Burn scars in areas previously scorched by wildfires will be at high or very high risk for flooding.
Source: Office of the Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Photo: Courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture (via Facebook)
Cover Photo Caption: Earlier this month, DHSEM teamed up with New Mexico Department of Agriculture , and the Colorado Department of Agriculture to host the first interstate Hazardous Materials and Livestock Response Workshop in Cortez, Colorado. This regional event brought together more than 45 emergency responders, agricultural partners, veterinarians, and industry representatives to strengthen planning and response to hazmat incidents impacting agriculture and rural communities.
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) has activated the State Emergency Operation Center to manage the statewide response in anticipation of flash flooding this week.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque is forecasting heavy rainfall and increasing flash flood risk across the state beginning Tuesday and lasting through Thursday. Burn scars in areas previously scorched by wildfires will be at high or very high risk for flooding.
State agencies are coordinating with DHSEM and positioning equipment and personnel across New Mexico. The New Mexico National Guard Swiftwater personnel are pre-positioned near Ruidoso and Las Vegas, supported by regional teams on standby in Doña Ana, Santa Fe, Sandoval and Valencia counties.
DHSEM has coordinated the delivery of 5,000 sandbags across four different counties and a mechanical sandbagger to Sandoval County. The State is prepared to deliver more to other local emergency managers, if requested. Residents in need of sandbags should check with municipal or county officials for pickup locations.
“Sudden, heavy rainfall can become dangerous – especially in burn scar areas – so we’re putting resources in place to respond to any flash flooding emergencies quickly and effectively,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, Adjutant General of the NM National Guard and interim Cabinet secretary of DHSEM.
DHSEM encourages residents to stay informed, pay attention to emergency alerts, and take steps to stay safe from flooding, including:
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
- If you are not told to evacuate, shelter in place. Get to the highest point of your home or the building you are in.
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
- Never drive around barricades.
- Listen to Emergency Alert System, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
- Avoid camping or other outdoor activities.
- Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
Find more information about flood safety on the DHSEM website.
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