Save the Date!

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Cedar County Emergency Management, in conjunction with the Silver Jackets, recently unveiled a set of six signs to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Historic Flood of 2008. The six large, full color signs were obtained through a grant from the Silver Jackets, and will mark six areas that were significantly impacted by the 2008 Flood. 

The Silver Jackets, a multi-agency team of federal, state, local and tribal agencies, are known for their collaborative plans and solutions to flood risk problems. As part of their efforts to increase efforts of flood awareness, the Silver Jackets initiated a grant program to provide historical signage to communities hard-hit by the Flood of 2008. Cedar County is the recipient of six signs which will commemorate flooding in the areas of Rochester, West Rochester, Cedar Bluff, and Cedar Valley. The signs feature a photo of the specific area during the flood, and the signs will be placed near or at the location where the original photo was taken. A visitor will easily be able to see the difference between the historical view and the current landscape.

“We have a duty to remember the Flood of 2008, and share the lessons learned with future generations,” remarked Cedar County Emergency Management Office Coordinator Jodi Freet. “With these historical signs, we can share the impact of the flood with those future generations, and provide context as to the magnitude of devastation. Being able to stand in one spot, and have the ability to ‘look into the past’ is sobering.”

Cedar County Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Malott agreed. “The positive effects of flood mitigation projects are clear in Cedar County. In 2008, Cedar County experienced several million dollars in damages, yet in 2016, the County’s flooding damage totaled only $3500. The projects of the last ten years have resulted in considerably less damage costs.” 

For more information on the Silver Jackets, visit http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Flood-Risk-Management/Silver-Jackets/. For more information on Cedar County Emergency Management, visit https://ema.cedar-county.org/ or ‘like’ their page ‘Cedar County Emergency Management Agency’ on Facebook. 

Images Courtesy MRB Photography