New Class Offered To Help Residents Understand, Prepare For Flash Floods In ‘Flash Flood Alley’

“This is an opportunity to find out more about why Hays County is known as ‘Flash Flood Alley’ and why keeping an eye on the sky is critical to all of us,” Hays County Office of Emergency Services Director Kharley Smith said.

San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Office of Emergency Services, in conjunction with the National Weather Service, is offering a new educational class for the general public to learn more about flash flooding.

The pilot course is entitled Flash Flooding: Know the Dangers and is geared toward residents who want to understand why flash floods are so common in Hays County and how to prepare for them. The NWS intends to present the class in other areas of the United States that are prone to flash floods.  The class will be held at the Kyle Fire Department, 210 West Moore Street, Kyle, from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 6.

“This is an opportunity to find out more about why Hays County is known as ‘Flash Flood Alley’ and why keeping an eye on the sky is critical to all of us,” Hays County Office of Emergency Services Director Kharley Smith said. “September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, so the timing is excellent for learning about your and your family’s safety.”

Smith also noted that residents who are interested in becoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members or who simply want to be more prepared in the event of an emergency should attend the CERT Academy on August 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., also at the Kyle Fire Department. Attendees at the CERT Academy classes learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher, do a line search for missing persons, basic first aid and build a shelter kit.

“We have a very active CERT organization – dedicated citizens who are invaluable to us during emergency situations,” Smith said. “Our local first responders are experienced and we appreciate their willingness to share their expertise with our residents.” More information about CERT is at www.hayscountycert.com.