Local Emergency Communications Network Helps Prevent Flood Casualties in New Mexico

Cameron Creek in Santa Clara, New Mexico (Photo: Courtesy of Silver City Daily Press)

(August 24, 2006) - Earlier this month, the Meteorologist-in-Charge (MIC) and Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM) at the National Weather Service's (NWS) El Paso Weather Forecast Office received a short, succinct e-mail from Silver City, N.M. Councilman Tom Nupp. It read, "Because someone from the NWS called someone at Central Dispatch, we were ready and waiting for this one when it hit. Thanks for your Help."

Nupp was referring to an August 10th call from Lead Forecaster Joe Rogash to Grant County Central Dispatch, warning that a three to four foot wall of flood water, carrying logs, rocks and other debris -- was coursing down Cameron Creek toward the communities of Santa Clara, Silver City and Bayard. Thanks to quick action by the various county and city emergency responders, there were no injuries or deaths as a result of the flash flood - although a number of homes and businesses had to be evacuated. Sheriff's deputies and city police were also dispatched in time to keep the curious a safe distance from the raging stream flow.

As it turns out, the early warning and quick response was no accident. In light of this year's active monsoon season and the fact that the terrain in that western New Mexico region was quite vulnerable to flash flooding, a special meeting was held to find the best way to enhance emergency communications. MIC Bill Alexander and WCM John Fausett met with municipal and county emergency managers, law enforcement officers, fire department officials, emergency communications personnel and local volunteer organizations.

The result was the development of a telephone fan out system, wherein the NWS would follow up its warnings with a call to Central Dispatch which would, in turn, call amateur radio operators in the SKYWARN program, local emergency management and law enforcement agencies.

Alexander noted the highly successful communications in this event were a direct result of teamwork and mutual respect. He says the trick is to pay close attention to the specific needs and challenges each community faces. "Establishing effective emergency communications requires a thorough understanding of the political and professional structure of the communities at risk. National Weather Service personnel must listen carefully to those in leadership positions to determine the hierarchy of the community as well as its level of expertise."