Mahaska Emergency Managment prepares for worst
*EDITOR’S NOTE: THE OSKALOOSA WATER SUPPLY IS SAFE AND OPERATIONAL. THIS ARTICLE ONLY EXAMINES HOW MAHASKA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IS PREPARING SHOULD THERE BE A CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT.*
The Mahaska County CERT Team helps to unload bottled water on August 17, 2010
The Mahaska County Emergency Management is doing everything they can to prepare should there be an incident in which immediate help is needed. At approximately 3 pm today, crews began unloading pallets of water at the William Penn PAC Center for distribution if conditions would warrant it. In doing this, Mahaska County Emergency Management Director Jamey Robinson stressed that our water supply is safe. “This is totally precautionary. The Oskaloosa water supply, I cannot express it enough, is absolutely fine at this point.”
Officials also said that the river has crested earlier and slightly lower than expected. “We were expecting a re-crest, but according the national weather service, whom I’ve been in contact with all day, the second crest is not going to happen.” He also went on to explain that while the worst may be over for now, residents should still plan ahead. “I cannot stress the importance of planning. Start preparing for the next event.” Robinson suggested that residents buy water in advance to be prepared so as not to be stocking up on water in the middle of the event.
He also suggested that residents who take medications to keep a list of their medications. “If something happens to their home, we can get those medications from the pharmacy.” Robinson stressed again that our water supply is safe and operational. He also stressed that if residents have any concerns over our water supply, to please check the Mahaska County Emergency Management website for any information.
