Last week's flood came hard and fast. Even though the signs were there, few people anticipated the devastation it would wreak. For many it will continue for a long time because the water rose so fast sump pumps couldn't possibly keep up. Some homes will be able to be salvaged, others will not.
In times like these, we are fortunate to have so many volunteers to help those in need, filling or delivering sandbags, even helping people sandbag their homes, and to those people we say "thank you." We are residents of Sunset Drive, one of many areas that flooded hard. Our home was spared, others weren't that lucky.
The waters were deep across the road, and barricades were put up saying "road closed." For some reason, people think these signs don't pertain to them. To those people who say "Why is there an opening for people to get through?," the opening was for the volunteers who so graciously gave up their time to help, and for the residents to be able to get to either end of the street to bag our own sandbags when none were available, or to get to a store to purchase boots and sump pumps which were so badly needed.
The past administration (mayor, street and police department) worked together to make things happen. Unfortunately, that didn't happen this time. After numerous calls to the police department, asking for assistance in keeping sightseers, picture-takers or just plain people who wanted to take a short cut out of our flood waters, we got no help. It was left to the residents.
To all the people who went around the barricades, drove over the barricades or drove through our lawns to get around, I say to you: You are either ignorant or stupid, probably both. You have total disregard for others' property and your own safety.
When you drove through our flood waters, you only made it worse for the homeowners. Apparently, you don't realize that you are making waves that go over the sandbags already placed around homes. One home had four or more pumps going 24/7 to keep the water out, and you only made it worse.
For you with those "monster trucks" who like to see how high you can throw the water, shame on you. And for those men (and I use the term loosely) who had their wife or son get out of the vehicle to move sandbags for you, you are a real piece of work. Next time get your own lazy ass out and offer to help these flood victims. Otherwise, take another route.
