Water Emergencies

Earthquakes, storms, power outages, failure of pumps or water lines can cause unannounced interruption of water service.

Liberty utilizes an Emergency Response and Recovery Plan that provides an organized response to an event and a plan to maintain quality service to our customers. This plan is exercised regularly. In addition, we will utilize its Crisis Communication Plan to inform affected individuals of the impacts from those events and will coordinate with outside agencies to ensure that it has adequate resources for an emergency situation.

• What can I do to prepare?
  • Maintain emergency drinking water supplies.
  • Install/maintain a water service shut off valve.
  • Maintain emergency contact phone numbers.
  • Contact local emergency services for further recommendation.

• What about water during a major event?
  • Reduce water usage to a minimum during any emergency event. All outside water usage should be stopped.
  • Fill available containers and bath tubs with water.
  • If water service is interrupted, contact us or listen to local emergency information radio stations for information. Phone lines may be overloaded or down.
  • If you must leave your property, and have a shut off valve, you may want to turn it off to reduce the likelihood of damage from broken water lines.

• What if I run out of water during an event?
  • The Red Cross suggests a temporary emergency source can come from your water heater.
  • If water is expected to be out for an extended length of time throughout the area, local emergency services along with Liberty may set up water distribution locations.

For additional information on disaster preparedness visit www.fema.gov. 

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. While flooding can cause significant property damage, flash floods form quickly and can become very dangerous and even life-threatening. A flash flood is the rapid flooding of low-lying areas such as washes, rivers and streams.

Flash floods can occur when there is heavy rain upstream or large amounts of meltwater from snow and ice in high regions. It is important to have a basic knowledge of flash flooding.

• Find out the risk of a flash flood in your area, including increased seasonal risks.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, washes, and other areas where water passes. Flash floods can develop even when there are no visible clouds in the sky.
• Do not walk through moving water if possible. If you must, walk at an angle to the stream flow. Do not walk directly with the flow, or directly perpendicular to it. Move to the side as soon as you can.
• Do not drive into flooded areas, even if you think the water looks shallow. Depths can be tricky to judge and swift moving water can lift a car, truck, or SUV and carry it away with even if it is only a few feet deep.
• If you find yourself stuck in floodwaters and can do it safely, abandon your vehicle and move to higher ground.
• Be aware that some states have a penalty fee for having to be rescued from a flash flood in areas marked with flood warning signs.

Be smart and stay aware of the times of the year most likely to produce flash flooding. For more information on flash floods and other safety hazards check with your local county.