SHOW LOW – As a thunderstorm rolled over northern Arizona, White Mountain residents received emergency alerts Friday night warning of impending flash floods, urging residents to stay in a safe place and avoid travel, even though most were completely unprepared for the barrage that occurred during the span of the weekend.
From Taylor to Show Low’s Bourdon Ranch Road, those in the crosshairs of the roaring waters were drifted with a sense of shock and awe. Some locals have estimated the flood has increased over 12 inches based on the tell-tale waterline on the walls. Floods laid fences, bent horse stables, inundated newly laid floors and washed away dollar amounts of belongings to be determined. And that’s just the articles. Now begins the costly process of clean-up, clean-up and repair, which also remains to be determined.
Fortunately, the sudden floods of water that tumbled down the parched clay mountain slopes, although several unfortunate business owners had no choice but to close for redevelopment and regrouping. Perfect Paws on the Deuce of Clubs and The House Restaurant on Hall St. in Show Low were two of those affected.
A dog groomer who was in Perfect Paws during the flash flood said, “It was unreal. The water just poured through the back of the shop and filled the shop. We didn’t know what to do so we just tried to save all the animals and we did. We also tried to save the goods, but we found that they were useless. “
Telephone calls to insurance companies gave home and business owners another shock and grief when they learned the bitter truth that due to the fact that the property is not in a floodplain, flood insurance is not required and not voluntary. Long story short, these people are in the cold as all damage and repairs are not covered by their insurance policies. Time will tell what, if anything, the emergency calls will do to help the flooded residents.
In an emergency meeting on July 23, the Navajo County Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency when heavy rain began to hit northern Arizona and the area hit Show Low the hardest. The city’s Show Low website states that city officials recorded 4.33 inches of rain by 2.49 inches in the first hour, beating a 100-year rush hour flood event. The 12 hour event outperformed the previous 250 year flood event. In support of the NCBS statement, Mayor John Leech Jr. declared a state of emergency for the city.
As always, citizens are encouraged to seek shelter and avoid travel during severe storms. All changes to this proclamation will be announced to the citizens immediately via showlowaz.gov.
City Show Low has partnered with Dirty Deeds to provide free disposal of flood debris for city residents hard hit by recent thunderstorms and floods. This free waste disposal will enable citizens to dispose of green waste, branches and tree trunks left by the recent flood.
Those interested should call Show Low City Hall at 928-532-4000. Callers must provide their name, phone number, and address. Only flood residues are accepted.
Dirty Deeds Green Waste is behind Perkins Cinders at 890 Cinder Pit Road on US 60.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that flooded residents avoid exposure to flooding due to possible contamination. Floods can contain increased amounts of raw sewage or other hazardous substances. Early symptoms of exposure to contaminated floodwater can include upset stomach, headaches, bowel problems, and other ailments. Anyone who has these and other problems should see a doctor right away.
Government agencies urge everyone who comes into contact with floods to follow these guidelines:
Avoid or limit direct contact with contaminated floods.
Wash your hands with soap frequently, especially before drinking and eating.
Do not allow children to play in flood or play with flood-contaminated toys.
Do not use the sewer system until the water in the soil intake field is lower than the water level around the house.
Report cuts or open wounds and report any symptoms of the disease. Keep vaccinations up to date.
Bring water to a boil for altitudes above 5280 feet for three minutes.
Do not turn on the pump as there is a risk of electric shock. Do not drink or wash with water from the flooded well until it has been tested safe to use.
Mold can cause serious health problems. The key to mold control is moisture control. Remove standing water after flooding and dry indoor areas. Remove and discard anything that has been wet for more than 24-48 hours.
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