn has activated the Emergency Operations Center to Level I (monitoring) to monitor flows on the Green River. The Green River is currently at Flood Phase III. Phase III means that minor flooding may be experienced in lowlands upstream from Auburn. At this time, there is no threat of flooding on the Green River or a threat of the river overtopping. The activation and monitoring is precautionary only and river levels are not expected to reach flood levels inside the City limits of Auburn.

By policy, Auburn’s Levee Patrols will begin this morning to assess levee status and Green River flows throughout the day. The Army Corps of Engineers estimates that peak flows from the Howard Hanson Dam should be reached around 5 p.m. and levels will begins to subside.

City officials are encouraging all citizens to be aware of the following flood safety tips, courtesy of the Red Cross:

  • Eighty percent of those people who die as a result of flooding are in vehicles. If you come upon a barricade, turn around and go another way. If you come upon flood waters, do NOT drive through them; the road could be washed out underneath.
  • If you come upon flood waters or a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, STOP, turn around, and go another way. Never try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. Many people are swept away, resulting in injury or death.
  • Never play around high water, creek and stream banks, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts in flooded and recently flooded areas. The soaked banks often become unstable due to heavy rainfall. Flood waters may still be rising and it is very easy to be swept away. Stay away.
  • Be aware of flood hazards. Floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels. Flood-producing rains can also trigger catastrophic debris slides.
  • Regardless of how a flood or flash flood occurs, the rule for being safe is simple: Head for higher ground and stay away from flood waters. The most dangerous thing you can do is to try walking, swimming, or driving through flood waters.

For more information, contact the City of Auburn Emergency Management Office at 253-876-1925. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

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