Break-up; 5-7-10

We can expect the ice to move any day now, with break-up to follow. That means it's time to get prepared. Be ready!

While the threat of flooding is relatively low this year (thin ice and not much snow) we should still be ready. Anything can happen. Here are some things you can do now, just in case. Be ready!

-Be ready to haul / store water. If the wellhead goes under, the water supply will be threatened. Find your buckets, water jugs, barrels or water ever you use to haul water and keep them handy. Be ready!

-Be ready with a honey bucket / outhouse. If the water goes out, flushing the pot will go with it. Some toilets will work using the "bucket flush" method, some won't. Are you prepared to deal with human waste? Be ready!

-Be ready and store some gas. The fuel depot is easily flooded. If that happens it could also suffer damage that would shut it down. Don't get caught without an adequate supply of fuel for the truck, 4-wheeler and boat. Get the gas now and store it in an approved container in a safe place (not in the house or on your porch). Be ready!

-Be ready with an adequate supply of food. Even a moderate flood will put the bridge under water, cutting off access to the airstrip. Local stores can run low on supplies quickly, so now is the time to make sure you are prepared. Be ready!

-Be ready around the house / smokehouse. If you live downtown, be prepared for high water. Pick up around the house, move stuff to high ground, etc. Even if you live back town, you may need to move things around the summer house or smokehouse. Check it out now. Be ready!

-Be ready to stay informed. Do you have a radio to listen to KIYU? A vhf? Do you know where you can get accurate information? During any emergency, rumors and stories spread quickly; some true, some not. Know where to go for updates and other info. Be ready!

-Be ready to help others. People living in low lying areas along the river may need help if the water gets high. If they do, they will need help quickly, so be prepared. Be ready!

Hopefully it will be an easy break-up, but you never know. Be ready!