Delaware County Emergency Operations Center Preparing For Potentially Dangerous Flooding As Remnants Of Ida Roll In
DELAWARE COUNTY, Del. (CBS) -- Delaware County is bracing for potentially dangerous flooding as the remnants of Ida rolls through the region. Officials in Delaware County are in watch mode.
It's an area prone to flooding. Although they can't prevent it, county officials say they are prepared to deal with it.
The Delaware County Emergency Operations Center at the county's 911 center has been activated. There are around three people manning the system and as the day goes by staffing will be ramped up as needed.
For now, the EOC watch officer will send any requests to the state. The dispatcher takes calls and there's a backup person, who is also answering calls as they come in.
"She'll document the call, indicate what they need, send it over to him and he'll send it up to PEMA," said Ed Beebe, deputy director of emergency communications.
Dispatch communicates with police, first responders and emergency management officials.
"Brandywine Route 1 floods very quickly. Chester Creek has some really low-lying areas there and Darby Creek, all of them are susceptible to flooding and could see tidal impacts," Delaware County Director of Emergency Services Timothy Boyce said.
Right next to Darby Creek, a tire shop moved inventory out of harm's way should they flood yet again.
Neighbors are also clearing basement floors and bringing precious items to higher ground after being displaced by a flood last year.
"We were out of the house for like a month so for precautionary reasons, we started bringing stuff up last night." Darby resident Shannon Stewart said.
Police and fire units are on alert. In anticipation of evacuations, the county's Office of Emergency Services is setting up a shelter at the Darby Recreation Center, where the Red Cross will be helping displaced families.
"They dropped off the trailer earlier. We actually have a bin with blankets and so forth that stays here. If the trailer isn't here yet we can utilize that," Darby Borough Manager Mark Possenti said.
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