With Spring rains coming on a regular basis, the city of Sioux Falls is trying to stay ahead of any flood threats. Thursday, they took some preventative measures to make sure crews are ready for a sudden downpour.
Driving by Dunham Park Thursday, you may get nervous when you see a big flood wall going up. The city says it's nothing to worry about.
"There is no flood threat to the city at this time. We're just doing this as a training," said Regan Smith, Emergency Manager.
Thursday, city crews were practicing putting up a temporary flood wall at Dunham Park. Though there is no threat at the moment, the city says this can be a problem area during heavy rains.
"It's in an area where we can't put a levee system because we need to allow access for pedestrians and vehicles to pass through," said Andy Berg, Environmental/Stormwater Manager.
It's not only Dunham Park getting preventative attention. Areas along both the Big Sioux River, and Skunk Creek. That's one body of water that causes extra stress.
The Big Sioux is typically flooded by snow melt further upstream, which gives the city days to prepare. Skunk Creek can flood after a strong storm.
"Those events give us about 6 hours lead time for getting flood control measures in place. This closure structure is the only thing that is not in place already," said Berg.
"Once we get here, until completely installed, it takes about 25 minutes to set this gate up," said Street Fleet Manager, Galynn Huber.
City officials say having these emergency preparedness drills are crucial for citizens' safety.
"Hopefully prevent. Not hopefully, we will prevent and mitigate property damage and then threats to lives," said Smith.
The city has not needed to use the temporary flood gates during an emergency yet. However, they say this same equipment has been used successfully in other areas, like Iowa City.
"There is no flood threat to the city at this time. We're just doing this as a training," said Regan Smith, Emergency Manager.
Thursday, city crews were practicing putting up a temporary flood wall at Dunham Park. Though there is no threat at the moment, the city says this can be a problem area during heavy rains.
"It's in an area where we can't put a levee system because we need to allow access for pedestrians and vehicles to pass through," said Andy Berg, Environmental/Stormwater Manager.
It's not only Dunham Park getting preventative attention. Areas along both the Big Sioux River, and Skunk Creek. That's one body of water that causes extra stress.
The Big Sioux is typically flooded by snow melt further upstream, which gives the city days to prepare. Skunk Creek can flood after a strong storm.
"Those events give us about 6 hours lead time for getting flood control measures in place. This closure structure is the only thing that is not in place already," said Berg.
"Once we get here, until completely installed, it takes about 25 minutes to set this gate up," said Street Fleet Manager, Galynn Huber.
City officials say having these emergency preparedness drills are crucial for citizens' safety.
"Hopefully prevent. Not hopefully, we will prevent and mitigate property damage and then threats to lives," said Smith.
The city has not needed to use the temporary flood gates during an emergency yet. However, they say this same equipment has been used successfully in other areas, like Iowa City.