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Kent Co: "Use Good Sense" Regarding Flooding

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Kent County

Today, the Kent County Sheriff’s Marine Division had to assist Plainfield Township in rescuing a resident due to rising floodwaters.  The resident was rescued safely.  More than 100 residents have evacuated their homes in Kent County this week.  And now, the Kent County Emergency Management staff are encouraging residents to use good sense when dealing with flooding and not to wait until it’s too late to leave.

“Don’t wait until it’s too late. Don’t wait until you’re in a position where you’re in danger of injury or death. Make sure you’re getting out of your house, when you know that the floodwaters are coming towards it.”

That’s the warning today from Kent County Officials after a resident had to be rescued this morning in Plainfield Township.  Here’s Lisa LaPlante. Kent County Community Liaison and Communications Director.

“This a dangerous situation. There’s a lot of debris in the water. We have to protect our residents and our first responders.”

LaPlante says whenever you feel that you might be in danger. Don’t wait. She says you can also call 9-1-1.  LaPlante also advises to have your evacuation plan at the ready… along with an emergency preparedness kit.

“You want to make sure you have some sort of plan. Make sure your family knows your whereabouts. Make sure you’re contacting them before you evacuate. Or immediately after evacuation.”

“If you are able to stay in your home, make sure you a working flashlight, phone and weather radio. Make sure you have canned goods, water. Make sure you have first aid supplies readily available and make sure you have cash available.”

La Plante says there are many resources to help you prepare, like ready.gov.  Plus, Kent County Residents can get updates about flooding along with information and fact sheets at accesskent.com/news/flood.

Jennifer is an award winning broadcast news journalist with more than two decades of professional television news experience including the nation's fifth largest news market. She's worked as both news reporter and news anchor for television and radio in markets from Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo all the way to San Francisco, California.