Mayor's Message - April 14, 2020===============================================A common phrase in emergency management circles is “prepare for the worst, expect the best”. Following the rain this weekend, I find it important to discuss how the COVID-19 emergency will affect the Borough’s response to any flooding which may occur during the state of emergency.
Although there is no expected flooding at this time, it is imperative that if you reside in a flood-prone area that you make a plan NOW as to how you will protect yourself and your family in the event of a flood. I have discussed this issue in great detail with our Health Department, Police Chief, Fire Chief and other OEM personnel. We have decided to take the following precautions in the event of expected flooding with the ongoing COVID-19 emergency. These precautions are necessary for your protection and to ensure the safety of our first responders so that they are best able to serve you in the future. Your assistance in adhering to these safeguards is tremendously important, so please make a plan today!- If there is anticipated flooding there will be a mandatory SELF evacuation order given to all residents in flood-prone areas in advance of the flooding.
- Assistance will be available for emergency cases PRIOR to any flooding.
- Once flood waters rise, there will be no water rescues performed by our first responders. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) necessary for water rescue is not sufficient to protect our first responders from exposure to the virus and the PPE necessary for virus protection cannot be used in water rescues.
- There will be NO shelter opened in the event of a flood event. Please make arrangements for sheltering yourself and your family beforehand if there is flooding expected.
If a mandatory evacuation order is given, please take it seriously and act on it immediately. I have never made this order during previous floods; however, I will do so if necessary, to protect everyone involved.
I would ask that everyone who is in a flood-prone area, even if it is in an area that experiences flooding only during the worst storms make a plan now to be able to follow these recommendations. If you are new to town and not sure if your home has been affected by flooding, please check with your neighbors first to find out if you need to take these precautions. If you are still unsure if you reside in an area that has flooding issues, you can contact borough hall and we will do our best to assist you.
Once again, there is no flooding expected at this time, but now is the time to make plans!
With regards to the virus update, we had only 2 additional cases reported yesterday. With the cases over the weekend our total cases now number 157 with a large percentage being from long term care centers. We have 47 recovered cases to date, most of which are from the general population.
Please continue to follow the following public health recommendations - Wear a cloth face covering if out in public.
- Practice social distancing (keep a 6 feet space between you and others)
- Follow good respiratory hygiene recommendations.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid sick people.
- Review and follow CDC travel advisories when planning travel. If you become ill after returning home to the United States, call your healthcare provider before going to a doctor’s office or to the emergency department of a hospital. Wear a face-covering/mask upon entering the building to protect other people.
Thank you for your assistance in paying attention to these recommendations and precautions. Your safety and the safety of the entire community is counting on it!
Mayor David Runfeldt |
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