Readers will recall the floods in Colorado last month (which aren’t over yet). Now a very interesting article at SurvivalBlog provides a series of ‘lessons learned’ posts from a reader who was caught up in them. Here’s an excerpt.
After several days of unusual rains, the situation was described as a 500 year flood event. On Sept 11 I was having barbeque with a friend, and it started raining. No big deal. On Sept 12, I could not get to work, because of road flooding, the power was out, and I was prepared with radio, walkie talkies, electricity and food. I thought we’d down for a couple days, or maybe a week. On Friday, Sept 13, it became clear that we were cut off from the larger world, and that something extraordinary was occurring. I was well prepared for the wildfires that come here, but not a flood. I always thought that the road system would exist – and that was the biggest gap in my planning!
. . .
Even if the main road is open after weeks or months, my house in town on a minor dirt road was across a bridge. Bridges belong to the town, as does the water system. Rebuilding Jamestown may occur at the earliest [in] a year, or not at all, depending on FEMA. Given the damage in Lyons, Longmont and Boulder … well, Jamestown, with 300 people doesn’t take priority … Getting things out must be done on foot, over a makeshift bridge and ford with backpacks – even a wheelbarrow or wagon isn’t possible, and I’m hiring some younger friends that meet the inflexible Sheriff’s requirement of having a Jamestown drivers license. I am concerned about squatters and looters, but the area’s secure for a week or so.
There is no vehicle access to the town. Jamestown may not be rebuilt – we’ve all heard of a ghost town.
Some great learning opportunities! Did I mention that FEMA forms are full of questions that you need legal papers to answer? Did I mention that Hospice Thrift Shop is the best in Boulder? Did I mention that learning to live without my own car is a challenge?
There’s much more at the link. Very interesting reading, and highly recommended.
Peter