Stay informed about possible flooding

With waters rising locally, area residents have several ways to obtain information regarding a possible flooding event.

According to Jefferson County Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator Doug Dodge, the information can be obtained through the County's Facebook pages (search for Jefferson County, Montana), or by listening to the County's low-power FM radio stations: In Montana City at 105.9 FM; in Clancy/Jefferson City at 100.3 FM; in Boulder at 105.9 FM; in Basin at 98.3 FM; in Elk Park at 103.7 FM; in Cardwell at 106.1 FM; and in Whitehall at 106.5 FM. Residents can also register their cell phones for emergency notifications on the County's website at http://www.jeffersoncounty-mt.gov. The County's reverse notification system will only reach cell phones registered in the system.

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Great Falls reported the Whitehall area under a "Flood Advisory" and that flooding impacts continues to affect portions of Broadwater, Jefferson, Meagher, Gallatin, and Lewis and Clark Counties. The weather service is asking residents to protect their property from flooding and additional locations could be affected with additional snowmelt.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department reported Friday, May 11 that Dunn Lane off Highway 69 between Boulder and Whitehall was closed due to water over the road. The department also advised that due to rain and snowmelt that residents should obey any traffic control measures and to not drive through any flooded roads.

Local landowner Tim Mulligan reported Monday high levels of water at his property in Cardwell, but it was still two to three feet below the level when significant flooding happened in 2011.

Dodge said the county has been preparing for the eventuality of flooding in 2018, but whatever preparations local government takes will never be enough if the citizens of Jefferson County don't share the responsibility and prepare themselves.

"Preparation measures include buying sandbags from hardware stores, big box stores, or online. Have sand available, or know where and how you will get it. Buy flood insurance, but remember that it usually doesn't take effect for thirty days after purchase, so if you buy it while experiencing a flood, it is probably too late. As with all preparation, have an evacuation plan and 72-hour kit available in case evacuation is necessary, or in case floodwaters restrict the ability to purchase food, water, and medicine. Finally, include relatives or friends in preparations who need extra assistance, including the elderly or those with access or functional need," he said.

Information regarding a flooding event, or any major incident in Jefferson County, Residents should For questions regarding preparation for flooding or any other hazard, call Jefferson County's Office of Disaster and Emergency Services at 406-225-4035.