Findlay, Ohio – With rain expected to settle in over the next several days, city officials in Findlay are urging residents to remain vigilant as the area braces for potential flooding. This call for preparedness comes after years of major flood mitigation work aimed at reducing the impact of floodwaters on homes and businesses.
Rob Martin, the Service Safety Director for Findlay, emphasized the importance of staying alert and following weather forecasts. “Just be alert, be aware, and anticipate what the weather forecast has been providing us,” Martin advised. He encouraged residents to pay close attention to weather alerts and prepare for possible severe conditions.
One of the key preparations being recommended by city officials is ensuring that sump pumps are in working order and that electronic devices are fully charged in case of power outages. “We want people to be prepared for a couple of days of unpredictable weather,” Martin said.
The city of Findlay has been no stranger to flooding, particularly in the wake of the catastrophic flooding from the Blanchard River in August 2007, which caused an estimated $100 million in damages. Since then, the city has committed to flood mitigation efforts, with noticeable progress made in recent years.
In particular, the city has focused on addressing the flow of water along riverbanks. A key component of these efforts has been the implementation of benching, a method that creates areas for water to be absorbed and diverted away from residential zones. “The benching actually creates the ability for these water levels to be absorbed in this area, and as it subsides, it can come back down,” Martin explained. “It’s creating a path of least resistance for water, so it’s not going into residential areas.”
Phase one of the benching project was completed successfully, and phase two will focus on the area near the river bridge on South and North Main Street in downtown Findlay. Early results from these efforts have already shown positive outcomes, with fewer instances of stormwater flooding basements and yards. Business owners in the area have also reported fewer disruptions to their operations.
However, despite the progress made in flood mitigation, city leaders continue to stress the importance of caution. Martin warned residents about the dangers of flooded roadways, urging them to avoid driving through water. “If you see water on a roadway, turn around. You don’t know how deep it is, you don’t know the current, and you don’t know if there’s debris or other hazards that could harm you,” he advised.
With the ongoing efforts and the support of local, state, and federal funding, Findlay officials are optimistic that the city is better equipped to handle future flooding. But as the weather continues to change, the message to residents is clear: stay prepared, stay safe, and be alert.