Timely Topics
According to the United States Drought Monitor, Rockbridge is in its fourth month of severe drought with one-third of the county designated as being in extreme drought for the third consecutive week with no significant change to our status in the 10-day forecast at this writing. So, why have a column with this title?
One reason is to get you to read this column, but the other, more important reason is that swings in the weather from one extreme to the other are common. And there is evidence to suggest frequency and intensity of these weather changes is increasing.
Now is a good time to check the homestead and important equipment to ensure essentials are ready when the weather changes and in case that change is extreme or violent. Now may be a good time to work with a certified arborist to inspect trees on your property and schedule some judicious pruning for trees in close proximity to the home or utility lines. Ensuring chainsaws are in good working order, one or more chains are sharp, and you have fuel, chain oil, and safety equipment on hand is also a good step to take in case you need that equipment suddenly.
For folks who live in proximity to streams, now is a good time for contingency planning. Rockbridge County’s Geographical Information System (GIS) is an excellent resource for seeing designated areas prone to flooding. However, extreme storm events experienced in Virginia and surrounding states in the past three years remind us how areas never known to flood can. The gentle brook never known to have left its banks can. And the basement or lower level of a home that has always stayed dry may get wet.
Making a vague prediction of disaster is easy to do. The prophet can always be proven right, eventually and to some extent. But my purpose here is not to offer a vague prophesy. Rather my point is to “make hay while the sun shines,” pun intended. See the Virginia Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) website (https://ext.vt.edu/ family/vceden.html) for information and helpful links that guide families and homeowners on how to make reasonable and prudent preparations before the storm event ever happens. ...
