DE residents staying put in wake of approaching storm
Oak Orchard is a small town and most homes are situated right on the water. But residents of the area may get hit with a storm, that could severely flood them.
47 ABC spoke with a local resident and he says, “You can only hope and wish that nothing bad happens. We’re getting ready to see what happens that’s all you can do.”
Michael Leaman has lived and worked in the town for twelve years. He was here for Super Storm Sandy and knows to keep an eye on the water level.
Leaman tells 47 ABC, “When the water comes up as high as you can see it is now with the storm approaching God knows how high it’s going to get.”
Residents we spoke with, don’t intend to go anywhere. Instead, they’re hunkering down, making sure they’re stocked up on food and water and parking their cars on higher ground or in garages. Leaman also works at Serendipity restaurant where they plan to move all the furniture off the deck and tying down anything unsecured. And he’s expecting to see River Road live up to its name.
Leaman tells 47 ABC, “Sometimes you can be walking in knee high water all along the road that’s why it’s called river road because when it floods it’s a river.”
When it’s a river, residents treat it that way, even in terms of transportation.
Leaman tells 47 ABC, “I’ve been here where there’s storms where people are canoeing down the street. That’s how people get around when it floods down here.”
But no matter how bad it gets Leaman says, “I’m staying, I’m staying.”
When dealing with flooding situations, The National Weather service recommends a few tips to help keep you and your family safe. Always assemble an emergency kit to ensure you have food water and medicine to last you at least three days. Prepare your home as well as your family and pets. Also, ensure that your phone is fully charged in case of loss of power. You should also pack a bag with some belongings just in case you are forced to evacuate. For more information you may visit, http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/before.shtml
