With the Mississippi River at record levels and all of the actions taken to try to control the flooding, everyone has the dangers of a flood on the mind. In Memphis, TN the river crested at almost 48 feet, which is 16 feet above flood level and close to the record 48.7 feet from 1937. The latest action taken, the opening of the Morganza spillway a major floodgate which hasn’t been opened in four decades, has caused a mass evacuation and could affect up to a 3,000 square mile area and up to 25,000 people. While many are being affected, this option was the lesser of two evils and protects the more populated cities of Baton Rouge and New Orleans along with the many oil refineries and chemical plants along the lower reaches of the Mississippi.
While many of those being affected are warned yearly that they are in a danger zone, most never believe something like this could happen to them. However, there are several ways that people can be prepared for a flood to best minimize the damage physically, finicially, and mentally. Continue reading to learn about the many ways to be ready in case something like this were to happen to you!