NH residents should have a plan for flooding

CONCORD — The statewide group NH Healthy Climate is reminding New Hampshire residents the state is susceptible to flooding. 

This past May was the third wettest May since 1868 in Concord, with rainfall totaling 8.73 inches; Manchester recorded 10.27 inches for the same period. It was 20 years ago when Acton and Alstead experienced devastating floods. Over 100 buildings and homes sustained some level of damage, with 36 completely destroyed, along with substantive road damage and a 400-foot section of Route 123 was washed away. 

“Precipitation has increased annually and in all seasons (and) the Northeast is expected to see more precipitation under all global warming scenarios,” with a roughly 60% increase in the number of days with extreme precipitation, as reported in the Fifth National Climate Assessment.

NH Healthy Climate suggests several actions families can take so parents and children are prepared for a flooding event. Suggested actions include:  

• Prepare an evacuation plan, identifying multiple evacuation routes and then practice them with family members. 

• Know how to turn off utilities before evacuating.  

• Gather essential items like water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, first-aid kit, needed medications, battery-powered radio and flashlights. Also include rubber boots, gloves and insect repellent.

• Keep important family documents and papers in a waterproof container and/or create digital copies. 

• Move valuables to a higher elevation in the home and bring outdoor items inside. 

• Clear gutters and drains of debris to prevent blockage. 

• Follow instructions from emergency officials.

FEMA funding has been reduced and there are fewer FEMA staff to respond during a disaster as reported by the NRDC. The New York Times reported that two-thirds of the calls to the FEMA disaster assistance line two days after the flood in central Texas remained unanswered. 

For more information, visit NHHealthyClimate.org.